Depression is a serious mental disorder that can affect adults and children. Signs of depression include loss of appetite, sadness, insomnia, fatigue, low self-esteem, poor concentration and feelings of helplessness. Because prescription drugs for depression can have debilitating side effects, including impotence, weight gain and feelings of suicide, many people prefer to manage their depression with herbs. Herbal treatments for depression attempt to relieve the physical symptoms and strengthen the nervous system.
Damiana
Damiana (Turnera diffusa, T. aphrodisiaca) is found in tropical areas of Mexico, Central America, the West Indies and South America, where native peoples traditionally use it as an aphrodisiac. Damiana is popular worldwide as a sexual stimulant and antidepressant. Herbalist David Hoffmann, in his book "Holistic Herbal," recommends damiana in cases where depression is accompanied by sexual dysfunction. Do not use damiana if you are hypoglycemic or taking medicine for diabetes, since the herb can lower blood glucose or enhance medication that lowers glucose. Do not take damiana if you are pregnant.
Cat's Claw
The bark, root and leaves of cat's claw (Uncaria tomentosa) are used in the traditional medicines of the Amazon rainforest and other tropical areas of Central and South America. The alkaloid rhynchophylline in cat's claw enhances the effects of serotonin, a natural hormone related to mood. A 2002 study in the "European Journal of Pharmacology" showed that two other alkaloids-- pteropodine and isopteropodine--found in cat's claw and other herbs also had a positive effect on serotonin. Do not take cat's claw if you are trying to become pregnant, are taking blood-thinning medication, have gastrointestinal problems, or have had an organ or bone marrow transplant or skin graft.
Lavender
Lavender (Lavandula officinalis) tea and essential oil, used in the bath or as a massage oil, are effective for mild depression. David Hoffmann recommends combining lavender tea with other herbal teas, like rosemary, kola or skullcap to treat depression.
Saffron
Saffron (Crocus sativus) is an aromatic cooking herb that is also used in traditional Persian medicine to treat depression. A 2007 study in "Progress in Neuropsychopharmacology and Biological Psychiatry" that compared saffron to fluoxetine, a common antidepressant drug, showed that saffron was as effective as the prescription drug.
Skullcap
Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) has been used traditionally as a tonic for the nervous system. It has mild sedative properties and is a good herb to take for depression due to withdrawal from drug and alcohol addiction.
Oat Seeds
Oat seeds (Avena sativa) are a natural antidepressant. Oats reduce stress and will help you overcome depression due to tobacco withdrawal. Oat seeds are most potent when harvested during their "milky stage"--when the seeds are still immature--and immediately made into a tincture.
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