Medicinal Herbs for Depression


















Choose effective herbs for depression...

If you are suffering from depression, did you know that some of the most effective treatments are actually the medicinal herbs for depression.

These work just as well as conventional treatments, but without the nasty side effects...

For mild to moderate depression, conventional antidepressants may not be your only option.

Conventional antidepressants are very effective for some people, but do tend to have some pretty nasty side effects. (Find out more about the symptoms and treatments for depression.)

Medicinal herbs for depression can actually be just as effective as conventional antidepressants, and are far more gentle on the body.

Do consult your doctor if you want to use natural remedies for depression, instead of, or alongside, antidepressants.

Some herbs for depression do not mix at all well with conventional treatments – although the transition can sometimes be made very gradually, with your doctor’s advice and assistance.

Above all, do not stop your depression medication, except on your doctor’s advice.

Lifestyle and diet changes can actually do a great deal to help with mild to moderate depression. And there are plenty of other holistic remedies for depression to try as well….

Some of the most effective natural remedies for depression are the medicinal herbs for depression:

I have tried to source good quality and affordable supplies of the herbs for depression on this page.

Just click on any product to find out more information about it...

Always remember to consult your healthcare provider before taking any decisions regarding your health.

St John’s Wort
Oats
Vervain
Ginkgo Biloba
5-HTP
SAM-e
Bitter Herbs
Rosemary Tea with Valerian
Homeopathic Treatments

More Recommended Products

St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

herbs for depression st john's wort
  • St John’s Wort has got to be ’the’ herb for depression. Loads of studies have verified its effectiveness for depression, and it is officially recognised for use against depression in Germany.
  • St John’s Wort works as well as, if not better than, conventional antidepressants. It is effective for around 70% of mild to moderate cases of depression.
  • It doesn’t have the hideous side effects of conventional antidepressants either.
  • St John’s Wort is often called ’the sunshine herb’. It is particularly good for treating SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder).
  • It can also help to treat insomnia, and restore normal sleep patterns.
  • The usual recommended dose to treat depression is 3 x 300mg of St John’s Wort per day (at a standardised dose of 0.3% hypericin) in capsules. You can also use the tincture.
  • The tea (made from dried St John’s Wort) is not thought to be effective against depression.
  • St John’s Wort normally takes at least 2 weeks to work (the same as conventional antidepressants), although may take 2 – 3 months, on occasions.
  • I regularly take St John’s Wort to lift my mood - especially in the dark days of winter – and find it extremely effective for this, and for balancing my sleep patterns.
  • Caution:
    • Do not take if you are pregnant or breastfeeding
    • Do not take with conventional antidepressants, oral contraceptives, L-dopa or melatonin
    • May interact with alcohol or any drugs taken
    • May cause sensitivity to the sun, mild stomach upset, rashes, restlessness, and even insomnia, in some

    Try these capsules: (click below for more info)...

    St. John’s Wort
    St. John’s Wort (International Shipping)

Return to the list of herbs to treat depression.

Oats

  • As well as eating oats as part of your normal diet, oats can be used as medicinal herbs for depression.
  • Oats are very good if your depression is associated with anxiety, stress or fatigue.
  • It is actually the oat seeds which are used medicinally to treat depression.
  • Buy the tincture, or use the oat seeds to make an antidepressant tea:
    • Choose pale green or yellow seeds
    • Use 1 teaspoon of seeds in a cupful of hot water
    • Steep for 10 minutes
    • Strain and drink up to 3 cups per day.

    Try this tincture: (click below for more info)...

    Avena Sativa (Wild Oats) Extract 1,000mg
    Avena Sativa (Wild Oats) Extract 1,000mg (International Shipping)

Return to the list of herbs to treat depression.

Vervain (Verbena officinalis)

Return to the list of herbs to treat depression.

Ginkgo Biloba

herbs for depression ginkgo biloba
  • Ginkgo Biloba is a really useful herb. It is frequently used for illnesses of the cardiovascular system and nervous system.
  • It helps to increase blood flow and blood supply all around the body, and to the brain and all the nerves.
  • Ginkgo Biloba is really good at improving memory and concentration, so it is especially good if depression comes with these problems.
  • Ginkgo Biloba is especially recommended for:
    • depression in older people
    • depression associated with stroke or nervous disorders
  • Capsules or tincture are ideal
  • Caution:
    • Do not use if pregnant or breastfeeding
    • Do not use if you have a clotting disorder
    • Do not take with warfarin or anticoagulant drugs
    • Do not take with MAOI’s (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors)
    • May cause headaches or stomach upsets in some people

    Try these: (click below for more info)...

    Capsules:

    Ginkgo Biloba 120 mg
    Ginkgo Biloba 120 mg (International Shipping)

    Tincture:

    Liquid Ginkgo Biloba
    Liquid Ginkgo Biloba (International Shipping)

Return to the list of herbs to treat depression.

