Can Yangxincao really treat depression and anxiety disorders?

Yangxin Cao (Sedum aizoon) may have a certain auxiliary effect in alleviating anxiety under specific conditions, but it cannot replace standard medication for treating depression and anxiety disorders. The detailed analysis is as follows:

The mild components contained in Yangxin Cao may help soothe the nervous system. In cases of mild anxiety or emotional tension—such as irritability or initial difficulty falling asleep caused by stress—it may provide a certain degree of relaxation. However, depression and anxiety disorders are complex mental health conditions involving multiple factors such as neurotransmitter imbalances, genetics, and environmental influences. These require targeted pharmaceutical treatments to regulate the underlying pathological states. Since Yangxin Cao lacks mechanisms to address the core issues of these diseases, it cannot substitute for standard medical therapy.

In daily life, Yangxin Cao can be used as a complementary approach, but it's important first to distinguish whether one's emotional distress is mild discomfort or a symptom of clinical illness. Maintaining regular sleep patterns and avoiding late nights can reduce strain on the nervous system. Spending more time outdoors breathing fresh air, sharing feelings with family and friends, and minimizing negative thoughts during solitude are also beneficial. In terms of diet, include calming foods such as millet and lotus seeds, while reducing intake of stimulating beverages like coffee and strong tea.