Depression is a mental illness that causes feelings of sadness and lack of motivation for long periods of time, interfering with the daily lives of the sufferers. It can range from mild to severe and in severe cases it can be life threatening. If you are suffering from feelings of depression you should seek the advice of a physician. For milder cases of depression, however, there are some herbs that you may find helpful.
Ginko Biloba
Ginkgo biloba may help to alleviate depression, especially in elderly individuals. It may also work well if you are having difficulty with the effectiveness of prescribed medications. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, ginkgo biloba may actually enhance the effects of prescribed antidepressant medications such as MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors), like phenelzine. Taking ginkgo biloba along with antidepressants known as SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), however, can be dangerous. Celexa, Lexapro and Prozac are some examples of SSRI antidepressants and when taking ginkgo biloba along with them can put you at risk for a condition called serotonin syndrome, which can be potentially fatal.
St. John's Wort
St. John's wort is a small plant with yellow flowers and was used by the ancient Greeks to treat various medical ailments. St. John's wort has also been used to treat depression in people both in the past and present. According to the Mayo Clinic, short term studies have suggested that St. John's wort is just as effective as treating depression with tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs). Adults over the age of 18 can take 900 to 1,800 milligrams of St. John's wort orally every day. Children under 18 years of age can tolerate about 150 to 1,800 milligrams per day of the herb.
Valerian
Valerian is a plant that grows mainly in Europe and Asia. It has been used for medicinal purposes in ancient Greece and Rome. It is also a herb that may prove to be valuable in the treatment of depression. According to the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine, valerian has been used in the past to treat cases of depression. More research needs to be done, however, to prove the actual benefits of this herb.
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