5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan)

  • 5-HTP is a substance which occurs naturally in the body. In the body, this substance is used to make serotonin, which helps to regulate mood.
  • 5-HTP has become quite popular now, to treat depression – especially depression associated with:
    • anxiety
    • panic attacks
    • insomnia
    • interrupted sleep
  • 5-HTP is best taken in capsule form.
  • Although 5-HTP is very popular, and reported to work well, it is still a very new holistic remedy, so is very much still considered as ‘experimental’. Do exercise a level of caution, if you decide to use this, instead of the more traditional herbs for depression.
  • Caution:
    • High doses of 5-HTP (over 1000mg per day) should only be taken under your doctor’s supervision
    • Do not take with antidepressants, weightloss drugs, L-dopa, barbiturates, antihistamines, cold medications, antibiotics, alcohol or drugs, or chemotherapy
    • Do not take without the consent of your doctor if you suffer from any illness or condition
    • May cause vomiting, diarrhea, digestive problems, drowsiness and lowered sex drive

    Try this: (click below for more info)...

    5 HTP Xtra Strength 200mg  (200mg, 60 medium capsules)
    5 HTP Xtra Strength 200mg (200mg, 60 medium capsules) (International Shipping)

Return to the list of herbs to treat depression.



SAM-e (pronounced ‘Sammy’) (S-adenosylmethionine)

herbs for depression depressed man
  • This is a substance that does occur naturally in the body, and is produced by all living cells.

    It is used by the body in connection with hormones and chemicals such as serotonin, melatonin, dopamine and adrenaline (which all help to control mood).

    It is thought that this is how it helps to beat depression.

  • SAM-e has been tested and trialled, and found to be effective against depression, but with less side effects than conventional treatments.

    It is still, however, considered an experimental treatment. So do exercise caution when using it.

  • Interestingly, SAM-e also has reported benefits for arthritis sufferers - significantly reducing swelling and pain.
  • Capsules are the best option. Try to take ‘enteric coated’ capsules, that protect the tablet from harmful stomach acids (SAM-e is not absorbed into the body until it reaches the intestine).
  • Caution:
    • Do not take on an empty stomach
    • May cause nausea, heartburn, insomnia, headache, anxiety, rash, blood sugar problems
    • Do not use if you have Parkinson’s disease
    • Only use under your doctor’s supervision if you have anxiety or psychiatric problems.

    Try these capsules: (click below for more info)...

    SAM-e by Source Naturals 400mg (400mg, 30 tablets)
    SAM-e by Source Naturals 400mg (400mg, 30 tablets) (International Shipping)

Return to the list of herbs to treat depression.

Bitters

Return to the list of herbs to treat depression.

Antidepressant Tea

Return to the list of herbs to treat depression.

Homeopathic Treatments

  • Although not strictly herbs for depression, homeopathic treatments can be very effective remedies.
  • For depression, it is best to consult a qualified homeopathic practitioner who can advise on the best remedy for your particular case.
  • For very mild, short lived bouts of depression, some of the following may be suitable:

    • Arsenicum album: For short lived depression, associated with anxiety, restlessness and sleeping difficulties
    • Ignatia: to help immediately after an emotional upset, or traumatic life event
    • Natrum mur.: for more long lasting, emotional upset

Return to the list of herbs to treat depression.

So, there is quite a collection of medicinal herbs for depression to choose from, all of them really effective treatments.

More Recommended Products

Try these safe and effective products and herbs for depression. They are all natural blends of herbal and homeopathic treatments, to help lift your mood and raise your spirits:

Get more info on Melancholy Lift - Homeopathic remedy temporarily relieves feelings of melancholy; sadness; grief and weepiness

Get More Info on MindSoothe for for Depression, Insomnia, OCD and Anxiety

Get More Information on Triple Complex Mood Tonic Tissue Salts

There are also other holistic depression natural remedies, which can also help with your recovery…

And a little attention to your general diet and lifestyle as natural remedies for depression will also reap great benefits.

Don’t try to cope with depression on your own. Even if you wish to try natural remedies for depression (which I whole heartedly recommend) you should still do it with the guidance of your usual doctor or healthcare provider.

Always get prompt professional help, or call emergency services, or visit A&E if you feel at all suicidal.

Return to the main page for a natural remedy for depression – understanding treatments and symptoms.

What works for you?

Do you have any tips and experiences in using herbs for depression, to share? Tell us about your experiences...

Return to the main page for Holistic Remedies for Mind and Mood

Return from this herbs for depression page to the Home Page.

Top of Page



Search my site for a word or phrase...

Custom Search



AddThis Social Bookmark Button

Page copy protected against web site content infringement by Copyscape



footer for herbs for depression page