Depression is a chronic illness that affects your mental, emotional and physical systems. Over 21 million Americans have depression, and the 30,000 suicides that occur in the United States each year are mainly attributed to this disease, according to Mental Health America. The age-old Ayurveda healing system, which originated in India, recommends herbs for this condition. If you think you have depression, it is critical that you consult a qualified health practitioner before taking herbs.
Depression
Theories abound in regard to the origins of depression, including heredity, stress, biochemistry, chronic illness and emotional trauma. No one knows, however, exactly how depression develops. If you have depression, you may exhibit symptoms like lethargy, hopelessness, irritability, anger, loss of interest in life, a sense of worthlessness and suicide and death fantasies. Appetite can increase or disappear, and you might experience sleep and digestion problems, according to "Prescription for Nutritional Healing." Conventional treatment includes antidepressants, nutrition guidance, exercise guidelines and psychotherapeutic counseling.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is a plant native to India and one of the jewels of the Ayurvedic pharmacopeia. According to Ayurveda, it is a "rasayana," a restorative herbal tonic. Ayurvedic physicians recommend it to treat depression, anxiety, exhaustion and poor concentration, according to the Chopra Center. Medical scientists are actively researching this plant, which has demonstrated an ability to alleviate anxiety and depression in the laboratory. Ashwagandha also regulates blood sugar, stimulates the immune response and helps the body cope with stress. This herb should only be used under a doctor's supervision.
Bacopa
Bacopa is a plant from India that is used to relieve depression and anxiety as well as to increase cognition, concentration and memory. It has been recognized as a medicinal herb for over 1,400 years in India, where it is referred to as "brahmi" or "like a god." Bacopa, also called water hyssop, is used as an emotional stress tonic and to treat mood disorders. Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa writes in "The Way of Ayurvedic Herbs" that bacopa contains a bioactive component called hersaponin, which acts as a sedative and calmative. Other phytochemicals called steroidal saponins improve the function of the brain's neurotransmitters and strengthen memory, perception, and cognition.
Risks and Considerations
Ashwagandha and bacopa are contraindicated if you are taking medications such as narcotics and barbiturates because they can magnify the sedative effect of those drugs. Pregnant women should not use ashwagandha as it may cause miscarriage. In a 2008 article in the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine," researchers found that bacopa improved cognition in the elderly and had few side effects. To be safe, however, check with your qualified health practitioner before taking bacopa.
References
- "The Way of Ayurvedic Herbs: A Contemporary Introduction and Useful Manual for the World's Oldest Healing System"; Karta Purkh Singh Khalsa et al.; 2008
- The Chopra Center: Ashwagandha
- "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine"; Effects of a Standardized Bacopa Monnieri Extract on Cognitive Performance, Anxiety, and Depression in the Elderly; C. Calabrese; July 2008
- Mental Health America: Ranking America's Mental Health
