Herbs Usage Article

Natural Treatments For Depression - The Six Most Often Mentioned Alternative Depression Remedies

"Natural treatments for depression are popular for many different reasons. What are the most often mentioned alternative depression treatments and how do they work? Let's explore these six often discussed treatments: St. John's wort - St. John's wort, is a small woody perennial that produces small yellow flowers which contain an oily red substance known as hypericin. The hypericin is the active ingredient in this medicinal herb. While St. John's has its detractors some research supports the assertion that St. Johns wort is as effective as certain antidepressant medications. This herb should not be used with prescription medications, even those not specially prescribed for depression such as birth control pills. SAM-e - S-adenosylmethionine or SAM-e is widely available and considered to be somewhat of a general health tonic. SAM-e is involved with the production of several neurotransmitters. The brain normally products all the SAM-e it needs from the amino acid methionine. When a person is depressed, the synthesis of SAM-e from methionine is interrupted or reduced. SAM-e has been found to increase the neurotransmitters that are low when people have depression. 5-HTP or 5-Hyroxy Tryptophan - We have all heard of tryptophan especially around certain holidays and 5-HTP is just the new and improved version of this old family favorite. Tryptophan in the body can be converted into 5-HTP, which is then converted in serotonin, a chemical massager (neurotransmitter) that seems to have a positive influence on mood. There has been some concern voiced by the FDA as to its safety and for this reason many experts suggest getting your serotonin boost from turkey or sunflower seeds. Omega-3 fatty acids - Omega-3 fatty acids play a role in the function of serotonin and dopamine (neurotransmitters) which are important in supporting and promoting healthy mood. These beneficial oils can be found in flax, seeds, soybeans, avocados, tofu, or fish or on the shelf of your favorite health food isle, in tablet or liquid form. Omega-3 fatty acids have many health benefits and can be taken in addition to most medications with the possible exception of blood thinners. Vitamins and minerals - How many times did our parents tell us to take our vitamins? Current research suggests that they were right for any number of reasons including the fact that lack of certain nutrients can indeed lead to depression. Now, if you don't have a vitamin deficiency loading up on vitamins isn't going to cure you. On the other hand if you do have a deficiency in B6, B12, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron, selenium, zinc, or sodium or any combination of the above this could in fact be the key to your depression. Passionflower - This herb was first used for anxiety and insomnia and recent research suggests that it may be as effective as benzodiazepine drugs in the treatment of anxiety. Almost all depressed people show some signs of anxiety and passionflower is widely used in herbal remedies for the condition. There seems to be wisdom in this idea not only because anxiety may make depression worse but because unbridled anxiety can in fact lead to depression. Additionally, if you are considering herbal remedies for depression there are a number of excellent options currently on the market. This natural  treatment approach has shown to be effective in cases of mild to moderate depression, especially when combined with cognitive behavior therapy."