Native Remedies
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Herbs have been used to treat depression for centuries – long before the pharmaceutical drug industry was born.
I have listed the most prevalent herbs for depression below.
If you know of any depression herbs that I’m missing that are not listed here please let me know and I’ll be happy to validate and include them.
Depression Herbs Listed Alphabetically:
Ashwaganda: Ashwaganda has been used in India for thousands of years in ayurvedic (ancient) medicine as a depression and anxiety remedy. University and medical researchers have been studying Ashwaganda since at least the early 1960s.
Chemical analysis shows that Ashwaganda contains compounds thought to have anti-stress properties. Ashwaganda works by suppressing dopamine receptors in the brain. It helps the body adapt to stress by both calming and rebuilding the nervous system.
Further, it helps stimulate respiratory function and smooth muscle relaxations. Ashwaganda also has immune supportive properties and helps support the thyroid gland.
Balm: A member of the mint family, this herb also is known as Melissa. Use the leaves and tops when they are fresh and: green rather than dried. A balm tea will stimulate your brain, relieving that apathetic, lethargic feeling.
Basil: Many people believe that fresh basil leaves added to salads can help lift depression.
Borage: Borage is a natural and effective antidepressant. It is also rich in potassium. Juice from borage leaves and blossoms exerts a specific stimulating effect on the glandular system, which helps to overcome the “blue” feeling. Use the leaves and seeds to alleviate sadness, pensiveness, and melancholy.
Suggested as a remedy for melancholy, it stimulates, energizes and renews a zest for life. The young leaves can also be used to make a refreshing salad.
Damiana: This herb stimulates the nervous system and helps to improve the mood.
Folic Acid: Folic acid is an important member of the B Vitamin family and is required along with the others when the body is dealing with anxiety and panic. Research suggests that folic acid may help relieve depression, which is often associated with anxiety and panic.
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA): GABA was discovered in 1950, is the most important and widespread inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. Excitation in the brain must be balanced with inhibition. Too much excitation can lead to depression, anxiety, restlessness, irritability, insomnia, and even seizures. GABA is able to induce relaxation and suppress depression and anxiety.
Ginger: In addition to its uplifting flavor, there are other good reasons to take ginger along with any other antidepressant herbs that you are taking. Ginger has a long folk history of use for treating anxiety and depression.
Ginkgo (Ginkgo Biloba): Ginkgo is found to be useful in relieving depression, especially in the elderly who suffer reduced blood flow to the brain, according to results form clinical trials.
Ginkgo biloba improves cerebral circulation, improving memory and often benefiting depression. Ginkgo can be taken along with other herbs and nutrients to bolster one’s overall mood.
5-Hydroxy Tryptophan (5 HTP): 5-Hydroxy Tryptophan is another naturally occurring amino acid and precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin and an intermediate in tryptophan metabolism.
Serotonin is a key brain chemical that helps establish feelings of calm and well-being. Extensive research has linked serotonin imbalance with depression and anxiety disorders, and proven tryptophan supplementation to be an effective remedy for symptoms associated with these disorders.
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Kava Kava(Piper Methysticum): This herb has a long history of use in reducing anxiety, but is relatively new in the treatment of anxiety-related depression. Several European countries have approved kava for the treatment of insomnia, nervous disorders and depression. In the U.S., kava preparations are available as dietary supplements.
L-Theanine: L-Theanine is an amino acid commonly found it tea. Because it can enter the brain, it has psychoactive properties. L-Theanine has been shown to reduce mental and physical stress and may produce feelings of relaxation – without drowsiness.
L-Theanine is thought to produce these effects by stimulating the brain’s production of alpha waves, which make you feel relaxed but alert and not drowsy. L-theanine also helps you stay relaxed by stimulating your body to produce other calming amino acids, such as dopamine, GABA, and tryptophan.
L-Theanine reduces stress, anxiety, and depression without the tranquilizing effects found in many other calming supplements.
The Japanese use an extract form of L-Theanine to relax; they consume foods or chewing gums that have L-theanine added, which are marketed to calm jitters, or take it as a dietary supplement. The supplement has recently begun to appear in American stores.
L-Tyrosine: L-Tyrosine is a nonessential amino acid [protein building block]. L-Tyrosine helps form three important neurotransmitters: dopamine, ephrine, and serotonin. These neurotransmitters are responsible for functions like memory, mood, appetite, and muscular coordination. Clinical studies have shown that L-Tyrosine supplements help with depression, anxiety, and heighten the mood in just a matter of a few weeks. It also helps fight fatigue and irritability.
Research shows L-Tyrosine is most effect when combined with other mood-improving nutrients.
Rhodiola Rosea: Rhodiola Rosea is very effective for improving mood and alleviating depression symptoms. Russian research shows that it improves both physical and mental performance, reduces fatigue, and even prevents high altitude sickness.
Rhodiola rosea’s effects are attributed to its ability to optimize serotonin and dopamine levels.
St. John’s Wort (Hypericum Perforatum): Without a doubt St. John’s Wort is the most widely used and recognized herbal depression treatment. It has a long history of folk use for treating depression. The flowers of this herb make an infusion that is effective in relieving sadness and melancholy.
Clinical studies show that treatment with just one of the active compounds in this herb, hypericin, results in significant improvement in anxiety, depression and feelings of worthlessness.
Studies also show that St. John’s Wort improves sleep quality, often a major problem for people who are seriously depressed. In one study, German researchers gave St. John’s Wort to 105 people with moderate depression. Compared with a similar group not receiving the herb, they slept better and exhibited less sadness, helplessness, hopelessness, exhaustion and headache. They also reported no side effects.
Vinpocetine: Vinpocetine is a nutritional supplement derived from the periwinkle plant. It has only recently become available in the U.S. through food, drug and mass market retailers as a nutritional supplement. The supplement is already very much in use in Europe, where physicians believe it is far more effective than other supplements — such as ginkgo biloba — used for memory and brain function. Vinpocetine actually contains many of the same cerebral-enhancing effects as ginkgo biloba, but has been shown to be more effective in much shorter time.
Vinpocetine has been extensively studied in Europe. These clinical studies have found it to provide several advantages for the human brain, including memory enhancement, increased cognitive performance, improved cerebral circulation and higher mental acuity and awareness.
Vitamin B6: Vitamin B6 helps the body to manufacture brain chemicals (neurotransmitters), such as Serotonin, essential for the body to cope with depression and anxiety. Vitamin B6 may also help boost the immune system.
Vitamin B12: Vitamin B12 helps the body to cope with depression and anxiety because it works in concert with other B vitamins. B12 supports the nervous system and assists the body in converting food into energy.
photo by: h. koppdelaney
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[...] The most commonly used herb used for depression treatment is St. John’s Wort. However there are dozens of other herbs for depression that also work very well. For a comprehensive list of these depression herbs please visit this page: herbs for depression. [...]
5-htp is the best supplement i’ve used for anxiety and depression.