Herbal Remedies for Depression
A number of herbal remedies are used to treat depression. Although many of these herbal remedies have been used for centuries, few are presently supported by extensive medical research. Two of the best-known remedies for depression are St. John’s Wort and omega-3 fatty acids.
Herbal Remedies for Depression: St. John’s Wort
St. John’s Wort (also known as Hypericum perforatum, Klamath weed or goat weed) has been used for centuries to treat depression. The medicinal properties of this flowering plant were first noted in ancient Greece. Researchers are not entirely clear on how this herb affects depression, but studies seem to suggest that it acts upon the neurotransmitters serotonin and norepinephrine in a manner similar to antidepressant drugs.
As with conventional depression medication, herbal remedies for depression can have unwanted side effects. The side effects of St. John’s Wort are fairly mild, and include:
- Fatigue
- Increased sensitivity to the sun
- Itching and/or skin rash
- Trouble sleeping
- Upset stomach.
St. John’s Wort is the most popular of all the herbal remedies for depression. In some European countries, it’s actually favored over conventional depression medication. In the United States, however, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not yet approved the use of St. John’s Wort.
In February 2000, the FDA issued a public health advisory warning of the risk of drug interactions between St. John’s Wort and a number of other drugs. This particular herb has been shown to increase manic episodes in some individuals with bipolar disorder and should not be used as treatment for this disorder.
Herbal Remedies for Depression: Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Studies have shown that omega-3 fatty acids may support healthy brain function and development. According psychiatrists at the Mayo Clinic, some studies suggest that omega-3 fatty acids may be as effective as conventional depression medication. More research is needed to confirm these results and to determine the precise role that omega-3 fatty acids play in the treatment of depression.
Omega-3 fatty acid supplements are readily available at most drugstores. Other excellent sources are:
- Canola oil
- Cold water fish (e.g., salmon, mackerel, and tuna)
- Fish oil supplements
- Flaxseed and flaxseed oil
- Pumpkin seeds
- Soybeans
- Walnuts.
Taking omega-3 fatty acids can produce some mild side effects, including:
- Nosebleeds
- Loose stool
- Upset stomach.
They may act as a blood thinner and are, therefore, potentially dangerous for people who are taking blood-thinning medication.
A Final Word about Herbal Remedies for Depression
In the US, very few doctors recommend using herbal remedies for depression as a stand-alone alternative to conventional medical care. Rather, herbal remedies can be part of a multidimensional treatment plan. Consult with your physician before you begin taking any supplements or herbal remedies for depression to avoid negative interactions with your depression medication or any other medications you are taking.
Resources
Hall-Flavin, D. K. (2008). Is there any benefit to taking fish oil supplements for depression? Retrieved May 19, 2010, from the Mayo Clinic website: www.mayoclinic.com/health/fish-oil-supplements/AN01399.
Lumpkin, M. M., & Alpert, S. (2000). FDA public health advisory: Risk of drug interactions with St. John’s Wort and Indinavir and other drugs. Retrieved May 19, 2010, from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration website: www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PublicHealthAdvisories/ucm052238.htm.
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2010). Depression: Alternative medicine. Retrieved May 19, 2010, from the Mayo Clinic website: www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression/DS00175/DSECTION=alternative-medicine.
Melin, G. J. (2009). Blog: Alternative medicine treatments for depression. Retrieved May 19, 2010, from the Mayo Clinic website: www.mayoclinic.com/health/alternative-medicine-depression/MY00669.
National Institutes of Health. (n.d.). St. John’s Wort. Retrieved May 19, 2010, from the National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine website: nccam.nih.gov/health/stjohnswort/ataglance.htm.
Nemade, R., Staats Reiss, N., & Dombeck, M. (2007). Major depression and other unipolar depressions. Retrieved May 5, 2010, from the MentalHealth.net Web site: www.mentalhelp.net/poc/view_doc.php?type=doc&id=438&cn=5.