Herbs for Depression
January 11th, 2008 by admin
Mother nature provides us a lovely range of herbs for depression, which are a real natural cure for depression.
HERBS for Depression:
St John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a good depression cure. It can help to ease mild depression, nervous fatigue, negativity and sleeping difficulties. Take three times a day, with meals, a 300mg capsule of standardized extract that contains 0.3% hypericin and 5% hyperforin. Allow 6 weeks for the herb to begin working. Caution:Do not take St John’s wort during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or with other medicines without first consulting your doctor. The herb can cause sensitivity to sunlight, try to stay out of the sun as much as possible while you are taking it.
Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) is a very effective natural remedy for depression. It is good for improving mood and alleviating depression, reducing fatigue and improving both physical and mental performance. Rhodiola has been used for centuries in Scandinavia and Russia fighting fatigue, boosting brain power, easing depression, enhancing immunity and sexual stamina. So it is nearly a superherb!
Mainly used in capsules with 100mg of standardized amount of 3% rosavins and 08-1% salidroside. Take one or two capsules daily in the morning and early afternoon, since it can interfere with sleep. Caution: if you become overly activated or even agitated cut down the dose!
Further Herbs for Depression:
Panax ginseng, Damiana (Turnera diffusa), Gotu Kola (Hydrocotyle asiatica), Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) and Basil (Ocimum basilicum) also have antidepressant, mood brightening and energizing properties. They all have the power of treating depression.
Vitamins, Trace Elements and Supplements for Depression Cure
Take 1 vitamin B-complex supplement each morning with your breakfast. Low levels of B vitamins, especially vitamin B-6, have been linked with depression and fatigue. Caution: the maximum recommended dose for B-6 in long term use is 10mg a day!
Look for a brand with 50mg of different B vitamins, with added biotin and folic acid.
The mineral magnesium is very important for restoring and maintaining healthy nerve function. Magnesium is a key component in the production and function of serotonin. Supplements may help to alleviate anxiety and depression. Take 150mg of magnesium, preferably as magnesium citrate twice a day. If you take magnesium supplements, be sure to take calcium supplements as well.
Take regularly zinc supplements, which include copper. 15mg daily helps you keeping the balance.
Omega3 Fatty Acids in fish oil are essential to normal brain function, and have a beneficial effect on serotonin production. They can improve mental health and brighten your mood if taken regularly in a daily dose of 3000mg to 5000mg. They lower the blood pressure a bit, so it is better to take them in the evening, before going to bed.
Learn more about the Herbs for Depression!
Christina Tasnadi is a medical doctor, a homeopathic doctor and an expert of home remedies. Christina’s Home Remedies
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