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Natural Remedies For Depression
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Depression is a medical condition that is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. Those who suffer from depression are frequently unable to enjoy the things they normally would, and often just don't have the energy to take part in any of the activities they once found fulfilling.
There are many prescription antidepressants such as Prozac, Wellbutrin, Zoloft, and Paxil available through your doctor which work to restore seratonin to normal levels, however these can have quite a litany of side effects such as weight gain, nausea, anxiety, insomnia, headaches, loss of appetite, sexual side effects, and in some cases even more serious symptoms. For this reason, many people are now looking to herbs and other natural remedies for depression. Herbal remedies for depression are also attractive because they can often be less expensive. That being said, be sure to consult your doctor before trying an herbal remedy because he or she may be able to provide important information regarding dosage, effectiveness, and possible interactions with other medications. Here are some natural remedies for depression that some people claim to be beneficial, but keep in mind that the author of this article is by no means clinically qualified to ascertain their effectiveness.
St. John’s Wort: This plant has been used for millennia in folk medicine to remedy conditions such as sadness, worry, nervousness, and poor sleep. It is the most commonly applied herbal treatment for depression. This herbal supplement has been indicated in over 20 clinical studies to be equally effective when it comes to treating mild to moderate depression as some of the commonly prescribed antidepressant medications, with fewer side effects. For example, one study published in Germany found a 70% response rate among 97 patients who received 100-120 mg of St. John's wort extract. The researchers stated that, "Treatment resulted in an appreciable improvement in the symptoms of depression, and the 70% response rate corresponded to that of chemical antidepressants. The substances were extremely well tolerated, and no side effects were reported by any of the patients." (Fortschritte der Medizin, vol. 113, p. 408)
St. John's wort, (Hypericum perforatum) enhances levels of two neurotransmitters, serotonin and norepinephrine, thus countering depression. St. John's wort also increases melatonin levels, which helps seasonal affective disorder and related depression. The plant is native to Germany, where it has been used for over 40 years to treat depression. Because it has very few mild side effects, it is now one of the most widely prescribed herbs for depression in Germany. Figures show it to be prescribed more than twenty times as frequently as Valium or Prozac.
The plant is plain in appearance with little yellow flowers that, when properly dried and prepared, are used for the various applications of St. John’s Wort. The herb is available in tablets, capsules, liquid extract, oil and tea. It usually takes a few weeks before feeling the effects of this natural remedy for depression.
Mild side effects may include dizziness, dry mouth, headache, upset stomach, and fatigue. St. John's wort also increases sensitivity to light, so extra caution should be taken to protect skin and eyes from sunlight.
Another natural remedy for mild depression is Targeted Amino Acid Therapy, or TAAT, which is designed to address neurotransmitter deficiencies or imbalances. It is effective because certain depressions are associated with imbalances in the brain chemicals that are made up of amino acids. Neurotransmitters are synthesized from various amino acid precursors. For instance, Serotonin is synthesized from 5-HTP, and oral doses of 5-HTP have been shown to significantly elevate serotonin levels.
A non-invasive neurotransmitter lab test is done to measure your neurotransmitter and hormone levels. This test will determine which neurotransmitter levels are too high or to low. If an imbalance is found, targeted amino acid therapy can help restore the balance thus helping to reduce or eliminate the symptoms of anxiety or depression. The treatment uses a combination of specific amino acids, vitamins, and minerals to increase your body’s natural production of neurotransmitters.
TAAT treatment involves taking supplements of the amino acid needed to make the brain chemical that is deficient. There are four types of amino acids known to make brain chemicals. They are SAM-e, 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan), L-Tryptophan and L-Carnitine. 5-HTP and L-Tryptophan are used to produce serotonin. SAM-e is involved in the process by which the body makes brain chemicals (methylation) and is involved in the production of serotonin. L-Carnitine has also been shown to relieve depression. TAAT may be used alone or in conjunction with other therapies your practitioner may prescribe.
