Natural Herbs for Depression

Here is a list of herbs for depression and natural anti depressants. These herbal remedies and herbal treatments for depression may help you deal, overcome or provide relief from feeling depressed.

Natural Anti Depressants and Herbs for Depression

1. St John's wort is known as a mood support herb and is a natural anti depressant. It has been used as a natural cure for depression for centuries. Studies showed that St John's wort extract is able to balance the serotonin level in the brain. Besides its use in dealing with depression, St John's wort is widely used as a remedy for anxiety, menopause and PMS or premenstrual syndrome.
   
   
   

   

   
   
2. The constituents in passion flower are able to raise the gamma aminobutyric acid or GABA in the brain. Several factors can cause a drop in GABA level. A low level can contribute to depression. Passion flower is used as one of the home remedies for depression as it helps promotes relaxation and may help treat insomnia.
   
   
   
3. Ginseng is a natural adaptogen. It is one of the herbs that helps in calming the nervous system and also may help in preventing depression if taken after facing a stressful situation.
   
   
   
4. African griffonia bean extract is another herb that has the potential to treat depression. One of its benefits is in increasing the level of 5-hydroxytryptophan or 5-HTP in the brain which then converts into serotonin. Serotonin is required to modulate mood, emotion, sleep and appetite.
   
   
   
5. Valerian has shown to increase the amount of GABA in the brain. Taking valerian may help in controlling nerve cells and provide a calming effect.
   
   
   
6. Some studies indicate that black cohosh acts as an SSRI or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and because of this, it is used as one of the herbs for depression and anxiety disorder. Pharmaceutical SSRIs are known to produce adverse side effects such as erectile dysfunction.
   
   
   
7. Lavender is a natural sleep aid because of its sedative effect. It may also help soothe and calm nervous tension. The best way to use lavender to deal with depression is to inhale its fragrance by diffusing lavender oil.

Other herbs that have the abilities to stimulate or increase serotonin levels include dong quai or angelica sinensis, hops flowers, kava kava and rhodiola rosea.

These herbs for depression are available as herbal supplements, aromatherapy oils, tinctures, herbal teas and dried herbs. Choose whichever suits you. If you choose to take them as herbal supplements for depression, talk with your doctor first especially if you are taking prescription medication.

You can read about the causes of depression, the common signs of depression and alternative treatments for depression by clicking on the home remedies for depression page.

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