Herbal Treatment for Depression - Herbs for Relief

Are you seeking an herbal treatment for depression? If so, there are some herbs for depression relief which may help.

Certain herbs have been found to be extremely effective in elevating the moods of persons suffering from depression. At the same time, they help to increase the levels of serotonin in the human brain.

While the exact mechanism outlining the effects of these herbs on brain chemistry has not been established, people who have been treated with certain herbs have found such depression herbal remedies to be effective and beneficial.

Two main herbs that help overcome depression are St. John’s wort, or hypericum perforatum, and ginkgo, or ginkgo biloba. Both herbs have been found to bring about a balance and change in moods over a period of time, helping many depressed persons to feel better.

In addition to the above, there are some other herbs, such as passion flower or passiflora incarnate, holy basil, licorice or glycyrrhiza glabra, rosemary, thyme, and yohimbine, which have proven to be effective as herbal treatment for depression.

Certainly, St. John's wort is the most popular herbal treatment for depression, and it is sold as a licensed medication for depression in Germany and some European countries. It is mostly used to treat people suffering from mild-to-moderate depression and sleep disorders.

Studies indicate that St. John’s wort works as a reuptake inhibitor for the various neurotransmitters responsible for regulating moods - these include serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. St. John's wort contains some very complex chemical constituents, and two of these, namely hypericin and pseudohypericin, are responsible for the antidepressant and antiviral properties for which the herb is most popular for.

The hypericin present in St. John’s wort is noted to have certain monoamine oxidase inhibiting properties, which is the principle mechanism on which modern antidepressants work.

Another herbal remedy that is found to be effective in treating depression is ginkgo biloba extracts. Ginkgo biloba extracts contain antioxidants which destroy free radicals and decrease the negative effects of free radicals on the serotonin receptor sites. Thus, the possible imbalance in serotonin levels is checked, and elderly persons who are prone to depression due to concentration of free radicals can use this as an effective treatment method. A dosage of 40 to 200 mg of ginkgo biloba capsules is recommended for healthy people. For maximum benefits of ginkgo, one should continue to take the recommended dosage for at least twelve weeks.

In addition to the above, regular intake of herbal teas which are made of thyme, rosemary, sage, etc, could be useful as herbal treatment for depression - these herbs have a very positive effect on elevating moods and making people feel relaxed and de-stressed. Making a habit of taking herbal tea on a regular basis will not only work as a detoxifying agent, but also help relax one's mind and body.

Useful Depression Resources