Herbs have been used to treat depression for thousands of years, but how do they hold up in comparison to modern antidepressants? The answer is, very well. Studies have shown that some herbs are as effective as antidepressants, with far fewer side effects. We review 5 of the best natural herbs for depression.
St John’s Wort for Depression
St. John’s Wort has been used to treat depression, anxiety and insomnia since ancient Greek times. Today, it is probably the most popular herbal remedy for depression, as well as being the most widely researched. One analysis of 29 different clinical trials with more than 5000 patients found that St John’s Wort is as effective as antidepressants, with fewer side effects.
Some commonly reported effects of St. John’s Wort include reduction or elimination of depression and anxiety, better sleep, clearer thinking, reduction in PMS symptoms and a better outlook on life.
It is thought that St. John’s Wort works by increasing the levels of 3 different brain chemicals involved in depression and anxiety – serotonin, dopamine and noradrenalin.
The standard dosage is 300 mg taken 3 times a day with meals.
If you are taking antidepressants, warfarin, the contraceptive pill, anticonvulsants, or medications for HIV, heart conditions, transplants or migraines, you should check with your physician before taking St. John’s Wort.
Rhodiola for Depression
Rhodiola is an Ayurvedic herb used for depression, anxiety and fatigue. While it hasn’t been as well studied as some of the St. John’s Wort, pilot studies have shown that it improves physical and mental performance and may reduce fatigue. If anything, I have read even more rave reviews of Rhodiola than of St. John’s Wort.
Some of the most commonly reported effects of rhodiola are reduction or elimination of depression, improved energy and motivation, decreased anxiety, better concentration, decreased brain fog, improved sleep and a reduction in food cravings. Probably the most commonly reported effect is a major boost in energy and motivation.
Rhodiola is thought to have an effect on 3 different brain chemicals involved in depression and anxiety – serotonin, dopamine and beta-endorphins.
A typical dosage is 100 mg taken once or twice a day, in the morning and early in the afternoon. This may be increased to 200 mg taken three times a day if needed.
If you are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (a class of antidepressants that includes Marplan, Nardil, Parnate, Manerix and Emsam), you should check with your physician before taking Rhodiola.
Holy Basil for Depression
Holy Basil is an Ayurvedic herb used for stress relief and elevating the spirit. It is considered to be one of the most powerful herbs in Indian medicine and is believed to balance the chakras (energy centers) of the body.
The most commonly reported effects of holy basil are decreased anxiety and an improved ability to deal with stress. It has also been reported to improve concentration and described as a “happiness pill”.
Holy Basil is an adaptogen, which means it improves the body’s ability to adapt to stress. Studies have shown that it reduces the levels of the stress hormone cortisol. While it can boost the mood, it seems to be most effective when anxiety is the predominant symptom.
Typical dosages range from 300 mg to 1800 mg per day, taken with meals.
Kava Kava for Depression
Kava Kava is a herb from the Western Pacific used for relaxation and promoting a cheerful mood. Unlike many herbs used for relaxation, Kava Kava doesn’t make you sleepy or interfere with mental clarity – in fact it has been reported to improve concentration. It can also be used to treat social anxiety.
Kava Kava boosts levels of GABA, a brain chemical that calms you down by switching off the “fight or flight” response. Several studies have shown that Kava Kava is as effective as benzodiazepines (a class of medicine that enhances GABA effects and is used for anxiety and insomnia), with far fewer side effects.
A typical dosage is 45-70 mg of kavalactones (the active ingredient in Kava) taken 3 times a day. Use a product that only contains kava kava root, as the leaves and bark may have toxic compounds in them.
Mucuna for Depression
Mucuna is an Ayurvedic herb used for depression, low libido and Parkinson’s disease. It contains high levels of L-Dopa, which is used by the body to make dopamine, a neurotransmitter that helps you feel alert, motivated and energized.
Users of mucuna commonly report improvements in mood, energy, motivation and libido.
A typical dosage is 100 – 200 mg of L-Dopa (the most active ingredient), taken 30 minutes before breakfast. Check the label for the amount of L-Dopa in the supplement, as different supplements contain different percentages of L-Dopa. It is generally recommended to take mucuna in the morning as it may interfere with sleep if taken later in the day.
Perhaps one of the best ways to choose a herb for depression is to read reviews written by people with depression. Check out these reviews at Iherb by clicking on the link and scrolling down until you get to reviews.
239 reviews on Rhodiola (one of the best reviewed natural herbs for depression)
One more tip – if you haven’t already done so, take these 13 depression tests to find and treat the underlying cause of your depression. Knowing what’s causing your depression will help you choose the best herbs for your type of depression.
Have you tried using herbs for depression? Let us know about your experiences
[...] a good option and decaffeinated coffee (after a brief transitional period) works for me too! …The 5 Best Herbs for Depression : Natural Remedies for Depressionwww.gethelpfordepression.info11/25/11Find the best natural herbs for your depression. Studies have [...]
I like SAMe for depression, plus it helps my joints. I usually get mine at iherb, from the brand Source Naturals