The Best Herbs for Depression

Depression is a serious problem that affects millions of people, young and old. While there are prescription medications available that can help with depression, you may want to try a natural approach first.

Warnings

• You should talk to your health care provider about using herbs for depression before trying them.

  If you are presently on a prescription medication, herbs may interact and interfere with them, and in some cases can be a dangerous combination.

  Read the label on the bottle to know the dosage you should take and do not exceed the recommended amount.

Daytime herbs

• These herbs work best for daytime use since they will not make you sleepy:
  -St. John's wort
  -Kava Kava
  -Ginkgo Biloba
  -Siberian Ginseng
  -Peppermint (in tea form is best)

Nighttime herbs

• These herbs will help relax you and help you to get a good night's sleep:
  -Evening primrose
  -Lavender
  -Valarian

Other considerations

• Vitamins and supplements can be very useful in balancing the body's natural ability to fight depression. They include: Flaxseed oil, Omega-3 fatty acids, Melatonin, 5-HTP, DHEA, B-vitamins (sublingual) and vitamin D

Tips

• Other ways to use herbs to help fight depression are adding essential oils of evening primrose and peppermint to a lotion or massage oil, or in a soothing bath.

  Taking a walk will help release natural endorphins in your body; endorphins are a natural substance in your brain that make you feel happier.