Herbs For Depression
Many herbs for depression are available on the Internet, but only a few have actually been proven to effectively relieve depression. Most of the medicinal herbs marketed for depression have not been studied at all, and even those claiming to be “scientifically proven” are often supported by just one or two poorly designed studies.
Rosemary-Sage Tea
Boil two cups of water with one teaspoon each of rosemary and sage. Steep for five minutes, strain, and drink daily.
Antidepressant Tincture
1 teaspoon tincture of Saint-John’s-wort leaf
½ teaspoon tinctures of licorice root, ginseng root, lemon balm leaf and ashwaganda leaf (if available)
Combine ingredients (if you do not or cannot drink alcohol, buy glycerites instead of tinctures). Take 1 dropperful 3 times a day.
Ginkgo
Ginkgo, Ginkgo biloba has also demonstated good antidepressant effects, especially in patients over the age of fifty. (And keep in mind that ginkgo also acts as a blood thinner so it may or may not be appropriate for you.)
The following studies of this depression herb again used an extract - 24% standardized ginkgo flavonglycosides and 6% terpenoids.
SAMe - S-adenosylmethionine (SAM-E) is an amino acid that is used in the treatment of depression. SAMe is an essential amino acid required to maintain healthy neurotransmitter processes in the brain. People suffering from depression often have deficient quantities of certain brain chemicals. SAMe works fast to increase these levels and improve these deficient factors with little or no side effects.
5HTP - 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is an amino acid that is the intermediate step between tryptophan and the important brain chemical serotonin, a strong neurotransmitter in the brain. It specifically targets symptoms caused by low seratonin levels such as feeling down, changes in sleep patterns, etc. 5HTP has also been successful as a weight loss aid by suppressing the appetite.
Licorice
Licorice has been known for a long time as an effective herbal treatment fro colds, but recently recorded results have shown impressive results in the treatment of depression. Licorice is a natural anti-depressant which contains eight monoamine oxidase inhibitors.
This herb is taken either as a capsule or can be drunk as a tea. There is one cautionary rider to the use of Licorice. If taken in too large a dose or over a lengthy period, there may be side effects like increased blood pressure, headaches and lethargy.
Benefits of herbal medicine
People who search for alternative and safer treatment for depression use herbs because of the many benefits herbal medicine offers. The beauty of herbs is that they don’t cause more health problems than they cure. But you still have to be sure that you take the right herbs to treat your condition. It is also greatly important to take the correct among of your herbs and to do so with right intervals. And how will you know what herbs you need? The only way is to check with doctor herbs for depression is best for you.
It is not recommended to use any herbal medicine just because you saw an ad for it, or your friends say it helped them, because herbal medicine should only be used when needed. Remember your depression won’t go away, if the herbs are not taken properly. You will only waste your money and time.
