Herbal Supplements For Depression - 
Home Remedies for Depression

Herbal supplements for depression abound, there are many choices and possibilities! The main thing is to figure out the best depression herbs for you.

In treating depression naturally, before starting to use an herbal treatment for depression talk to your doctor and tell him or her your plans. If you are on medication, it is essential to follow your doctors advice and reduce it very slowly over time as you begin taking herbs for depression.

The first thing to do is to find out if you are deficient in certain nutrients.

A deficiency in any of these can result in depression. Supplements and changes in diet can help.

• Calcium
• Magnesium
• Vitamin D
• Iron
• Iodine
• Germanium and Selenium
• All the B vitamins, especially B1, B6, B9 and B12
• Protein: A lack of protein can greatly affect the brain. It will create up and downs and depression.

What about fish oil and depression?

Essential fatty acids found in fish oil are known to help alleviate depression and those who eat a diet rich in essential fatty acid foods experience depression less often than those who lack it.

There's also a link between lecithin and EFAs. Lecithin surrounds and protects the myelin sheath of the nerves and nourishes the brain. Foods that are high in lecithin include egg yolks, fish, cauliflower, cabbage and soy beans. Keep the yolks runny with poached or soft boiled eggs as this has a negligible effect on cholesterol.

Our body can only manufacture lecithin if foods high in essential fatty acids are present. Salmon, sardines, mackerel, raw nuts and seeds contain EFAs but an Omega 3 supplement is necessary to get enough.

Book an online consultation with a certified Naturopath to help you determine your own particular needs.

Herbal treatments for depression

Here are a few of the most common herbal supplements for depression:

St Johns Wort

Is most effective as a natural treatment for depression that is associated with anxiety, nervous depression, for those that cry easily. It works in the same way that antidepressants do, except there is no dependency created and no toxicity.

It is not for major depression or for bipolar disorder. It takes about 2 weeks to work. St Johns Wort should be taken with meals and never at the same time as prescription antidepressants. Allow 2 to 3 hours in between.

Contraindications of St John's Wort:

Do not go in the sun while taking it.
Do not take it while taking:

• Decongestants
• Bronchodilators
• Medication for high blood pressure
• Weight loss medication
• Amino acid supplements
• The birth control pill

Do not take with:

• Strong cheese
• Alcohol
• Coffee
• Chocolate
• Cold cuts, smoked meat, etc

Siberian Ginseng

This tonic has been used for 4000 years in China. It helps when people are close to burn out, feeling tired, the adrenal glands are weak. It reinforces the nervous system and the glands.

Contraindications of Siberian Ginseng:
Do not take if you have high blood pressure Not during pregnancy Take preferably in the morning on an empty stomach Do not take at the same time as taking Vitamin C, take at least 2 hours apart Take for one month then stop, then take for 1 more month. Repeat a few times and take a break. Tonics should not be taken long term.

Gotu Kola

This is another tonic that helps us adapt to stress. It helps us gain strength to face challenges. It nourishes the brain and nervous system giving us a feeling of being more intelligent. It is good for burnout, mental exhaustion. it is rich in B vitamins and minerals, essential for the nervous system. Unlike siberian ginseng, gotu kola is safe with those who have high blood pressure.

Contraindications of Gotu Kola: 
Do not take it if taking Ginkgo biloba.

Aromatherapy for depression:

Try smelling different essential oils and see which ones you like the best. These will be the ones that are good for you. You can smell them on a regular basis or put them in a diffuser.

Essential oils that are good to inhale for depression:

• Camomille
• Orange
• Ylang ylang
• Lavender
• Marjoram
• Rose
• Lemon balm

Bach Flower Remedies for depression:

Back flower essences are wonderful natural remedies for depression. As a naturopath I often use Bach Flower Remedies for various emotional challenges for myself and many of my clients. One of my clients used to ask me to make up another bottle of her "happy drops." You can buy them at the health food store. They also work wonders for children and animals.

Fill up a small 1 ounce glass bottle with pure water and add in a two drops of one or more essences. Bach Flowers work in a similar manner to homeopathy, in a very diluted amount. Take 4 drops 4 times per day until you finish the bottle, which will take about 2 weeks. This is an easy way to use herbal supplements for depression.

• Mustard - For unexplainable gloom. For the sudden onset of gloom or deep sadness for no known reason. As if a dark cloud eliminated all light and joy.
• Gentian - For discouragement - For those who are easily discouraged. For doubt and despondency caused by small setbacks to daily progress. For ups and downs
• Gorse - For hopelessness. When it seems that nothing more can be done and there is not hope of relief.
• Elm - when feeling overwhelmed. For feelings of inadequacy or despondency arising from a sense of being overwhelmed by the responsibility one is facing.
• Hornbeam - For mental Weariness. When temporary tiredness causes lack of interest and a hard time facing the burden of the day.
• Star of Bethlehem - For shock, trauma. For the great distress brought about by trauma. For the mental emotional shock brought about by accidents, bad news , losing someone close to you.

As you can see there are many possible herbal supplements for depression. Natural remedies are safe and easy to use. If this article was helpful you may also enjoy

Natural Treatments for Depression.