Herbal Treatment For Depression

The most well-known herbal treatment for depression is St. John’s Wort. St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a plant that grows naturally in the wild and has been used for centuries to treat various mental health conditions. It’s widely prescribed for depression in Europe and it is sold over the counter in most stores in the United States where other supplements and Vitamins are sold. Of course, you should always first talk with your healthcare provider before you start taking St. John’s Wort or any other treatment for depression. You will want to ensure that your body is able to handle this treatment and that you will not have any interactions when taken with other medications or supplements. If you are already taking a prescription for depression, it is NOT advised to also take St. John’s Wort. It can be dangerous to take St. John’s Wort in addition to an SSRI prescription, because this can lead to a potentially life-threatening increase of serotonin.

Other ways to reduce episodes of depression is to take plenty of Omega-3 fatty acids. The brain needs the type of fatty acids in omega-3s for proper functioning. It’s believed that those who experience depression may not have enough EPA and DHA, which are found in Omega-3 fatty acids. These fats are found in cold-water fish, flaxseed, flax oil, walnuts and some other foods. Omega-3 supplements are being studied as a possible treatment for depression and for depressive symptoms in people with bipolar disorder. While considered generally safe, the supplement can have a fishy taste, and in high doses, it may interact with other medications. Although eating foods with omega-3 fatty acids appears to have heart-healthy benefits, more research is needed to determine if it has an effect on preventing or improving depression, but many who add Omega-3 fish oil supplements to their diet have reported significant improvements in mood as well as improvements in concentration, memory, and other cognitive functions.

5-HTP. The supplement called 5-hydroxytryptophan (hi-drok-see-TRIP-to-fan), also known as 5-HTP, may play a role in improving serotonin levels, a chemical that affects mood. But evidence is only preliminary and more research is needed. There is a safety concern that using 5-HTP may cause a severe neurological condition, but the link is not clear. Another safety concern is that 5-HTP could increase the risk of serotonin syndrome — a serious side effect — if taken with certain prescription antidepressants.

Vitamin D – Low levels of the vitamin may contribute to schizophrenia in adults, depression, and seasonal affective disorder. Other health problems can also arise from the deficiency. Vitamin D deficiency presents similar symptoms to those of depression such as:

Mood changes accompanied by overwhelming feelings of hopelessness, sadness, and hopelessness
Fatigue
Forgetfulness
Loss of interest in activities that previously sparked excitement
Suicidal thoughts
Anxiety
Loss of appetite
Excessive weight loss or gain
Trouble sleeping‌‌

If you experience any of these symptoms similar to depression, have your vitamin D levels checked. Your doctor will do a test to determine the level of the vitamin in your blood.

Feeling good is important and no one should have to live with depression. With the right help and the right natural treatment, you can feel better without taking heavy prescriptions or mind numbing medications that many physicians prescribe.