Depression is listed as a mood disorder in the American Psychiatric Association Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). Depression is due to low serotonin levels in the brain. Feelings like being overwhelmed, fatigue and inability to concentrate are characteristic of depression. According to the FDA natural remedies do not cure or help depression, but teas, medicinal formulas and tinctures made from flowers, herbs and plants can assist people daily in their battle with depression.
St. John's Wort
St. John's Wort is the most commonly used herbal medicine for depression. St. John's Wort is a yellow-flowering herb grown primarily in Europe. It has been show to improve tempering anxiety and feeling of worthlessness, alleviating sleep disturbances and insomnia and stabilizing mood swings. Daily dosage for an adult is between 900-1,800 milligrams.
Kava
Kava, also known as kava kava, is another natural remedy for depression first used for insomnia and anxiety. Kava helps people in their daily dealings with depression, with the standard dosage being 150 to 300 mg, one to three times daily or as needed for anxiety or nervousness. Use should not exceed six months. After taking kava for six months, stop taking it and detoxify your body with lots of water for about three weeks. Some herbalists and doctors show kava being hard on the liver.
SAM-e
SAM-e, S-Adenosyl methionine, is the surest natural remedy for depression since the ingredients are produced within the body itself. However, in depressed individuals production is disrupted and the neurotransmitters don't fire as they should. SAM-e, taken in pill form, helps the brain and body begin to function optimally. Normal adult dosage for SAM-e is 400 to 1,600 mg. Note that SAM-e can take a while to regulate production of serotonin and dopamine, and may take up to three weeks before any depression symptoms are alleviated.
B6
Depression-like feelings have also been linked to vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Therefore, the only way to correct it would be to eliminate the deficiency and eat food containing the vitamin or mineral. Vitamin B6 deficiency shows up as fatigue, lack of interest and low productivity. Vitamin B6 is also essential for serotonin production, so adding a supplement helps to increase energy and productivity levels and provide the needed serotonin for mood stabilization. Common B6 dosage for adults is 1.3 milligrams daily, found in pill form by itself or as a vitamin B-complex. If a vitamin B6 irritates your stomach, take it with food or eat foods high in B6, like spinach, cheese, eggs or liver.
Not a Cure
St. John's Wort, Kava Kava, SAM-e and B6 are natural remedies, but not a cure for depression. If you suspect you are depressed, see your doctor.
References
- Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine (2nd Ed) Michael Murray, N.D. (1999)
- American Psychiatric Association: Depression
- The Book of Herbal Wisdom: Using Plants as Medicine Matthew Wood (1997)
- Mayo Clinic: Vitamin B6
