Herbs for depression

According to the U.S. National Institute of Mental Health, depression affects nearly 19 million Americans every year. Luckily, advancement in medical research have shown that alternative treatments like herbs for depression are effective and can minimize the harmful effects that such an ailment can inflict on people. Herbs for depression can be taken in liquid like tea or in dosages like pills with most of them being cheaper than the traditional medications.

Below is a list of common herbs for depression that are available in the market today:

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra)

Licorice is known as a powerful antidepressant, though continuous ingestion of large amounts can cause headache, lethargy, sodium and water retention, excessive potassium loss, and high blood pressure.

St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

The use of St. John's Wort to treat depression has been around for a long time, even before scientific studies have proven its effectiveness. The flowers of this herb have infusions that can relieve feelings of sadness and melancholy. Also, St. John's Wort has been shown to improve the quality of sleep of depressed people. St. John's Wort is at times preferred over drug medications as it has very little side effects and can be more potent in treating depression.

Gingko (Gingko biloba)

Another popular herbs for depression, gingko can relieve depression especially for elders who suffer from reduced blood flow to their brains. Clinical trials have found that gingko improves cerebral circulation which, in turn, improves memory that can combat depression.

Siberian Ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus)

Siberian ginseng has been proven to balance some of the brain's important neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine.

Balm
Balm belongs to the mint family, and is also known as melissa. The use of this herb can stimulate the brain that can eventually get rid of lethargy.

Black hellebore
Also known as christmas rose, the black hellebore may be effective with mania and melancholy. But when ingested in large amounts, it can be poisonous.

Borage
An effective natural antidepressant, borage has a stimulating effect to the glandular system which can alleviate sadness, pensiveness, and melancholy.

Damiana
The damiana can stimulate the nervous system that can result to improvement of one's mood.

Fo-ti-tieng
Studied extensively in France, the fo-ti-tieng is very rejuvenating. It can energize the brain, nerves, and endocrine glands.

Ginger
Like the St. John's Wort, ginger also has a long history of treating depression and anxiety.

Kava kava
When taken in excessive amounts, the kava kava can cause drowsiness. But when taken in moderation, these herbs for depression can ease mental anguish and anxiety.

Oat straw
Because it is high in silica, the oat straw can strengthen the nervous system.

Purslane (Portulaca oleracea)
The purslane is rich in magnesium and potassium, which are two minerals that have been proven to contain antidepressant effects.

Sage
Like the balm, the sage also belongs to the mint family and can calm jittery nerves. Sage was also used during ancient times for cosmetic purposes.

Thyme
Also a mint family member, the thyme can be mixed with other foods and can ward off feelings of melancholy.

Yohimbine
Also known to be used to treat male impotence as well as encourage male sexual stimulant, the yohimbine can improve the overall effect of antidepressants. However, some individuals may have heightened anxiety or uncomfortable cardiac stimulation when using it.

IMPORTANT: Buy herbs for depression only from pharmaceutical GMP-compliant manufacturers.

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