Depression, also referred to as major depression or clinical depression, can have a negative impact on your body and mind. Symptoms can include feelings of helplessness, frustration, weight loss or gain, insomnia and other sleeping difficulties, appetite loss or gain, fatigue, weakness, headaches, and crying spells. Treatment can include counseling and medications. Some herbal supplements may also help to treat depression. Consult your doctor before taking any herbal remedies for depression, and never replace other forms of therapy with herbs.
Valerian
Valerian is a herb that has been used to treat depression. Valerian acts to elevate a chemical in your brain called gamma aminobutyric acid, or GABA. This chemical can help to produce a calming effect in your body and relieve anxiety. In addition, valerian has been used to treat insomnia in some people, a common symptom of depression. More research is required to establish a connection or benefit.
Lavender
Lavender is another herb that may effectively help treat depression. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, this herb can be used for anxiety, depression, fatigue, and insomnia. The scent of this herb offers you a calming and sedative effect. Some research has shown this herb to promote a better mood, better concentration, and improved sleeping quality, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. More research is needed to produce conclusive evidence. You can obtain this herb as a tea, bath gel, extract, oil, lotion, or soap.
American Ginseng
American ginseng is also referred to as an "adaptogen," meaning it helps the body deal with different forms of stress. There is no scientific support for the concept of adaptogens, however. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, this herb can be used to help treat depression. Specifically, it may be effective for improving your mental focus and quality of life, and ease headaches and indigestion, common symptoms of depression. This herb can be taken in many forms, including powders, tablets and capsules.
St.. John's Wort
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, St. John's wort may effectively help to treat symptoms of mild and moderate depression. Research has suggested that this herb acts to make more dopamine, norepepinephrine, and serotonin in your brain, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. These chemicals can help to boost your mood and potentially lessen depression symptoms. Studies have been inconclusive, and more research is required to establish any benefits. Consult your doctor before taking this herb, or any other herbs, for depression.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Valerian
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Lavendar
- University of Maryland Medical Center: American Ginseng
- University of Maryland Medical Center: St.John's Wort
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Herbs And Supplements For Depression
- MayoClinic.com: Depression
Member Comments