Depression is a mental disorder characterized by a low mood, loss of confidence and feelings of hopelessness. It is a common illness and is twice as likely to affect women than men. The exact cause of depression is unknown but stress, experiences in early life and genetics may all play a role in the development of the disorder. Depression is normally treated with psychotherapy and anti-depressant medications. Herbs are also sometimes used to treat depression. Talk to a health care professional if you are considering using herbs to treat depression.
Examples
The most well known herb used to treat depression is St. John's wort, however, ginkgo biloba may also help to relieve symptoms of depression. St. John's wort, a yellow flowering plant named after St. John the Baptist, has been used since ancient Greece times to treat a number of medical conditions including nerve pain, malaria and mental disorders. The ginkgo biloba tree is the longest surviving tree in the World, and according to MedlinePlus, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, has been used to treat medical conditions since 2600 B.C.
Use
St. John's wort and ginkgo biloba are available in a number of forms including teas, capsules and pills. The University of Maryland Medical Center, or UMMC, website recommends taking 300 mg of a standardized extract of St. John's wort two or three times daily for mild to moderate depression. The website suggests taking 40 to 80 mg of a standardized extract of ginkgo biloba three times daily for depression. These are guidelines only. Talk to your doctor about the correct dose and treatment schedule for you.
Mechanism of Action
The mechanism by which St. John's wort may ease symptoms of depression is unclear. However, the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM, suggests that it may work by preventing nerve cells in the brain from reabsorbing the feel-good chemical messenger known as serotonin. The way in which ginkgo biloba exerts its therapeutic effects is unknown but it may improve blood circulation in the brain, MedlinePlus notes.
Efficacy
According to the UMMC website, St. John's wort has been studied extensively as an antidepressant and a number of studies show that it works in mild to moderate depression. According to an article published in November 2010 in "The Journal of the European College of Neuropsychopharmacology," St. John's is significantly more effective than placebo with similar efficacy to standard antidepressant drugs. Results of a study published in November 2007 suggest extracts of ginkgo biloba leaves have antidepressant and anti-stress properties. However, the study was carried out in rats, not humans. More research is needed to establish ginkgo biloba's efficacy as an anti-depressant treatment.
Side Effects
Both St. John's wort and ginkgo biloba may cause side-effects. NCCAM notes that St. John's wort may cause anxiety, dizziness, gastrointestinal problems, tiredness and headache. It may also increase your sensitivity to sunlight. Ginkgo biloba is likely safe for most adults, notes MedlinePlus. However, it may cause side effects including stomach upset, constipation and allergic skin reactions.
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