Depression is a health condition that affects as many as one in every five Americans, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Though it's a serious condition, depression is also a treatable one, and there are many medical- and therapy-based treatments effective for treatment of depression. Some people also find that herbal remedies can provide relief for some of the symptoms of depression.
St. John's Wort
St. John's wort is one of the most frequently mentioned herbs used in the treatment of depression. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that some research suggests the chemicals in St. John's wort trigger the body's production of serotonin, a hormone that triggers positive feelings, in much the same way antidepressant medications do. Other researchers, however, have found that placebos may produce the same effect as St. John's wort. Three hundred mg of St. John's wort, taken three times a day, is the typical dosage recommended for treating depression symptoms. St. John's wort is a particularly volatile herb that interacts with many medications, including antidepressants, birth control pills and allergy medications. People who have bipolar disorder or who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not take St. John's wort.
Lavender
Lavender may have the power to calm several symptoms of depression, including anxiety, tension, headaches and insomnia, according to research cited by the University of Maryland Medical Center. To treat depression, lavender is most commonly steeped in hot water so that you can inhale its steam, but you can also make it into a tea, used it in powdered form or massage it into your skin as an essential oil. Lavender may interact with some antidepressant medications, and women who are pregnant or breastfeeding shouldn't use lavender without their doctor's consent.
Valerian
Valerian has been a popular treatment for insomnia and anxiety for nearly 2,000 years, making appearances in many medical texts and treatment guides over the centuries. Valerian can be taken as a powder, liquid extract or steeped to make a tea, and is best administered right before bedtime. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, some studies show that valerian is effective for improving sleep, but its benefits may take as long as four weeks to appear. Valerian may interact with other medications, including sedatives, statins and antihistamines. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, check with your doctor before using valerian.
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