Herbal Remedies for Depression

Natural and herbal remedies for depression were the treatments of choice long before the introduction of SSRI antidepressants. A new study seems to indicate that the popularity of the antidepressant drugs may be largely due to public misinformation.

Other research shows that natural remedies for depression may be just as, or even more effective, than the popular drugs.

Despite the research that shows the efficacy of natural herbs, there are, worldwide, approximately 40 million people that take Prozac. In the United States alone, 23.1 million prescriptions for the drug were filled in 2006 and Prozac is only one of the many different antidepressant drugs on the market. 29 million were filled for Zoloft, 21 million for Wellbutrin and 17 million for Effexor.

In short, there is no question that these drugs are popular.

The important question is: do they work? And are there safer alternatives available?

In 2008, a study conducted by researchers in the United Kingdom concluded that prescription antidepressants were only beneficial in those who are severely depressed. In moderately depressed people, which comprise the majority of cases, natural remedies for depression worked just as well.

However, in my opinion, to make a blanket statement such as "natural remedies are effective for depression" is problematic.

This is because it is more difficult to judge the effectiveness of natural, botanical and herbal remedies for depression simply because there are so many of them. What works for one person may not work for another, because there is no single cause of depression and we are all biologically and chemically unique and thereby respond to substances differently.

Which is why you need to consider seeing an expert like a master herbalist or a naturopathic physician who can understand your uniqueness and "prescribe" the right herbs or natural remedies for you -- and in the right dosage.

Drug company advertisements claim that depression is caused by a chemical imbalance or a lack of serotonin in the brain. Most recommendations concerning herbal remedies for depression are also based on the chemical imbalance theory.

The media often presents the theory as absolute fact, which has caused many people to misunderstand the multi-faceted nature of the condition. Researchers recently requested that reporters provide evidence supporting their statements concerning the cause of depression.

While several reporters, psychiatrists and one drug company responded to their requests, none were able to provide documentation supporting their statements. The research concerning the chemical imbalance theory was conducted in the sixties and only observational studies have been conducted since then.

Of course, attributing depression to a seemingly single cause like "chemical imbalance" makes it easier for the drug companies to sell their pharmaceuticals, which is why they cling to the notion.

The reality is, unsurprisingly, it's usually a combination of factors that contribute to depression, factors that vary from individual to individual. Thus, individual treatment plans that may include natural remedies for depression are more likely to be effective.

Tryptophan and 5-HTP are serotonin precursors. In other words, the body uses them to create serotonin. The amino acids l-tyrosine and l-phenylalanine are needed by the body to create other chemicals (norepinephrine and PEA) that seem to be lacking in depressed individuals.

Depression is sometimes a symptom of -- or exacerbated by -- an unhealthy diet. The vitamins B-6 or 12, C, folic acid and the mineral magnesium are often effective natural remedies for depression.

Dietary changes may be effective. Small frequent meals that are low in sugar and refined carbohydrates may help improve energy levels throughout the day.

Ginseng and ginkgo biloba are sometimes recommended as herbal remedies for depression for the same reason. They boost energy levels. They also seem to improve immune system function. A poorly functioning immune system characterized by frequent colds and minor infections often accompanies depression. Usually, it is unclear which came first, the depression or the sluggish immune system.

Regular physical activity can relieve the symptoms of depression, so can meditation and in some cases, prayer. Counseling and support groups are other options. This is by no means an exhaustive list of the natural remedies for depression. These are just examples of what a Naturopathic Doctor might recommend.

Self-treatment with herbal remedies for depression is a common practice, but if you or someone that you love suffers from depression, you should know that you may need help and that help is available.

Prescription drugs don’t always work, neither do the most popular herbal remedies for depression, but there are many other options. A qualified Naturopathic Doctor can help take a multi-faceted approach to improving your spirits and your health.

As a Naturopathic Doctor myself, it is my passion to meet my clients one-on-one to help them improve their health through education. I currently practice in East Lansing, MI and Ann Arbor, MI.

Please contact me below if you are interested in my services and I will contact you back ASAP.

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