Herbal Treatments For Depression

Depression is often times a symptom of another bigger ailment. Therefore, it is necessary to get to the source before treating the symptoms.  A study conducted revealed that a singe cup of coffee containing caffeine or cola can cause anxiety attacks in individuals that are susceptible.  Allergies and low blood sugar levels (hypoglycemia) are also probable causes of depression.  Some prescription drugs could also make you feel depressed. Better consult your doctor on some possible side effects of the prescription drugs you are taking.

Antidepressant prescription drugs work by keeping the neurotransmitter serotonin circulating in the brain. Some popular prescription drugs are: tricyclic drugs, MAO or monoamine oxidase inhibitors and serotonin uptake reinhibitors such as Prozac.  However, these conventional drugs have their herbal counterparts that are used to treat depression. Herbal treatments for depression include: Siberian ginseng, licorice and St. John’s wort.

St. John’s wort is one of the herbal treatments for depression that could treat those who are mildly to moderately depressed people.  Hypericin is a pigment that is the main ingredient of this herb. It was found effective in study conducted in Germany on depressed women.  The major advantage of this one of herbal treatments for depression is that it has minimal side effects and does not cause impairment to attention, concentration or reaction time.

Siberian ginseng is one of the herbal treatments for depression that contains compounds that have positive effects on adrenal glands.  Adrenal glands are found on top of the kidney and secrete hormones that fight stress.  Siberian ginseng as one of herbal treatments for depression helps boost the body’s ability to handle physical stresses, increase resistance to disease and overall energy levels.

Licorice is another of herbal treatments for depression.  Licorice improves the cortisol activity due to its glycyrrhizin component which increases energy, eases stress and rduces symptoms of ailments which are sensitive to cortisol levels. 

There are several herbs that can treat anxiety which usually accompanies depression. As a result, these herbs serve as herbal treatments for depression. 

Valerian is one of the herbal treatments for depression used in anxiety attacks due its ability to calm the central nervous system. Valerian combined with hops is more effective herbal treatments for depression.  Motherwort is one of the herbal treatments for depression symptoms especially anxiety because of its capacity to increase blood circulation in the brain. Capsules of GLA which is found in evening primrose, borage and black currant seed oils are also good herbal treatments for depression.