Natural Remedies For Depression

Depression is a tough diagnosis to treat. However there are many effective treatments. what treatments are available for depression (click through the next post) can ease symptoms, and psychotherapy -also known as "talk therapy" -- is also an important component of treatment.

Some herbal supplements may also help. St. John's Wort, an herb not FDA-approved for treating depression can help improve symptoms in a few people. This herb can interact with birth control pills, heart drugs and drugs that can prevent rejection of organs following the transplant.

Saffron

Saffron is best antidepressant for treatment resistant depression known for its role in adding color to foods, but it also acts as an effective mood enhancer. It is a rich source of compounds, including crocetin and crocins which have antioxidant and radical-scavenging properties which help protect against harmful free radicals. These can cause chronic diseases, such as depression.

Some of the research on the effects of saffron on depression are mixed. In one study, adults suffering from depression were randomly assigned to undergo a six-week saffron treatment or a placebo. They were then evaluated with a depression questionnaire as well as an anxiety questionnaire. The people who took the saffron reported less anxiety and postnatal depression treatment than those who didn't.

Other studies haven't found the same results. The article from the year 2019 mentioned above reveals that many studies that found positive results used small samples, brief-term follow-ups and were conducted in Iran where the researchers had financial relationships with saffron producers. This raises suspicions that the Iranian researchers could be exaggerating the benefits of saffron for depression.

It's possible that saffron may have antidepressant effects due to its action on the brain to boost serotonin levels. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that aids in improving mood and improve relaxation. It is believed that saffron hinders synaptic serotonin uptake which helps to keep the chemical in the body.

In a different study, women who were suffering from premenstrual symptoms were offered either saffron extract or an inactive placebo for a period of two months. The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Premenstrual Daily Symptoms questionnaire were used to evaluate the women. People who took saffron extract experienced significant improvement in their PMS symptoms and were better at coping with stress than those taking the placebo.

There's a lot of interest in saffron for depression, but we need to conduct larger, more long-term clinical trials before it can be considered an option for treatment. Likewise, it's important to talk to your doctor before taking any supplements to your diet for depression, especially those that aren't approved by the FDA. They may interact with certain medications or cause serious side effects.

5-HTP

5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is an amino acid that the body converts into serotonin, a neurotransmitter that sends signals between nerve cells. Serotonin levels are low and related to anxiety and depression as well as sleep disorders and fibromyalgia, among other health problems. Research has proven that 5-HTP supplements can raise serotonin levels and improve mood for some people. More research is needed to determine the effectiveness of this supplement in treating depression.

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

In a variety of studies it has been demonstrated that 5-HTP is as effective as antidepressant medication in treating depression. Some of these studies are flawed, for instance the small sample size and short duration. Some of the studies employed SSRIs, which could affect the effectiveness of 5-HTP.

5-HTP can be beneficial for a wide range of health conditions, including fibromyalgia, chronic headaches and weight loss. It has been shown to improve sleeping habits and reduce fatigue in patients with fibromyalgia. It also has a calming affect and reduce anxiety in some people. Studies have also revealed that 5-HTP may increase the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels, a neurotransmitter that can aid in reducing anxiety and boost feelings of calmness.

Some studies suggest that 5-HTP could aid in treating other conditions that are a result of low serotonin levels, like tension headaches and migraines. It has also been found to boost melatonin production which is crucial for a healthy sleep pattern. A few studies suggest that 100 mg of 5-HTP a day can help ease fibromyalgia stiffness, pain and mood.

Anyone who is considering taking 5-HTP should discuss it with a doctor prior to taking it. This is particularly important for people taking SSRI or MAOI medications because 5-HTP can interact with these medications and cause dangerous adverse effects. Additionally, high doses of 5-HTP could cause nausea in certain people.

Kava

Kava is a traditional medicinal herb that comes from the Pacific Islands. It has been extensively used as a drink for ceremonies and a medicine. It acts similar to alcohol in calming the mind and relaxing muscles, but it doesn't have the side negative effects of many prescription drugs. The plant's active compound, kavalactone, alters the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) pathway in the brain, causing anxiolytic and antidepressant effects. Research has shown that it is a viable option for treating general anxiety disorder (GAD) as well as stress and without the "hangover" effects of traditional sedatives.

It has also been found to have a range of other health benefits, like boosting dopamine levels and alleviating symptoms of chronic pain and fibromyalgia. It also reduces blood pressure, reduces stress hormones and enhances the immune system. Kava can be consumed in the form of capsules, tablets or tinctures. Kava can be added to drinks like tea and other beverages. It is a good idea to talk with your doctor before attempting any herbal supplements. The FDA doesn't regulate dietary supplements, so they don't have to undergo the same rigorous clinical tests as prescription drugs. This could expose consumers to a myriad of risks, such as liver damage.

Kava should be avoided by those with heart, lung or liver problems. It can aggravate these ailments. People with pre-existing mental health problems should avoid kava because it can cause dilated pupils, eyes that are red and irritated, as well as decreased muscle control (ataxia). Kava can be harmful when used in conjunction with other psychoactive substances like alcohol or prescription drugs. It is also not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing mothers.

Kava is a naturally occurring substance. Although there's no evidence to suggest that it is addictive however the risk of liver injury cannot be eliminated. Those who are concerned about liver damage must speak with their physician prior to beginning a kava regimen. There is still a need for more research to pinpoint the risks that could make kava unsafe however for the majority of patients it's a good choice when used under medical supervision.

St. John's wort

St. John's Wort (Hypericum Perforatum) may help mild to moderate depression. Certain studies suggest that it can boost your mood by altering the way your body processes certain chemicals, such as serotonin. It also appears to work with a type antidepressant referred to as selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. They are the most popular medications used to treat depression. It might not be effective for those suffering from severe depression, however. It is important to speak with a physician prior to taking St. John's wort, because it can interact with some medications in potentially dangerous ways.

In a 12-week study, St. John's Wort was as effective as standard antidepressants in reducing the symptoms of mild depression. In another study, a combination of with St. John's wort with citalopram (an SSRI) was as effective in treating depression as the placebo. This research was supported by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).

There's not much research on the long-term use of St. John's wort, however, some studies suggest it has benefits when taken for several weeks or months. You can purchase it as a dry herb in tablets or capsules or in tea. It may take 3 to 6 weeks before you feel the effects. St. John's Wort can interact with many medications including antibiotics and birth-control pills. It can also affect how your body metabolizes certain medications, including sedatives and narcotics, which could lead to serious side effects if they're combined.

You should not try to treat depression by yourself. Instead, seek the advice of a medical professional. If you're considering natural remedies to treat depression, it's best to visit a naturopath, or integrative medicine specialist who can assist you in making an informed choice. They can also suggest alternative healthcare options that do not require prescription medications. If required, they will refer you to a specialist. You can locate a naturopath or integrative healthcare provider in the Mayo Clinic directory.