Herbal Remedies for Depression

Herbal Remedy Regulation

There are many herbal remedies used by individuals to help alleviate symptoms of depression. Some have been studied more than others, and like all medications herbal remedies can have varying effects depending on the person.

Herbal remedies for the most part are not as standardized as prescription medications. The FDA works to regulate any item making a health claim but many feel that the FDA is not the best organization to regulate herbal remedies. The FDA has a long-standing habit of not siding with herbal remedies or else proclaiming herbs for health nothing more than quackery.

There are debates on both sides; those who think that the FDA should regulate herbs even more and those who think they should stay out of the herbal arena. The problem with the FDA regulating is that herbals are less studied (the FDA relies heavily on studies) and also this is not completely along the lines of traditional FDA expertise. However, herbal remedies should be standardized and regulated because like any drug, they can have nasty and even deadly side effects. Herbs can interact with other herbs and prescriptions.

As of now the best place to find up to date information on herbals for health and depression in particular is The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine (NCCAM). NCCAM is the lead agency in the U.S. as far as alternative medicine research goes. They’re part of a bigger National Institutes of Health (NIH) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NCCAM supports research, training, and consumer information and updates their news frequently. Beside your personal health care provider NCCAM is where you can go with questions about herbal remedies for depression. NCCAM does not offer referral to alternative health care providers but does offer a Q&A about the topic.

Successful Herbal Remedies for Depression

Following are some of the more commonly used herbal remedies that are known (or thought) to help treat depression.

• St. John's Wort: This is a herbal remedy that has been studied at length. St. John’s Wort is used by many to treat mental disorders, nerve pain, anxiety, sleep disorders, and depression. Some large studies report that St. John’s Wort may be useful for treating mild depression but acts as little more than a placebo for major depression. When mixed with antidepressants St. John’s Wort can increase the side effects of the antidepressant. St John’s Wort also has a multitude of side effects such as anxiety, sunlight sensitivity, dry mouth, dizziness, gastrointestinal symptoms, fatigue, headache, and sexual dysfunction.
• Ginger: Magnesium, calcium and phosphorus are found in large amounts in ginger and all three contribute to nerve transmission so it may well be a good treatment for depression. Many think so. Some people disagree though, because in too-large amounts ginger can suppress the central nervous system causing health issues.
• Lemon balm leaves: Lemon balm is thought to help people deal with stress and depression related to change; as in someone gets depressed because they move away from family, start a new job, have a baby, etc. For instance, lemon balm is often recommended for postpartum depression. It’s best when brewed as a tea and drunk twice daily for two weeks to a month. This tea is well flavored but strong and the flavor can be cut with honey, extra water, or milk.
• Gotu Kola: Gotu Kola is used to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis but it’s also known to help calm and increase concentration plus help with mental functioning. In some case people report it helping to suppress feelings of depression.

Other herbs thought by numerous herbal experts and natural medicine supporters to help treat depression include:

• Raspberry leaf
• Kava kava
• Skullcap – this one can be very dangerous though.
• Rosemary
• Sage
• Thyme
• Oat straw
• Clove
• Borage

There are many more remedies than those listed here as well. Many herbal remedies are mixed so while one herb alone may do little, a herbal mixture may be useful. All of the above herbs are noted in some way as useful with helping to relieve depression. Again though, how they help and the dangers involved can vary so don’t simply try them out before talking to your healthcare provider. Herbal remedies for depression may be exactly what you need but like any depression medication, you need to know the proper dosage and side effects before taking one.