Depression & Herbs

Clinical depression is a mood disorder associated with prolonged feelings of sadness, anger, frustration or loss. Most people experience one or more bouts of depression throughout their lives. Herbal medicine has long been used to help treat cases of mild depression. However, before using herbs for your depression, talk with your physician about the safety and efficacy of herbal remedies.

Identification

Many symptoms are associated with depression, including chronic tiredness, thoughts of suicide or death, frequent bouts of crying, feelings of hopelessness and inconsolable sadness, unexpected weight loss or gain, concentration difficulties and various physical problems, such as pain, that do not improve with treatment. Depression is a common cause of lower back pain. Depression is often triggered by stressful life events, and it may be associated with changes in your brain chemistry.

Herbs for Depression

The University of Maryland Medical Center states that the following herbs may be beneficial in treating depression in some individuals: American ginseng, flaxseed, ginkgo, lavender, peppermint, St. John's wort and valerian. Other herbs that may induce calmness and help alleviate your depression include kava kava, ginger, Siberian ginseng, lemon balm and licorice root. Nonherbal substances for depression include melatonin, tyrosine and vitamin D.

Lavender

Lavender is one of the most commonly used herbal remedies in the treatment of depression. Phyllis A. Balch, a nutrition researcher, certified nutritional consultant and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," notes that lavender has numerous health actions and uses, including relieving stress and depression. Lavender is also helpful in treating skin conditions, headaches and other health problems. The flowers of the lavender plant contain many important plant chemicals that are used in herbal medicines.

Warning

Depression is a serious health problem that can have long-lasting effects on your physical, mental and social well-being. If you experience the symptoms of depression, you should visit a qualified health care professional to be accurately diagnosed and given helpful treatment information. Herbs, though often helpful in treating cases of mild depression, may not alleviate certain types of depression. You should not rely on herbs alone to cure your depression.