5 Herbal Remedies for Depression

Depression is one of the most common illnesses, yet many people are reluctant to seek professional help. Because there is still a stigma attached to mental or emotional illnesses, many people prefer to try and deal with the symptoms of depression by themselves. There are several herbal or natural treatments that can help lessen the symptoms of mild to moderate depression. These herbal remedies can be found in the nutritional supplement section of drug stores or health food stores and come in tablet, capsule, or sometimes tea form.

St. John's Wort Extract has been proven effective to treat mild to moderate depression symptoms. Several clinical trials have proven that it is safe and effective for most people and has fewer side effects than prescription drugs. Mild side effects might include fatigue, dry mouth, indigestion, or dizziness and usually lessen over time. It can take four to six weeks for the full effect to be felt. St. John's Wort is generally not considered safe for people with bipolar disorder, people suffering from liver or kidney disease, or organ transplant patients. It may interfere with certain prescription medicines such as those for the treatment of HIV and AIDS, prescription antidepressants, and oral contraceptives.

SAM-e, short for S-adenosyl-L-methionine, is a naturally occurring chemical in the human body which may be under-produced by people prone to depression. SAM-e should be taken in an enteric-coated form on an empty stomach for maximum absorption. Side effects may include gastric upset, insomnia, anxiety, headache, and rashes. Some people notice a stimulant effect so SAM-e is best taken in the morning. People suffering from Parkinson's disease, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorder, or other diagnosed psychiatric conditions should not use SAM-e.

Ginkgo Biloba is a popular depression remedy particularly for the elderly. It is believed to have memory enhancement properties and some researchers believe it can delay the onset of Alzheimer's disease. It is also believed to improve concentration, reduce the symptoms of vertigo, improve circulation, and protect cells against damage by free radicals. Ginkgo biloba should not be taken with prescription antidepressants, by pregnant women, by people on low-dose aspirin therapy, or other anticoagulants. Possible side effects include increased risk of bleeding, gastrointestinal symptoms, dizziness, heart palpitations, or restlessness.

5-HTP or 5-Hydroxytryptophan, commonly sold as 5-HTP, is a naturally occurring amino acid closely related to trytophan. It is not as well researched as some of the other herbal depression remedies but it can help increase the amount of serotonin in the brain. It is a decreased level of serotonin in the brain, an essential neurotransmitter, which is thought to be one of the main causes of depression symptoms. Many prescription antidepressants are geared to increasing serotonin levels. 5-HTP is marketed as an antidepressant, appetite suppressant and sleep aid, but has not been widely studies for side effects or drug interactions. There is limited evidence that it may increase the chances of heart valve disease and hypertension, but no definitive link has yet been proven. It can cause nausea and vomiting when taken with drugs for Parkinson's disease.

Valerian is an effective herbal depression remedy particularly in people who also suffer from anxiety and insomnia. Valerian is generally considered to have a sedative effect and may cause drowsiness and dizziness or affect a person's ability to drive. It is generally considered safest if taken at night. Some rare side effects include stomachache, skin rash, hives, or in extremely rare cases night terrors. Valerian should not combined with other sedative or anti-anxiety medications such as Valium or Xanax. Valerian may affect the absorption of allergy, cholesterol, anti-fungal, and some cancer medications.

Note: Any of these herbal supplements could react with certain prescription drugs. Anyone taking prescription drugs should consult their physician before taking an herbal supplement.

These herbal remedies can help people suffering from mild to moderate depression symptoms. They are readily available and are generally safe. Some do react with prescription medications and are generally not recommended for pregnant women, nursing mothers, or children. These herbal remedies are not considered effective for major depression and people with long-term unresolved depression symptoms should consult a doctor.

Sources:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_John's_wort

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S-Adenosyl_methionine

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginkgo_biloba

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/5-Hydroxytryptophan

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valerian_herb

http://altmedicine.about.com/od/healthconditionsatod/a/Depression1.htm

http://www.healthyplace.com/depression/alternative-treatments/herbs-for-treating-depression/menu-id-68/