SAMe: S-Adenosyl Methionine is an amino acid which maintains healthy neurotransmitter processes in the brain. It occurs naturally in our bodies and is believed to increase levels of neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. Increasing the amount of SAMe helps to increase the amount of serotonin, dopamine, and phosphatides and to improve the receptive abilities. Several studies have found SAM-e is more effective than a placebo. SAM-e is available as an over-the-counter supplement and is a popular remedy for depression and osteoarthritis as it promotes healthy joint function and comfort, boosts mood and emotional well-being. Side effects can include nausea and constipation.
5HTP: This amino acid (5-hydroxytryptophan) is a precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin can be taken to supplement serotonin levels. Serotonin is one of the strongest neurotransmitters in the brain and is involved in mood regulation, sleep, and appetite control. As clinically depressed patients are frequently low in serotonin, a boost in 5HTP is known to be effective in combating depression symptoms. Made from the seeds of the Griffonia Simplicifolia plant, 5-HTP has been shown to be as effective as many prescription drugs in some clinical studies. This natural antidepressant is been known to bring relief from depression or anxiety in people who have tried various other prescription and natural alternatives without success. 5- HTP has an excellent safety record although mild side effects have occasionally been reported including nausea, constipation, heartburn, gas, drowsiness, and decreased sexual desire.
Gingko Biloba: Gingko Biloba is one of the oldest medicinal herbs. It is a powerful antioxidant that can relieve symptoms of depression, anxiety, memory loss and lethargy by increasing blood flow to the brain. It can improve circulation as well as mental health in general.
Ginseng: Ginseng is an adaptogen which helps the body adapt to various conditions. It has been used for centuries to improve abstract thinking, stimulate the body’s immune system and deal with stress.
Skullcap: A natural antidepressant that helps with depression and provides relief from headaches and fatigue as well.
Passion Flower: The Passion Flower plant contains the monoflavonoid Chrysin and other flavonoids which have a sedative effect on the brain. It is an effective herbal remedy for depression by easing tension, anxiety, restlessness, worry and stress.
Damiana: This herb has a calming effect and is helpful with mild depression and anxiety because it fosters relaxation.
Kava kava: Kava (Piper methysticum) is a natural remedy for depression. Kava kava is used mainly for the anxiousness associated with depression because it calms a person and helps them fall asleep and have a more restful sleep, and elicits a feeling of general well-being and contentment. Many studies have shown Kava to be effective for depression without side effects.
Oat Straw: This herb can be helpful in the treatment of depression because it sustains and strengthens the central nervous system..
Basil: Basil helps to relieve the stress and fatigue which can contribute to depression and anxiety.
Ginger: Ginger can be remarkably useful for treating depression and anxiety as it possesses high quality anti-depressant properties.
Lemon Balm: Lemon balm, used as an herbal tea, helps relieve tension and stress and has been found to ease depression.
Minerals: A number of studies have found that people who consume balanced amounts of minerals such as zinc, magnesium and potassium can lower the occurrance of depression.
Piperine: Piperine is a natural antidepressant and serotonin enhancer. It is an alkaloid found in black pepper and similar plants.
Rhodiola: Rhodiola (roseroot) has anti-stress and anti-anxiety properties and can be used to treat depression.
Black cohosh: This herbal remedy shows promise because it calms the nerves, encouraging sleep and increasing daytime energy levels.
Valerian root: It acts as a sedative. It calms the nerves, reduces headaches, and helps depression related insomnia sufferers get sleep.
Omega-3: Studies have linked depression with low dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids. In countries with higher fish consumption, such as Japan and Taiwan, the depression rate is 10 times lower than in North American. Studies also suggest that omega-3's together with antidepressants may be more effective than antidepressants alone. The best way to get Omega 3s is to eat fresh fish (e.g. salmon, sardines) or you can take Omega3 supplements (e.g. capsules, oil).
These are some of the various herbal and natural remedies for depression that may offer a safer yet effective alternative to the commonly prescribed medications. Because depression is such a serious condition, it is always best to take these alternatives after consulting your doctor about their viability and appropriateness to your particular case. Along with these herbal remedies, appropriate diet, exercise and change in lifestyle can work together to help a person in overcoming their feelings of anxiety and depression.
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