Depression is a psychological disorder marked by persistent feelings of sadness and low mood. While there are a number of pharmaceutical options for treating depression, many can cause unwanted side effects, such as weight gain or decreased sex drive. Herbs with antidepressant properties may be helpful in alleviating the symptoms of depression caused by neurotransmitter deficiencies and other biological factors.
St. John's Wort
St. John's wort is an herb with antidepressant properties. It contains hypericin and hyperforin--two compounds with mild monoamine oxidase-inhibiting effects. Monoamine oxidase is an enzyme that inactivates neurotransmitters, resulting in depression and other mental disorders. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, St. John's wort may be as effective as selective serotonin reuptake inihibitors (SSRIs) for treating symptoms of mild-to-moderate depression.
St. John's wort can cause side effects, including headache, nausea and sun sensitivity. It may cause dangerous interactions when taken with certain herbs and medicines. Because supplements vary in potency, choose brands of St. John's wort that are standardized to contain 0.2 to 0.3 percent hypericin or 5 percent hyperforin.
Korean Ginseng
Korean ginseng is an herb valued for its immune-boosting and energy-enhancing properties. It has been used for millennia in traditional Chinese medicine as a treatment for fatigue, low libido, high blood sugar and as a general health tonic.
Korean ginseng is an adaptogen--an herb thought to help protect the body from the effects of stress, such as adrenal fatigue. According to the National Institutes of Health, subjects taking Korean ginseng scored better on quality of life questionnaires and reported improved mood and energy levels while taking the supplement.
Korean ginseng is a mild stimulant that may raise blood pressure and heart rate. Side effects may include nausea, appetite loss and dizziness.
5-HTP
The supplement 5-hydroxytryptophan, better known as 5-HTP, is derived from the Griffonia simplicifolia plant. In the body, 5-HTP is a naturally occurring amino acid that serves as a direct precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating mood, appetite and sleep. For this reason, 5-HTP is often marketed for weight loss, insomnia and depressive disorders. Unlike the SSRIs, which only affect existing serotonin, 5-HTP is thought to increase the levels of the neurotransmitter in the brain, resulting in fewer symptoms like sadness and fatigue.
When taken as directed, 5-HTP is generally considered safe. Due to the risk of serotonin syndrome--a serious condition caused by excess serotonin--5-HTP should not be taken with other serotonin-affecting medicines or supplements. The average dose for treating depression is 50 to 100mg daily.
