Two types of depressive states exist that plague Americans, major depression - that disrupts thinking, daily activities and behaviors, and mild depression, or dysthymia, that has fewer acute symptoms. Women tend to suffer more than men, and those who live in urban areas have more depressive episodes than those in rural areas. Herbal treatments may help but should not replace conventional therapy without your doctor' consent.
Identification
It is estimated by Stanford University that there are over 9 million Americans who suffer from major depression. Mild depression and anxiety may affect over 19 million Americans each year. While major depression may be more acute and require more intense therapies, dysthymia's symptoms, including anxiety, appear less overt and are chronic, lasting up to several years. However, dysthmyia may be more devastating, as it may go unrecognized and therefore go untreated. Herbal preparations may help, but consult your doctor for advice. Severe depression should not be treated with herbs.
St. John's Wort
St. John's wort has been used since ancient times to treat various nervous disorders. It is used for mild to moderate depression but may interact with other medications, so a doctor's supervision is a must. St. John's wort appears to have chemicals that work similarly to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, SSRIs, which are found in Prozac and Zoloft, but without the loss of libido, a common side effect with some of these antidepressants. It is still unclear how St. John's wort works, but it appears to work on neurotransmitters, which improve mood. Do not replace conventional treatment without your doctor's knowledge.
Lavender
Lavender is a mint plant native to the Mediterranean. In the past, lavender was used for sleeping potions or for nervous stomach and gas. As a lotion it was applied to headaches, and as a syrup it was used to calm irritable children. Currently practitioners use it as part of a nervine preparation, in conjunction with other herbs, for mild depression or anxiety. As an essential oil, lavender is used on its own to calm and relieve headaches. When using any herb, consult with your physician first.
Lemon Balm
Lemon balm has long been used for anxiety and to help with memory, according to a 2004 article in "Alternative and Complimentary Therapies." It is also recommended by practitioners for nervous sleeping disorders and as a mood elevator. It may also help improve attention span and focus, as well as promote calmness. Studies cited in the article noted that lemon balm also improved cognitive functioning in patients with Alzheimer's disease. Lemon balm should not replace conventional treatment and should be used upon the advice of your health care practitioner.
References
- Stanford School of Medicine: What is Depression?
- University of Hawai'i System: Recognizing and Treating Chronic "Mild" Depression; John C. Markowitz, MD
- "Alternative and Complimentary Therapies"; Nervine Herbs for Treating Anxiety; Kathy Abascal, et al.; Dec.2004
- University of Maryland Medical Center: St. John's Wort
Member Comments