Using Herbal Treatments to Treat Depression
Posted by Lidia | Posted in hemorr | Posted on 25-09-2009
Tags: Depression, depression treatment, herbal medicine, herbal treatment for depression, Herbal Treatments, herbs for depression
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The health complications of taking antidepressants are staggering. Medical studies have revealed findings that taking prescription antidepressants could be linked to serious health conditions such as coronary diseases and diabetes. And, in some cases, these drugs have been suspects in sudden cardiac deaths in people who were previously not found to have any existing heart ailments. Other fatal effects of taking some of these antidepressants could also spread to the liver and the kidneys. This is a pressing enough reason for even medical practitioners to recommend a series of psychotherapy sessions combined with herbal therapies using herbs for depression treatment. That’s right, doctors are now recommending herbs for depression. These herbs for depression treatment has steadily gained popularity over the past years.
Experiencing clinical depression is not a dangerous illness on its own. A person suffering from depression will have unexplained feelings of being weak, sad, and hopeless among other negative feelings causing him to be physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially unable to go about his daily activities. This kind of a condition is considered to be a chronic condition that necessitates regular and long-term treatment. Different people can experience depression in varying intensities. In the same way, the symptoms of a major depressive disorder could also manifest in different ways. Consulting a medical professional should be the first step that anyone who suspects that he might be suffering from clinical depression in order to get the right treatment.
With the variety of herbs for depression treatment that are prescribed by medical practitioners, here are some of the most common herbs that have been proven to work for the treatment of depression:
1. Among the herbs for depression treatment, St. John’s Wort is the most widely used. This herb, also known as hypericum perforatum, has been used for centuries all over the world. St. John’s Wort is used in the United States as a dietary supplement that comes either in pill form or in tea bags. Serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain responsible for mood enhancement, is known to be incresed with the use of St. John’s Wort.
2. Another herb that is often included in depression formulations is the Valerian Root or valerian officinalis. Those who are suffering from insomnia as part of their clinical depression are recommended to take formulations with Valerian root extract. Valerian root, however, is only recommended to be taken for periods up to six weeks. As an approved dietary supplement, Valerian root supplements are taken as pills.
3. Despite being found to aggravate depression, hops are still recommended as one of the herbs for depression when put together with other mood boosters. It is used to relieve tension and ease irritability in people suffering from depression. Depression-induced insomnia is also eased by hops.
4. Perhaps another one of the more popular herbs in supplements and energy drinks is ginseng. It is a proven stress buster and energy booster. Lots of formulations including teas, pills, and juices that are recommended for depression treatment contain ginseng.
The list of herbs for depression treatment is long. Kava kava and Gingko biloba for depression are two examples. Alternatives to psychotherapy as treatment for depression are likewise available. As there are differences to the way that clinical depression manifests itself and the causes of clinical depression, the right treatment could only be prescribed after consultation with your doctor. Anyone suffering from depression should not take any medications, whether herbal or not, without the supervision of his doctor.







