5 Herbs and Natural Supplements for Depression

The depressive disorder does not only mean being sad. It is a serious medical condition that needs to be evaluated and treated.

In order to avoid the possible side effects of some depression medications, certain herbs and natural supplements can be used.

Counseling and medications are the usual ways to deal with the signs and symptoms of depression.

Be sure to ask your doctor first whether you can use these herbs and supplements or not.

We have curated the 5 best herbs and supplements that may help in improving depression below:

1. Ginseng

Ginseng is a short plant that grows in America and Asian countries. The root of this plant is known for its medicinal properties. Siberian, Asian, and Eleuthero ginseng are other ginseng types with other components and effects. Chinese people have used ginseng for many years to improve mental health and to decrease stress. It is a potential solution for the lack of motivation and energy that is seen in those with depression.

2. Omega-3 fatty acids

Omega-3 supplements help lower the risk of depression. They also help protect against heart and blood vessel disease, which are precursors of dementia in older people. Omega-3 fatty acids DHA and EPA and essential for normal brain development and functioning. These fatty acids may be found in fish oil and in sea algae.

3. Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid)

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant vitamin that has certain benefits like weight loss and enhanced energy. The release of cortisol, a stress hormone, is controlled by this vitamin. Increased cortisol leads to a high risk of depression. Thus, people with low vitamin C levels are usually fatigued and depressed. Vitamin C has antidepressant properties since it is also a serotonin cofactor. Furthermore, vitamin C also protects the brain from oxidative damage and inflammation that causes it.

4. B-complex vitamins

Depression is often brought about by an imbalance of neurotransmitters in the brain. These neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, enhance mood by efficiently transmitting signals between brain cells. B-vitamins make the body conserve tryptophan, an amino acid, and convert it into serotonin, thus further improving mood in depression.

5. Chamomile

Chamomile is particularly useful for those who have both anxiety and depression. There are two primary types of chamomile used therapeutically, Matricaria recutita and Chamaemelum nobile. In one study, chamomile reduced anxiety in people with a generalized anxiety disorder who used the extract for eight weeks.

References:

12 Herbal Remedies for Depression and Anxiety – Mental Health Food. Mental Health Food. https://mentalhealthfood.net/13-herbs-for-treating-depression-and-anxiety/. Published in 2019. Accessed May 10, 2019.

Debra Rose Wilson C. 8 herbs and supplements to help treat depression. Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/314421.php. Published in 2019. Accessed May 10, 2019.

Top Five Anti Depression Supplements. Thebetterhealthstore.com. https://www.thebetterhealthstore.com/012910_top-5-anti-depression_04.html. Published in 2019. Accessed May 10, 2019.

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-Medical Observer