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Natural Remedies For Depression Depression can be difficult to treat, but there are many effective methods. Psychotherapy, also known as “talk therapy” is an important part of treatment. Drugs are effective in relieving symptoms. Certain herbal supplements may help. For instance, St. John's wort, an herb that's not FDA-approved to treat depression could help alleviate symptoms in certain people. However, this herb can affect heart medications or birth control pills, as well as drugs that can prevent rejection of organs following the transplant. Saffron Saffron's primary function is to add the color of food, but it also acts as a mood enhancer. It's made up of a variety of compounds, including crocetin and crocins, that have antioxidant and radical scavenging capabilities, which help protect against harmful free radicals that may contribute to chronic diseases, including depression. The research done on saffron and depression is mixed but some of the results are promising. In one study, people suffering from depression were randomly assigned to either undergo a six-week saffron treatment or placebo. Then, they were analyzed using the depression questionnaire as well as an anxiety questionnaire. Those who took saffron experienced less anxiety and depression than those who didn't. However, other trials have failed to find the same result. In fact, the review article cited above mentions that a majority of the studies that found benefits utilized small samples and brief follow-ups and a majority were conducted in Iran, where the researchers have financial ties with the saffron producers. This raises doubts about Iranian researchers claim that saffron can be beneficial to depression. It's possible that saffron may have antidepressant properties since it boosts serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter which can improve mood and encourage relaxation. It is believed that saffron blocks synaptic serotonin absorption which helps to keep the chemical in the body. In a separate study, women suffering from premenstrual symptoms were given either saffron or an active control for two months. They were then screened using a Premenstrual Daily Symptoms (PDS) questionnaire as well as the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. People who took saffron extract had significant improvement in their PMS symptoms and were more in coping with stress than those taking the placebo. Saffron is a popular treatment for depression. However, we need more extensive, long-term studies before it becomes a recommended treatment. It's also crucial to talk with your doctor prior to taking any nutritional supplement for depression, particularly those that have not been approved by the FDA. They may cause serious adverse reactions or interact with certain medications. 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 that are low are related to anxiety and depression as well as sleep disorders and fibromyalgia and other health issues. Research has shown 5-HTP supplements can improve mood and increase serotonin in certain people. However it is still necessary to conduct more research to determine how effective this supplement is for treating depression. Tryptophan can be found in milk, bananas, cheese and yogurt. It is also offered as a dietary supplement over-the-counter. The body converts tryptophan into serotonin. This then stimulates brain chemicals that help control appetite, mood and sleep patterns. Numerous studies have demonstrated that 5-HTP as a treatment for depression can be as effective as some antidepressant medication. Some of these studies are flawed, including the small sample size and short duration. Some of the studies employed SSRIs, which could affect the effectiveness of 5-HTP. 5-HTP may be beneficial for a wide range of health conditions, including chronic headaches, fibromyalgia and weight loss. It has been proven to improve sleeping habits and reduce fatigue in patients with fibromyalgia. It also seems to have an calming effect and could reduce anxiety in certain people. Studies have also reported that 5-HTP can increase the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels which is a neurotransmitter that may aid in reducing anxiety and boost feelings of calmness. Some studies suggest that 5-HTP could aid in treating other ailments that are a result of low serotonin levels such as migraines or tension headaches. It has been shown to boost melatonin, which is essential for healthy sleep patterns. Research suggests that taking 100 mg of 5-HTP a day may help relieve fibromyalgia stiffness and pain as well as mood. Before taking 5-HTP, individuals should talk to their doctor. This is particularly important for those who are taking SSRIs or MAOIs, as 5-HTP may interact with these medications and trigger dangerous adverse side effects. Additionally that high doses of 5-HTP could cause nausea in some people. Kava Kava is a traditional medicinal herb from the Pacific Islands. It has been extensively used as a ceremonial drink and as a medication. It functions like alcohol in calming mind and relaxing muscles, but it doesn't cause the adverse effects associated with numerous pharmaceutical drugs. The active component in the plant, kavalactone alters the gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) which is a brain pathway that produces antidepressants and anxiolytics. depression treatment options have demonstrated that it is effective to treat general anxiety disorder (GAD) and stress, without creating the “hangover effect” of some sedatives. It has also been shown to provide a variety of other health benefits, such as increasing dopamine levels, and relieving symptoms of chronic pain and fibromyalgia. It also reduces stress hormones, decreases blood pressure and boosts immune function. Kava is available in capsule, tablet or tincture form. It can also be mixed into teas or other beverages. It is recommended to consult with your doctor before attempting any herbal supplements. Dietary supplements aren't controlled by the FDA, so they don't have to go through the same rigorous tests for clinical effectiveness as prescription drugs. This leaves consumers vulnerable to a range of health hazards which include liver damage. Kava should not be used by people with lung, heart or liver problems. It may worsen those conditions. People who have pre-existing mental health issues should stay clear of kava since it could cause eyes that are red and irritated, as well as decreased muscle control (ataxia). Kava can be dangerous when used in conjunction with other psychoactive substances, such as alcohol or prescription medications. Kava should be avoided by breastfeeding mothers. Kava is a naturally occurring substance that occurs naturally. Although there's no evidence that it's addictive, the risk of injury to the liver cannot be eliminated. Before starting a kava regime, those who are worried about liver damage should consult their doctor. Further research is required to identify the factors that can make kava unsafe but it's generally safe for most patients when used under medical supervision. St. John's Wort St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a natural remedy that might help with mild to moderate depression. Some research shows that it can boost your mood by affecting how your body uses certain chemicals, such as serotonin. It also appears to be effective with a specific type of antidepressant known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. They are the most popular medications used to treat depression. However, it might not work as effectively on those suffering from severe forms of depression. St. John's wort may be dangerous when combined with certain medications and therefore it is recommended to consult a doctor first. In a 12-week research study, St. John's Wort was equally effective as antidepressants that are standard in reducing symptoms of mild depression. In a separate study the combination of St. John's herb and citalopram, a SSRI, was equally effective as a placebo in treating depression. The research was funded by the National Institute of Mental Health. There's not as much research on long-term use of St. John's wort, however, some studies suggest it may have benefits when taken for a period of time, such as a few weeks or months. You can get it in dry form, either in tablets or capsules or in tea. It could take anywhere from 3 to six weeks before you begin to feel the effects. It's crucial to inform your doctor or naturopath of any other medication you're taking before trying it, because St. John's wort can interfere with a variety of medications, including birth control pills and antibiotics. It also can affect how your body metabolizes certain medications, including the narcotics and sedatives that could cause potentially dangerous side effects if they're combined. Depression is a serious illness that is why you shouldn't try to treat it on your own without consulting a medical professional. If you're thinking of using natural treatments for depression, it is recommended to consult a Naturopath. They can help you make an informed choice. They may also recommend alternative approaches to healthcare that don't require prescription medications. If needed, they may refer you to a specialist. You can locate a naturopath or integrative healthcare practitioner in the Mayo Clinic directory.