Like millions of other people all over the world, I have suffered from depression for many years of my life.
And like many people who suffer from depression, I didn’t really like the idea of taking powerful pharmaceutical drugs to treat it.
So, I have always been searching for ways to help depression that don’t necessarily rely on using heavy duty drugs.
What I have written in this article is a really, really short overview of some of the many natural treatments that have been used for depression.
If your depression is mild, then natural methods can work.
If you have a serious depression, and that means a state of sadness or emptiness that goes on and on, and bleeds all the joy out of your life, until you feel that life is empty and meaningless, then some professional treatment can be helpful, or even necessary to overcome it.
Remedies from the Health Food Store
Is there anything you can get in a health food store that might help with depression? Yes, maybe, if your depression is in the mild to moderate range of severity. A more severe or long-term depression should be treated by a qualified professional.
If you are already taking prescription anti-depressants, do not also take any natural remedies at the same time without first consulting your doctor!
In some cases, there can be dangerous interactions. Just because something is natural does not mean it is always safe for everybody.
St. John’s Wort
One of the best known and most widely prescribed natural remedies for depression is St. John’s Wort. This herb has been used as a remedy for depression in Europe for decades. It is believed to now be the most commonly used anti-depressant in the world.
Many people who take St. John’s Wort say they prefer the gentle lift this herb provides compared to the side effects of prescription anti-depressants.
The exact method by which St. John’s Wort works is unknown. The main active ingredient is believed to be hypericin. Other factors in the plant may have an anti-depressant effect as well.
A typical recommended dose is 900 milligrams per day, divided. Look for a product that is standardized to contain .3 percent hypericin.
Some side effects with St. John’s Wort may be experienced. They include nausea and abdominal pain. Some people experience increased sensitivity to sunlight and there is some indication that taking it may lead to a higher incidence of cataracts.
Not all studies of St. John’s Wort have shown positive results. Many researchers in Europe say that St. John’s Wort is effective, but at least one large recent American study found it to be ineffective as a treatment for depression.
When buying St. John’s Wort, or any other herbal preparation, purchase only those brands that have a reputation for reliability. Some independent tests have confirmed that not all brands of St. John’s Wort offered for sale actually contain the ingredients being claimed on the package.
If you are already taking a prescription anti-depressant, do not start taking St. John’s Wort without consulting your doctor first. It may not be compatible with your other medications.
Don’t take St. John’s Wort if you have bipolar depression or if you are pregnant.
SAM-e
If you want to find something from the health food store to fight depression, you could ask for SAM-e, also known as s-adenosyl-methionine.
SAM-e is a substance which our body can make using the amino acid L-methionine, and various other nutrients. It is believed that SAM-e can boost the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine in the brain, which may be able to improve mood.
Research reports from Europe say SAM-e has the same rate of effectiveness as most prescription anti-depressants, about 70 percent, but that it works faster and has fewer side effects. Some studies have found positive improvements in depressed patients in as few as four days.
Side effects can include nausea, agitation, anxiety, and insomnia at doses above 100 mg per day.
SAM-e is better absorbed if you take it on an empty stomach between meals.
Recommended doses for treating depression vary from 50 mg per day to 400 or more mg per day.
People who have bipolar depression should not take SAM-e. If you are already taking MAO inhibitor antidepressants, do not take SAM-e. SAM-e is not available in health stores in all countries.
