The exact cause of depression is unknown, but research suggests neurotransmitters in the brain, hormones and traumatic events can affect mood. According to the Mayo Clinic, depression is characterized by feelings of sadness, irritability, loss of interest in normal activities and sometimes thoughts of suicide. Antidepressants are often prescribed for people who suffer from depression. Some herbs have the ability to cause similar effects on mood as antidepressant medications. The decision to use an alternative for depression should be discussed with a physician.
St. John's Wort
There have been significant studies on St. John's wort and the ability to treat depression. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, the herb has been shown to effectively reduce depression in people suffering from mild to moderate depression but not major depression. The herb is thought to work like a serotonin reuptake inhibitor, which increases the amount of serotonin available to the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is thought to affect mood. St. John's wort should not be taken with other drugs that increase serotonin in the brain, because of the risk of serotonin syndrome. When the brain has too much serotonin, body temperature, heart rate and blood pressure can rise, causing life-threatening issues.
S-Adenosylmethionine
Extensive studies have been conducted using S-Adenosylmethionine or SAMe to treat depression. Although SAMe is sold as a supplement, it's a natural compound found in the body. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, some studies suggest that SAMe works just as well as antidepressants. Antidepressants tend to take six to eight weeks to begin working; SAMe seems to begin more quickly.
5-hydroxytryptophan
5-hydroxytryptophan or 5-HTP is the precursor to serotonin. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, health care professionals generally recommend 50mg of 5-HTP taken one to three times per day. Taking other serotonin increasing drugs and herbs should be discussed with a physician before taking 5-HTP. Drugs.com says to avoid exposure to sunlight or tanning beds because 5-HTP can make you sunburn more easily.
