According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately 1 in 10 U.S. adults suffers from depression. This is a serious illness as it affects both the mind and body, and it complicates other diseases, including asthma, heart disease and obesity. Depression requires long-term management] and a variety of treatment options are available, including several herbal medicines. However, since there is insufficient evidence supporting the effectiveness of these herbal medicines for depression, it is important to first consult your doctor.
St. John's Wort
According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, or NCCAM, St. John's wort is used by some for managing depression, anxiety and sleeping problems. Some scientific information suggests that St. John's wort may be useful for mild-to-moderate depression, but there is conflicting information about its usefulness for more severe depression. St. John's wort should be used cautiously as it may interact with various medicines and cause side effects such as enhanced light sensitivity.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids in the diet or as a supplement may help manage depression. According to the National Institutes of Health, or NIH, evidence that fish oil may help manage depression lies in the following observations: fish oil has been shown to increase the effectiveness of antidepressant medications; the incidence of depression is lower in countries that have more fish in their diet, and people with depression have lower omega-3 levels in their blood cells.
SAMe
SAMe, or S-adenosylmethionine, is an artificial form of a naturally occurring substance in the body. According to the NIH, SAMe may be as effective as certain prescription antidepressants, such as tricyclic antidepressants. SAMe may also be helpful for those who do not respond well to prescription depression medications. However, SAMe should not be taken in combination with prescription antidepressants. SAMe may cause mild side effects but is considered generally safe.
Valerian
Valerian is an herb that is used for managing anxiety and depression as well as other conditions, such as sleep disorders and headaches. Although it has been used for medicinal purposes since ancient times, there is not enough scientific proof that valerian effectively manages these conditions. Valerian has been shown to be safe when used for a short time that is less than 4 to 6 weeks, but it can cause mild problems such as head pain, stomach upset, and lightheadedness.
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