It is natural to feel low from time to time, but if you feel sad, angry and tired most or all the time you may be suffering from depression. A serious mood disorder, depression affects 18 million Americans every year, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Although the cause of depression is unknown, it may have a genetic basis or it may be linked to abnormal levels of brain chemicals known as neurotransmitters. A stressful or difficult life event may also trigger depression. Some herbs may help to alleviate depression, but you should talk to your doctor before attempting to treat your condition with them as they may not be suitable for you.
Examples and Required Dose
St. John's wort and ginkgo biloba may have antidepressant effects. St. John's wort has been used as an herbal remedy for a variety of conditions since the time of ancient Greece and can be taken either as a tea or in a pill. Ginkgo biloba is primarily used to treat conditions characterized by reduced blood flow in the brain, but it is also used to treat "thinking disorders" like depression. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests taking 300 mg of a standardized extract of St. John's wort two to three times daily, or 40 mg to 80 mg of ginkgo three times daily. Check with your doctor to see if these dosages are right for you.
Efficacy
An analysis of data from 29 clinical trials involving St. John's wort and published in the October 2008 "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews" concluded that St. John's wort is superior to a placebo as a treatment for major depression. The article's authors, K. Linde, et al., add that this herb is as effective as standard antidepressant treatments. The results of a study by S.S. Kalkunte, et al., published in the November 2007 of "Phytotherapy Research" found that lipophilic extracts of ginkgo biloba leaves have antidepressant effects. However, the study was carried out in an animal model, not in humans with depression.
Side Effects
St. John's wort may cause side effects including anxiety, dizziness, fatigue, headache and sexual dysfunction. Ginkgo leaf extract is likely safe for most people, but it may cause minor side effects, such as dizziness, constipation and allergic skin reactions. Do not consume ginkgo seeds as they contain a highly toxic substance.
Considerations
St. John's wort and ginkgo biloba may not be suitable herbal pills for everyone. St. John's wort, for example, may interact with other drugs you may be taking including seizure-control drugs, the birth control pill and seizure-control drugs. Ginkgo biloba is contraindicated in a number of conditions including bleeding disorders and diabetes. Get medical clearance before using either herb.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Depression
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: St. John's Wort
- MedlinePlus: Gingko Biloba
- PubMed: St John's Wort for Major Depression
- PubMed: Antidepressant and Anti-Stress Activity of GC-MS Characterized Lipophilic Extracts of Ginkgo Biloba Leaves
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