Numerous herbal supplements may help treat your depression. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, depression is a condition that includes prolonged feelings of sadness or unhappiness and interferes with your ability to perform your activities of daily living. There are five principle types of depression. Major depressive disorder is the most common type. Before taking organic herbal supplements to help treat your depression, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
St. John's Wort
St. John's wort is an herbal supplement that may be help treat your depression. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, St. John's wort, also known as Hypericum perforatum, is a shrubby plant with yellow flowers that is native to Europe and certain parts of Asia and Africa and the western United States. St. John's wort possesses a sweet, bitter and astringent taste and has slightly warming tendencies. The flowering tops of the plant are used medicinally to help treat numerous health problems including depression. Dr. Sharol Tilgner, a naturopathic physician and author of the book "Herbal Medicine From the Heart of the Earth," states that St. John's wort is a nervine and sedative used to treat depression, fear, insomnia, anxiety and feelings of worthlessness. Before taking St. John's wort to help treat your depression, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Ginkgo
Ginkgo is an herbal supplement that may be beneficial for depression. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that ginkgo, also known as Ginkgo biloba, is a tree that can live for up to 1,000 years. Ginkgo trees have short branches, fan-shaped leaves and inedible fruits. Ginkgo, a member of the ginkgoaceae family, has a slightly sour taste. The leaves of the tree are used medicinally to help treat numerous health problems, including depression. According to Tilgner, ginkgo increases blood flow to your brain and improves impaired mental performance. Ginkgo has been used to help stabilize serotonin levels in your brain. Serotonin is an important neurotransmitter that has been associated with depression in some individuals. Ginkgo has also been used to help treat senile dementia. Before taking ginkgo to help treat your depression, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is an herbal supplement that may also effectively treat depression. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, lemon balm, also known as Melissa officinalis, is a plant native to Europe that now grows throughout the world. Lemon balm, a member of the mint family, is a calming herb that possesses a sweet and sour, lemon-like taste. The flowering herb is used medicinally to help treat numerous health problems, including depression, stress, anxiety, poor appetite and lack of sleep. Tilgner states that lemon balm is a nervine, sedative and mild antidepressant. Lemon balm, notes Tilgner, has been used to help treat depression, insomnia, colds, migraine and hypertension. If you are pregnant, you should avoid taking this herb, unless you are under the care and guidance of a qualified health care professional. Before taking lemon balm to help treat your depression, talk with your doctor about possible side effects, proper dosage and potential drug interactions.
