It may surprise many people to discover one of the most common reasons why British patients consult their GP is emotional rather than physical. Depression is thought to affect around one in seven adults during their lives to such an extent that they need some form of treatment – so it's no wonder the use of antidepressants is on the rise.

The good news is that the number of people opting for natural, or complementary, solutions for a range of emotional problems is also on the up.

Herbal, homeopathic and flower remedies, as well as aromatherapy and nutritional supplements, are all increasing in popularity for promoting positive emotional states.

But why are more and more people turning to complementary therapies for the treatment of psychological problems? According to mental health charity Mind, there are many explanations why people with emotional difficulties turn to herbal medicines (to name just one type of natural therapy). For instance they may feel conventional medicine has let them down, or they want to relieve the side effects caused by prescription medicines. Natural remedies are also non-addictive, while many drugs used for mood disorders are addiction forming.

But do they really work? Some herbal remedies have been found to be effective as an alternative to prescription drugs – St John's wort in the treatment of mild depression, for instance. But there is a lack of empirical clinical evidence to support using other therapies such as flower essences and homeopathy. Anecdotally, on the other hand, thousands of people swear by them.

Which remedy?

 If you don't know where to start, here's a general guide to the natural remedies that are available for treating a selection of common mild-to-moderate emotional problems:

 • Anxiety

 Bach flower remedies: Rescue Remedy, Larch, Sweet Chestnut

 Herbs: St. John’s wort, skullcap, lemon balm, valerian, hops, passionflower, chamomile

 Homeopathy: Aconite, Arsen alb, Argent nit, Lycopodium, Gelsemium

 Nutrition: B vitamins, magnesium, calcium, L-theanine

 • Fear

 Bach flower remedies: Aspen, Mimulus, Rock Rose

 Herbs: St. John’s wort, Oats

 Homeopathy: Aconite, Arsen alb, Silica, Pulsatilla

 • Grief

 Bach flower remedies: Rescue Remedy, Walnut, Chestnut Bud, Honeysuckle, Mustard (

 Herbs: St. John’s wort, vervain, damiana, Korean ginseng

 Homeopathy: Ignatia, Nat mur

 • Panic attacks

 Bach flower remedies: Rescue Remedy, Rock Rose, Star of Bethlehem, Aspen

 Herbs: Skullcap, vervain, lime blossom, lemon balm, valerian, passionflower, hops,

 Homeopathy: Aconite, Nux vom, Arsen alb

 Nutrition: B vitamins, magnesium, calcium

 • Stress

 Bach flower remedies: Walnut, Chestnut Bud, Rescue Remedy

 Herbs: Oats, Korean ginseng, Siberian ginseng, astragalus, licorice, rhodiola

 Homeopathy: Nux vom, Aconite, Arsen alb

 Nutrition: B vitamins, L-theanine, 5-HTP

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