Depression is a mental disorder involving persistent feelings of sadness and low mood. Accompanying symptoms may include fatigue, anxiety, loss of interest in hobbies, and changes in weight and appetite. A variety of herbal supplements help alleviate symptoms of depression, most of which can be purchased in drugstores and health food shops for less than $15.
St. John's Wort
St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) is among the most popular herbal supplements on the market today. It has anti-viral properties and has been used traditionally as an antiseptic for treating burns and insect bites. The active compounds in St. John's wort include hyperforin and hypericin, which are thought to act as mild monoamine oxidase inhibitors.
According to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), St. John's wort is as effective as the most frequently prescribed class of antidepressants (SSRIs) in treating mild-to-moderate depression. St. John's wort may cause interactions when taken with other drugs and can cause unwanted side effects like nausea, sun sensitivity and dry mouth. Because herbal supplements can vary greatly in potency, always choose brands standardized to contain a specific amount of hypericin or hyperforin.
5-HTP
5-Hydroxytryptophan---or 5-HTP for short---is an amino acid derived from the Griffonia simplicifolia plant. It is marketed as both a mood brightener and weight loss supplement due to its effects on serotonin--the neurotransmitter responsible for mood and appetite. It occurs naturally in the body and is needed for the metabolism of tryptophan--a serotonin precursor.
According to the NIH, 5-HTP effectively crosses the blood-brain barrier to increase the synthesis of serotonin, making it a viable treatment for depression, as well as fibromyalgia, obesity and insomnia.
Because 5-HTP increases serotonin levels, taking it with other antidepressants can lead to serotonin syndrome---a potentially fatal condition caused by excessive levels of serotonin in the body. Symptoms include muscle stiffness, sweating, rapid heartbeat and vomiting. The standard dose of 5-HTP is 50 to 100 mg.
Korean Ginseng
Panax ginseng, also known as Chinese or Korean ginseng, is a supplement derived from the root of the ginseng plant. It is highly esteemed in traditional Chinese medicine for its role as a health tonic and is often added to energy supplements and weight loss aids for its mild stimulating effects.
A study by P. Reddy and colleagues featured in the February 28, 2003 issue of the "Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics" states that subjects taking Korean ginseng experienced an improvement in overall quality of life, suggesting that the supplement may have beneficial effects on mood and wellbeing. Other possible effects include an improvement in stamina, focus and memory recall, all of which can be affected by depression.
