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Common Herbs Used for Depression

Thousands of people suffer silently from symptoms of depression such as sleep problems, fatigue, persistent sad thoughts, and feelings of hopelessness. Although severe cases of depression are best treated by a physician, nature offers many options for lifting mild to moderate depression without the use of prescription drugs.

  1. St. John's Wort

    • Perhaps the most widely recognized herb used in treating mild to moderate depression is St. John's wort. It acts in the same way that some types of prescription antidepressants do, except it is much gentler on the body. Overall mood, self-esteem and sleep patterns may improve if you take St. John's wort.

      Caution: Consult a physician before taking St. John's wort if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or taking prescription medication including birth control pills. St. John's wort should not be taken by individuals who are taking prescription MAO inhibitors. It may cause sensitivity to sunlight, and other reported side effects include fatigue, dizziness, dry mouth, anxiety and gastrointestinal disturbance.

    Lemon Balm

    • During stressful situations, lemon balm works as a tonic for the stomach and digestive organs. Available in tea or capsule form, lemon balm may promote relaxation, ease tension and relieve anxiety and panic. No side effects have been reported from taking lemon balm.

    SAM-e

    • Although SAM-e is an amino acid rather than an herb, it works quickly and effectively against depression and does so naturally and without any known side effects.

      Caution: SAM-e should not be taken by people who are already taking prescription medications for depression or who have been diagnosed with manic-depressive disorder.

    Kava Kava

    • A native plant of the Polynesian islands, kava kava is available in liquid, powder, tablet, tincture or capsule form as well as tea. Upon taking kava kava, you might notice that it numbs the lips and tongue, which is because of blood vessel constriction.

      When taken in moderation, kava kava can give you a sense of general well-being and relaxation. In fact, when taken in high doses, it may have an intoxicating effect that is similar to drinking alcohol or using marijuana. Kava kava helps depression by inducing calmness. As kava kava is known to cause drowsiness, stop taking it or reduce the manufacturer-recommended dosage if this becomes a problem.

    Ephedra

    • Also known as ma huang, ephedra is an herb that has undergone lots of scrutiny because it is an ingredient in many diet pills as well as products geared toward improving athletic performance. Nevertheless, ephedra produces tangible effects on mood because it immediately stimulates the release of dopamine into the bloodstream. You may experience heightened alertness, improved mood and decreased fatigue. For this reason, ephedra is useful for individuals who are suffering from a lethargic type of depression.

      Caution: Ephedra should never be taken for a long period of time. According to a 2005 report published by the American Journal of Psychiatry, long-term use of ephedra may cause severe depression, psychosis, hallucinations, sleep disturbance and thoughts of suicide.

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