A Guide to Herbs for Depression

Many sufferers of depression prefer to use natural remedies instead of prescription drugs to treat their symptoms. Common symptoms of depression include sadness, anxiety, lack of interest in normal activities, a feeling of hopelessness, and an overall sense of despair. There are several herbs for depression that may offer relief of distressing symptoms. Before using the following herbs or any other remedies, consult with your physician.

St. John's Wort: St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is commonly used by herbalists and holistic healers for the treatment of depression. This plant bears yellow flowers and contains a substance that many believe can provide relief for various symptoms. Whether or not this herb can treat your depression may depend on the the cause, the severity of your symptoms, and your individual body chemistry. While St. John's Wort is commonly taken via capsule, it can also be found in various herbal tea blends.

Siberian Ginseng: Siberian Ginseng is another herb that is touted as a natural remedy for the symptoms of depression. It is also commonly used to boost memory, improve concentration and strengthen immunity. Although it is thought to increase energy, it can also potentially be effective in alleviating stress, insomnia and anxiety. The standard way to take ginseng is via capsule or tincture.

Passionflower: Passionflower belongs to the Passifloraceae family and sports bright, colorful blooms. It's thought that this flower helps alleviate symptoms like anxiety, tension, panic, insomnia and moodiness. It is often combined with other herbs for maximum effect. Like many herbal remedies, it is often found in capsule, tea or tincture.

Valerian: Valerian is a flowering perennial that is often used to treat insomnia, tension and anxiety. While the blooms of this hardy plant emit a strong floral scent, the oils that are extracted smell similar to aged milk or cheese -- not a pleasant aroma. This plant is normally taken in capsule, tea or tincture form. The strong odor is normally not noticeable in commercially prepared products.

As stated before, always consult with your doctor before using herbs for depression. Even though many herbs are considered safe, they can interact with certain other medications. And, they can cause problems for individuals with existing medical conditions. Although the use of herbs as medicine isn't quite mainstream, many doctors these days know enough about various herbal remedies to know whether or not they are safe for their patients to use. If you're still unsure after speaking with your doctor, consult a licensed herbalist or holistic healing professional for more information.

Copyright 2007 Jim Sterling - All Rights Reserved

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