While it is normal to feel down from time to time, people with depression may experience prolonged periods of intense sadness, anger, hopelessness and frustration. Treatment for depression usually comprises drug therapy, in the form of antidepressants, and counselling. Some herbs may also help to alleviate symptoms of depression. Talk to your doctor before using herbs to treat depression, as they may not be a suitable treatment option for you.
Examples
Herbs that may help to alleviate symptoms of depression include St. John's wort and ashwagandha. St. John's wort has been used as a medicinal remedy since ancient Greek times and is sometimes used as an alternative remedy for insomnia, anxiety and depression. Ashwagandha is an ayurvedic herb that contains a host of biologically active compounds; it is used as an alternative treatment for ailments including fatigue, stress, diabetes and depression.
Administration
St. John's wort and ashwagandha may be taken in a variety of ways, for example in capsules, tablets or as herbal tinctures. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests taking 300 mg of a standardized extract of St. John's wort two or three times daily to alleviate depression. Information regarding an effective dose of ashwagandha is lacking. Ask your doctor or certified herbalist to help you determine a safe and appropriate dose.
Effectiveness
An analysis of clinical data published in the October 2008 issue of the "Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews" concludes that St. John's wort is superior to placebo and is similarly effective as antidepressants but with fewer side effects. Clinical studies evaluating the role of ashwagandha in the treatment of depression are lacking. However results from an animal study published in the October 2007 issue of the "Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology" show this herb may have antidepressant effects. Studies are needed to confirm it has the same effect in humans.
Safety Considerations
St. John's wort may cause side effects including anxiety, dizziness, fatigue and headache. It also interacts with a large number of other drugs, including anticoagulants and the birth control pill. Don't take this herb alongside prescription antidepressants; it may not be safe. RxList.com states that short-term ashwagandha use is likely safe, but large doses may cause diarrhea and vomiting. Don't use this herb if you have a stomach ulcer or an immune system disorder.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Depression
- National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine:St. John's Wort
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center: Astralagus
- RxList: Ashwagandha
- "Cochrane Datasbase of Systematic Reviews;" St John's Wort for Major Depression; K. Linde et al.; October 2008
- "Indian Journal of Physiology and Pharmacology;" Protective Effect of Withania Somnifera Dunal Root Extract Against Protracted Social Isolation Induced Behavior in Rats; G.L. Gupta and A.C.Rana; October 2007
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