Depression is a whole-body illness, affecting your moods, behaviors and thoughts. It can also affect the way you eat and sleep, the way you think about yourself and how you think and behave. Symptoms of depression can last for weeks, months, or even years. Most doctors prescribe antidepressants to treat depression; however, certain herbs that have calming properties may be used to treat symptoms of this condition.
Causes
The causes of depression are not entirely understood, but various factors may play a part, according to MayoClinic.com. One of the most common causes of depression is food allergies. Additionally, heredity is a significant factor in this disorder. Traumatic life events such as the loss of a loved one or loss of employment, as well as stress, poor diet and chemical imbalances can also lead to depression.
Identification
Herbs have been used for many years for a wide range of medical conditions. Records dating back thousands of years show that herbs were used extensively to cure virtually every known illness by the Chinese, Romans, Egyptians, Persians, Hebrews and others. Medicinal herbs are generally categorized into two groups; stimulating herbs and herbal tonics. Herbal tonics support tissues and help the cells maintain tone or balance throughout your body. Stimulating herbs are used to treat certain ailments, as they are generally more effective than herbal tonics. Stimulating herbs, however, should be taken in smaller doses and for shorter periods of time than tonic herbs.
Properties
Although researchers do not wholly understand how this herb works, it is thought that St. John's wort acts like a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, or SSRI, by making more dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine available in the brain, enhancing mood, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Researchers once thought thought that hypericin was responsible for these reuptake inhibiting effects; scientists now think, however, that other substances in St. John's wort play a role, too.
Efficacy
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, studies show that St. John's wort is effective in reducing symptoms of mild to moderate depression. Research results vary, however. For example, one study found this herb to be no more effective than the placebo some participants were given in the study.
Dosage
St. John's wort is available in the form of capsules, tinctures, tablets and teas. In addition, this herb is available in the form of dried herb and powder. To use St. John's wort as an alternative treatment for symptoms of depression, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends taking the dried herb in doses of 300 mg in capsules or tablets three times a day with meals. The fluid extract may be taken in doses of up to 60 drops twice a day.
Warnings
If left untreated, depression may lead to thoughts of suicide or thoughts of harming yourself or others. It is strongly recommended that you speak with your medical provider before using herbs to treat this or any health condition. This herb should not be used by women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Possible Drug Interactions
St.John's wort may decrease or increase the effectiveness of certain medications. St. John's wort is not recommended if you currently take allergy drugs, antidepressants, digoxin, HIV drugs, birth control pills, statins, sedatives, dextromethorphan or any medication that suppresses the immune system.
