Depression is a mental disorder that affects your thoughts, feelings, behavior, mood and lastly, your health. It’s normal to feel sad and gloomy as these are just part of our daily lives. But when these feelings hinder a person from doing his everyday activities, they are considered symptoms of a depressive disorder. There are different scientific types of depression but here are two of the most common of them: major depression, or dysthymia is the sad kind; and bipolar illness/manic-depression is when feeling depressed alternates with being hyper and most times, acting reckless. In the end, both create a big impact on the lives of people suffering from it.
Large drug companies are now racing to create safe drugs against this disorder. A few are already out in the market but most have adverse side effects. That is why most people are now looking into alternative medicines to battle depression. A lot of remedies out there like therapeutic exercises, certain diets and even herbs for depression and anxiety, are already available for us. Everyday, scientists discover more and more about these natural herbs for depression. Some could be brewed fresh, while others are processed and already take form in pills. Take for instance the following:
Siberian ginseng – this herb for depression balances the neurotransmitters (including serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine), which is important for the brain. Ginseng is believed to enhance abstract thinking and stimulate the immune system. People with diabetes may also benefit from it by regulating blood sugar levels.
Hypericum perforatum – or St. John’s Wort as it is commonly called, is a natural, inexpensive and easy to purchase supplement. Studies show that treatment with hypericin, an active compound in this herb, results in significant improvement in anxiety and depression. It also showed fewer side effects (symptoms include gastrointestinal complaints and fatigue) than western drugs and showed promise for the long-term treatment of moderate depression. It also improves sleep quality, which is often a major problem for people who are seriously depressed.
Piper Methysticum, also known as Kava Kava, is an herbal plant that grows in the Polynesian Islands. It has heart shaped leaves and flowers, similar to its relative, the black pepper plant. When ingested, it is believed that this plant is beneficial in countering the symptoms of stress, depression and anxiety. It is available in liquid form, as an extract or tincture, powdered form, or in tablet or capsule form.
Valerian Root – is believed to have been used since the time of ancient Rome, treating sleeping problems, nervousness, headaches and heart palpitations. It is a plant native to Europe and Asia, has trumpet-like flowers, and grows to up to four feet high. Even though little research has been done to support the effectiveness of the herb, reports from people who take the supplement indicate reduced nervous tension and stress, promotes feelings of calmness and helps them with insomnia associated with depression.
Fo-Ti-Tieng – better known as Ho Shou Wu, is native to central and southern China. When consumed, these Chinese herbs for depression are believed to energize the brain, nerves, and endocrine glands. Also a popular tonic herb in China, it is considered one of the country’s great 4 herbal tonics.
Ginkgo Biloba – It is a powerful anti-depressant and antioxidant that is said to be helpful in relieving depression on people who suffer reduced blood flow to the brain. It increases blood flow to the different parts of the body, especially the brain thus, improving memory, cardiovascular health and is said to alleviate symptoms of Alzheimer’s disease. The leaves are believed to contain compounds that thin blood and help blood vessels therefore, could enhance blood flow.
Depression is treatable, what with the many herbs for depression available today. We just have to deal with it right away to prevent its full course from taking its toll on us.
