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Natural Alternatives to Antidepressants

Antidepressants are a front-line treatment for depression and anxiety. Many people do not want to take prescription medication, however, due to risks or costs. Complementary and alternative medicine are becoming more popular, spurring more research and studies of natural remedies for many health conditions. There are multiple natural alternatives to antidepressants to consider when making your decision about how to treat your illness.

  1. St. John's Wort

    • St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) is one of the more popular natural alternatives to antidepressants. St. John's wort has been shown to be effective for mild-to-moderate depression with fewer side effects than prescription antidepressants. St. John's wort can interact with other medications, so it is important to seek guidance from a health care professional. St. John's wort is available in health food stores and many pharmacies. St. John's wort comes in the form of capsules, tablets, tinctures, teas and lotions. Most brands come in standardized 0.3 percent hypericin. Standard dosage is 300 mg three times a day with meals. Liquid (1:1) is 40 to 60 drops two times a day. Tea is 2 to 4 tsp. of dried St. John's wort with 1 cup of boiling water up to three times a day. Cream is used to treat other conditions such as burns. Just like with regular antidepressants, it can take three to four weeks to feel any effects.

    Omega-3 Fatty Acids

    • Omega-3 fatty acids, mainly DHA and EPA, are important for brain and neurological health. People who do not get enough omega-3 fatty acids have an increased risk of mental illness. Great sources of omega-3 fatty acids include wild fish (especially salmon and sardines), some meat and fowl. Omega-3 fatty acids are a nutritional supplement and help a wide range of other illnesses in addition to mental illness. Standard dosage is 1,000 to 2,000 mg per day in capsule form or 2 tbsp. of liquid per day.

    SAMe

    • SAMe (S-Adenosylmethionine) is a natural substance found in the body. SAMe helps maintain cell membranes and break down brain chemicals that are affected by anxiety and depression (serotonin, melatonin and dopamine). SAMe has almost no side effects and adverse reactions are rare as it already occurs within the body. A rare side effect of nausea can occur when starting SAMe, but it tends to go away within a few days. SAMe also works very quickly, unlike other herbs and antidepressants, with benefits being felt within a few days of starting it. SAMe is found in most health food stores and pharmacies in 200 mg tablets. The standard dose for depression is 800 to 1,600 mg a day in two doses (morning and afternoon).

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