Natural Remedies For Depression

Depression is a challenging diagnosis to treat. However there are a variety of effective treatments. Treatments can ease symptoms, and psychotherapy -- or "talk therapy" -- is also an important element of treatment.

Some herbal supplements can also aid. For example, St. John's wort is an herb that's FDA-approved to treat depression, can help improve symptoms in certain people. It can interact with birth control pills, heart medications and drugs that prevent rejection of organs following a transplant.

Saffron

Saffron's main purpose is to add color to food however it also serves as a mood booster. It contains a number of compounds, such as Crocins and crocetins that contain antioxidants and radical scavenging properties which protect against harmful free radicals that could contribute to chronic illnesses like depression.

The research that's been done on depression and saffron is mixed however, some of the results are promising. In one study, people suffering from depression were randomized to take either saffron, or placebo for six weeks. After that, they were assessed with a questionnaire for anxiety and depression. Saffron users had less depression and anxiety than those who didn't.

However, other studies have failed to find the similar impact. In fact, the review article cited above points out that many of the studies that showed benefits used small samples and brief follow-ups and a majority were done in Iran where the researchers have financial ties to manufacturers of saffron. This raises suspicions that the Iranian researchers might be exaggerating the benefits of saffron for depression.

It's possible that saffron may have antidepressant properties because it increases serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter which helps improve mood and promote relaxation. It is believed that saffron inhibits serotonin synaptic uptake which helps medication to treat anxiety and depression keep the chemical in the body.

In a separate study women who had premenstrual symptoms received either saffron or an inactive-control for two months. The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Premenstrual Daily Symptoms questionnaire were used to assess the women. People who took the saffron extract experienced significant improvement in their PMS symptoms and were more in coping with stress than those who used the placebo.

There's lots of interest in saffron for depression treatment goals, but we need to conduct larger, more long-term clinical studies before it is considered a best treatment for severe depression. It's also important to talk to your doctor prior to taking any dietary supplements for depression, particularly those that aren't endorsed by the FDA. They may cause serious adverse reactions or interact with certain medications.

5-HTP

5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is an amino acid that the body converts into serotonin, a neurotransmitter that sends signals between nerve cells. Low levels of serotonin have been associated with anxiety, depression and sleep disorders, fibromyalgia and a variety of other health problems. Research has proven that 5-HTP supplements can raise serotonin levels and improve mood for some people. However further research is required to determine the effectiveness of this supplement is in treating depression.

Tryptophan is a component of bananas, milk cheese, yogurt and bananas. It is also sold as a supplement to dietary intake over-the-counter. The body converts tryptophan to serotonin. This stimulates brain chemicals that regulate mood, appetite and sleep patterns.

Several studies have shown that 5-HTP as a treatment for depression may be as effective as antidepressant drugs. However some of these studies have flaws, such as small sample sizes and shorter durations. A few of the studies utilized SSRIs that can hinder the effectiveness of 5-HTP.

5-HTP is beneficial for a variety of health conditions, including chronic headaches and fibromyalgia. It can also aid in weight loss. It has been shown to improve sleep patterns and reduce fatigue in people suffering from fibromyalgia. It also has an calming effect and reduce anxiety in some people. Studies have also reported that 5-HTP could increase the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels which is a neurotransmitter, which can aid in reducing anxiety and boost feelings of calmness.

Some studies suggest that 5-HTP may aid in treating other conditions that are associated with low serotonin such as migraines or tension headaches. It has also been shown to boost melatonin production which is essential for healthy sleep patterns. Some research also suggests that taking 100 mg of 5-HTP per day may help relieve fibromyalgia stiffness and pain, as well as mood.

Before taking 5-HTP, individuals should consult their doctor. This is especially important for those who are taking SSRI or MAOI medications since 5-HTP could interact with these medications and trigger dangerous adverse effects. Some people also experience nausea while taking large doses of 5HTP.

Kava

Kava, a plant from the Pacific Islands, has been utilized as a healing herb and ceremonial drink for many years. It works like alcohol in calming the mind and relaxing muscles, however it doesn't have the side effects that come with many pharmaceutical drugs. The plant's active compound, kavalactone, alters the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) pathway in the brain, causing anxiolytic and antidepressant effects. Studies have demonstrated that it why is cbt used in the treatment of depression a viable option for treating general anxiety disorder (GAD), stress, and without the "hangover" effect of some conventional sedatives.

It has been proven to provide numerous health benefits. These include boosting dopamine and alleviating the symptoms of chronic pain or fibromyalgia. It also reduces stress hormones, reduces blood pressure and boosts the immune system. Kava can be consumed in the form of capsules, tablets or tinctures. Kava can also be added into teas or other beverages. It is recommended to consult with your physician before taking any herbal supplements. The FDA does not regulate supplements for dietary use and therefore they don't need to go through the same rigorous clinical testing as prescription drugs. This can leave consumers vulnerable to a variety of risks, such as liver damage.

People with pre-existing heart, lung or liver ailments should avoid Kava. It can aggravate these ailments. People who have pre-existing mental health problems should be wary of kava as it may cause eyes that are red and irritated, as well as decreased muscle control (ataxia). Kava can be dangerous when it is combined with other psychoactive substances like alcohol or prescription medications. It is also not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing mothers.

Kava is naturally occurring substance that occurs naturally. While there is no evidence to suggest that it is addictive but the risk of injury to the liver cannot be completely eliminated. Anyone who is concerned about liver damage should speak with their doctor prior to starting the kava program. More research is required to discover the causes that can make kava unsafe, but it is generally safe for the majority of patients when used under medical supervision.

St. John's Wort

St. John's Wort (Hypericum Perforatum) may be able to help people suffering from mild to moderate depression. Some research shows that it can boost your mood by affecting how your body utilizes certain chemicals, including serotonin. It also seems to be effective with a specific type of Best antidepressant For treatment resistant depression called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. They are the most frequently prescribed medications for treating depression. However, it might not be as effective on people with severe forms of depression. It is important to speak with a doctor before taking St. John's Wort, since it can interact with certain drugs in dangerous ways.

In one 12-week clinical trial, St. John's wort was just as effective as an antidepressant in decreasing symptoms of mild depression. In a separate study the combination of St. John's wort and citalopram, an SSRI was as effective as a placebo in treating depression. This research was funded by the National Institute of Mental Health.

St. John's Wort has been less studied over a long period of time However, some studies have demonstrated that it is beneficial if taken for several weeks or months. You can purchase it in dry form, either in capsules or tablets, or in tea. It can take 3 to 6 weeks before you feel the effects. St. John's Wort can interact with many medications such as birth control pills and antibiotics. It may also alter the way your body processes certain drugs, such as sedatives and opioids, which can cause serious side effects when combined.

You should not try to treat depression by yourself. Instead, you should consult with a medical professional. If you're considering natural remedies for depression, you should visit a naturopath, or integrative medicine specialist who can assist you in making an informed decision. They can also recommend alternative methods of healthcare that don't require prescription medications. If needed, they may refer you to an expert. You will find a naturopath as well as an integrative healthcare provider in the Mayo Clinic directory.