Depression is a complex mental illness that causes persistent feelings of low mood and hopelessness. While prescription antidepressants can offer relief, they may also cause side effects ranging from decreased sex drive to suicidal ideation. There are a variety of herbal depression therapies available, some of which may be as effective as prescription antidepressants with a lower risk of side effects.
SAM-e
S-adenosylmethionine--more commonly known as SAM-e--is a naturally occurring molecule sold as a supplement for depression, osteoarthritis and other health conditions. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, SAM-e is thought to work by preventing the breakdown of the mood-regulating neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin, resulting in improved nerve transmission in the brain.
SAM-e is generally well-tolerated. Side effects may involve gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea that can be largely avoided by taking an antacid or similar digestive agent prior to dosing. The standard dose of SAM-e for treating depression is 800 to 1,600 mg per day.
St. John's Wort
Known by the scientific name Hypericum perforatum, St. John's wort is a hot commodity on the American supplement market. It has been used traditionally to treat a range of ailments, such as anxiety, burns and insect bites, and is currently valued for its ability to ease depression.
The active compound in St. John's wort is hypericin, which acts as a mild monoamine oxidase inhibitor to improve mood and treat depression symptoms. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, St. John's wort may be as effective as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as Prozac and Celexa at treating mild to moderate depression.
Side effects commonly experienced while taking St. John's wort include nausea, sun sensitivity, headache and dry mouth. St. John's wort can cause dangerous interactions with other herbs and medications, so talk to your doctor before adding it to your supplement regimen.
5-HTP
5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is a natural amino acid derived from the African plant Griffonia simplicifolia. It plays a role in the production of tryptophan, an amino acid needed by the body to produce the neurotransmitter serotonin. Because serotonin is responsible for states like mood, sleep and appetite, 5-HTP is often promoted as a remedy for depression, insomnia and weight problems like obesity.
According to the National Institutes of Health, 5-HTP is an effective option for treating depressive disorders as well as fibromyalgia and obesity. It crosses the blood-brain barrier to increase the production of serotonin, resulting in improved mood and mental functioning.
The recommended dose of 5-HTP for treating depression ranges from 50 to 100 mg daily. Because it affects serotonin levels, 5-HTP should not be taken with other antidepressants, such as SSRIs like Zoloft or Prozac. Taking 5-HTP with other serotonin-increasing drugs can result in serotonin syndrome, a potentially fatal condition marked by symptoms such as muscle rigidity, vomiting, profuse sweating and convulsions.
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