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Overview of Herbs for Depression

There have been many herbs that have been touted to help with depression. The greatest amount of research on herbs for depression has been performed on St. John’s Wort. Many studies are finding that St. John’s Wort is one of the best herbs for depression. Other herbs for depression include Valerian root, Damiana and Ginseng. Valerian root may help to alleviate the insomnia that often accompanies depression. Damiana can reduce sexual dysfunction that is a common byproduct of anti depression medications. Ginseng is said to resist stress.

Of all the herbs, St. John’s Wort may be as effective as some anti depression medications – particularly tricyclic antidepressants, yet it has fewer side effects. Herbs for depression are not without their side effects, and St. John’s Wort is no exception. Some people report that they are sensitive to the sunlight and experience gastrointestinal complaints and fatigue when they have taken St. John’s Wort. Individuals who do opt to take St. John’s Wort herbs for depression should not take it if they are already on anti depressants. Combining the two can be very dangerous.

By far, St. John’s Wort is the most popular of all herbs for depression. St. John’s Wort is actually a weed and it has been used for years in various cultures to treat melancholy. Its active ingredient is hypericin. One reason that St. John’s Wort is so popular today is that it is widely available and it does not have the irritating side effects of most anti depression medications. It is effective for most people and you do not need a prescription to obtain it. Many people are laying aside their anti depression medication and replacing it with St. John’s Wort.

It should be noted that herbs for depression should not be looked at as a cure all. It generally only works for individuals who are suffering from mild depression. People who are suffering from major depression may find little or no relief from St. John’s Wort. These individuals are encouraged to continue with their prescription medication. In addition, individuals should never discontinue any medication without consulting their doctor first. So, if you are thinking about switching from your anti depression medication to take herbs for depression, you should talk it over with your doctor first.

Using herbs for depression is purely a personal decision. There are many herbs for depression. While St. John’s Wort is the most common, if you are truly interested in herbs for depression you should investigate them to learn more. There are some herbalists that can sit down with you, discuss your history, background, physical health, personality, depression symptoms, bad habits and more and pinpoint herbs that would work well for you. Finding out things such as where your depression stems from is one angle that herbalists take when matching patients with herbs for depression. Herbalists try to pinpoint if depression is a product of self, family ties, drug history, biology, worldview or other areas.

There are many alternative treatments for depression and other physical and mental problems. When you visit the doctor you will not be told about them. It is up to you to do the research yourself if you would like to know more. However, you should always keep your doctor in the loop if you try an alternative medicine or herbs for depression.