Everyone feels sad from time to time, but if you are constantly feeling angry, frustrated and your mood is permanently low, then you may be suffering from depression. A common mood disorder, the University of Maryland Medical Center notes that it affects around 18 million Americans every year. It is usually treated by combining psychotherapy with medication. Taking part in regular exercise may also help to improve depression. Herbal supplements may alleviate symptoms, although you should not use them in place of treatments prescribed by your doctor. Ask your doctor whether taking an herbal supplement is suitable for you.
Examples
UMMC notes that St. John's wort and ginkgo may both help to alleviate depression. St. John's wort has been used as a medicinal remedy since ancient Greece and Roman times and is used as an alternative remedy for a number of ailments including insomnia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and chronic fatigue syndrome. Ginkgo supplements are made from the leaves of one of oldest types of tree in the world and are primarily used to treat "thinking disorders," like Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia.
Administration
Both herbs can be taken as tea or in capsules or tablets. The amounts of each herb that you need to take to alleviate symptoms of depression may vary according to several factors, including the severity of your condition, your age and your overall health. UMMC suggests taking 300 mg of the standardized extract of St. John's wort two or three times daily to alleviate mild-to-moderate depression. Alternatively, you may prefer to take 40 mg to 80 mg of a standardized extract of ginkgo three times daily. Check with your doctor that these doses are safe and appropriate for you.
Effectiveness
MedlinePlus notes that St. John's wort is likely effective for mild-to-moderate depression, adding that it may improve mood as effectively as some prescription antidepressant drugs. However it may not be an effective treatment for severe depression. Studies examining the effectiveness of ginkgo as an antidepressant treatment are limited. However, a study published in the November 2007 issue of "Phytotherapy Research" found that lipophilic extracts of ginkgo leaves may possess antidepressant and antistress effects. However, the study was carried out in a rodent model of depression, not in humans with this condition.
Side Effects and Contraindications
The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine notes that ginkgo may cause side effects, including nausea, headache, dizziness and diarrhea. Do not consume fresh ginkgo seeds as they contain a chemical that may cause seizures and even death. Short-term use of St. John's wort is likely safe, according to MedlinePlus. However, it may cause some side effects, including dizziness, irritability, headache and restlessness. Use of this herb is contraindicated in a number of conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Depression
- MedlinePlus: St. John's Wort
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Ginkgo
- "Phytotherapy Research"; Antidepressant and Antistress Activity of GC-MS Characterized Lipophilic Extracts of Ginkgo Biloba Leaves; S.S. Kalkunte, et al.; November 2007
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