Herbs for Depression

Depression is usually characterized by a sense of hopelessness and despair. It sometimes manifests as extreme sadness.

It is important to remember that depression is a symptom, not a cause of imbalance and to look for the underlying factors.

What are your symptoms trying to tell you?

Are you experiencing a lack of sleep?

Hormonal or chemical imbalance?

Lack of love?

Lack of light?

Are your adrenals exhausted?

Have you or are you experiencing life-altering events or a great loss?

As we ask ourselves these questions we get an idea of what kind of support we need to seek.

The isolation that often accompanies depression can make it challenging to take the first step in finding help, but once we do it can make all the difference in the world.

Symptoms of Depression Can Include:

~Irritability

~Prolonged saddened moods

~Inability to sleep

or

~Desire to sleep all the time

~Constant fatigue not due to physical condition

~Constant feeling of anxiousness, guilt or unworthiness

~Marked decrease or increase in appetite

~Difficulty concentrating

~Prolonged crying spells

~Suicidal thoughts

The following herbs have been used traditionally to treat mild to moderate cases:

ST. JOHN'S WORT Used when there is also feelings of exhaustion & tension.

LEMON BALM Tea or tincture used during times of nervous and upset stomach. Used to calm nerves in periods of accute anxiety.

KAVA Used for anxiety and sleeplessness.

GINKGO This herb is often used successfully with the elderly.

Cautions: Some herbs are contraindicated for use with antidepressant drugs. Click on individual links for more information about specific herbs.

Read about a wonderful depression remedy here.

Beneficial Nutrients

Low levels of the B vitamins and vitamin C have been associated with depression.

Calcium and magnesium have a soothing effect on the nerves and can be particularly helpful when sleep is disrupted.

All aid in the brain's production of neurotransmitters and may enhance the effectiveness of antidepressant medications.

Considerations

~Get plenty of exercise. (This may be the best natural antidepressant.)

~Avoid tobacco, excessive caffeine, and alcohol.

~Seek counseling. Many current therapeutic techniques can help break the cycle of depressive behavior

~Always seek help for extreme cases, especially when accompanied by suicidal thoughts.

Go Back from Herbal Remedies for Depression to Common Ailments Index