Herbs Growing Victoria Article
Natural Treatments for Depression - How to Get the Best Natural Treatments for Depression
Natural is anything that is not artificial or had any preservatives or additives put into them. In the case of natural treatments for depression, plants and animals may provide substances that would positively affect the mood. Some examples of natural treatments would include herbs/herbal extracts, fish oils, and various parts of other plants are used to create supplements or teas. Let me explain.
Herbs are often used as natural remedies and as mood lifters and have been for centuries by Shaman and ancient tribes. Specifically regarding Depression, the herbs that are most commonly found in supplements or taken alone include St. John's Wort, Chamomile, 5-HTP, Evening Primrose, and Amoryn.
Let's take a brief look at each one.
St. John's Wort is one of the most well known natural depression treatments. In its best form it will contain 5% Hyperforin - the antidepressant compound that occurs in St. John's Wort. St. John's Wort can cause photosensitivity (light sensitivity) in very large doses. You should check with your pharmacist for any negative interactions that might occur with other medications you may already be taking.
Chamomile is also well known as a tea and usually taken to gently induce sleep. Boiled water is poured over dried chamomile flowers to make a sweet tea. Chamomile is known as a mild fever reducer. It has been known to increase your metabolism and elevate your mood.
5-HTP is also called Hydroxytryptophan, a natural amino acid that comes from the Griffonia Simplicifolia plant. When taken alone 5-HTP is taken in doses of 150 to 350 milligrams. When coupled with St. John's Wort the doses of 5-HTP is smaller, between 25 and 100 milligrams.
Evening Primrose is used in the treatment of PMS- premenstrual syndrome and the accompanying depression. It also may alleviate Gamma-linolenic Acid deficiency. It may take though, up to three months to elevate the body's supply to sufficient levels.
Amoryn is a combination of St. John's Wort and 5-HTP. Other vitamins and mood related nutrients are also found in Amoryn. Together these ingredients may provide some relief of depression symptoms.
Omega 3/DHA Esters is a highly concentrated form of fish oil. One of the best sources of quality fish oil can be harvested from the New Zealand Hoki fish that is found in the cold, southern ocean of New Zealand. Its waters are also known for their general purity. Omega 3 is essential fatty acids that are an important part of maintaining over all good health. They are formulated to relieve depression, anxiety, and stress as well as to improve nutrition. It also helps to support a healthy brain and nervous system. So the saying that fish is brain food is probably true to a certain extent.
Depression is hard to treat sometime because people often are afraid or ashamed to admit they feel so badly. Even though there is greater awareness of depression and how badly it can affect people, there is still a negative stigma attached to it or any other mental health problem. I would encourage anyone who may be depressed to seek help. Whether it's counseling, medication, supplemental treatments or a combination of any of those, it can make a great difference in the form of relief.
