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Natural Remedies For Depression Depression isn't easy to manage, but there are many effective ways to treat it. Psychotherapy, also known as “talk therapy” is an important part of treatment. Medications are effective in relieving symptoms. Certain herbal supplements can aid. For example, St. John's wort, an herb that's not FDA-approved for treating depression, can help improve symptoms in certain people. However, it could interfere with heart medication as well as birth control pills and drugs that prevent organ rejection following the transplant. Saffron Saffron is most famous for its role in adding color to foods however, it also acts as an effective mood enhancer. It is a rich source of substances, like crocetin and crocins which have antioxidant properties and are capable of scavenging radicals that help to guard against harmful free radicals. They can contribute to chronic illnesses, such as depression. The research done on depression and saffron is mixed however, some of it seems promising. In one study, patients with depression were randomized to either saffron or placebo for six weeks. Then, they were evaluated using an anxiety and depression questionnaire. The people who took saffron had less anxiety and depression than those who didn't. Other studies haven't found the similar results. In fact, the review article above mentions that a majority of the studies that have found benefits used small samples and short-lived follow-ups and a majority were conducted in Iran which is where the researchers have financial connections to the saffron producers. This raises the possibility that Iranian researchers may be overstating the benefits of saffron in treating depression. It is possible that saffron can have antidepressant properties because it acts on the brain to increase serotonin levels. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter which helps improve mood and promote relaxation. It is believed that saffron acts by blocking synaptic serotonin's Reuptake, which helps keep more of the chemical in the brain. In a separate study, women suffering from premenstrual symptoms were given either saffron or an inactive control for two months. They were then assessed with a Premenstrual Daily Symptoms (PDS) questionnaire as well as the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. People who took saffron extract had significant improvement in their PMS symptoms and were more at coping with stress than those taking the placebo. There's an abundance of interest in saffron's effects on depression, but we need to see larger, longer-term clinical studies before it can be recommended as an option to treat. It's also important to talk to your doctor before taking any supplements to your diet for depression, particularly those that aren't approved by the FDA. They may cause serious adverse effects or interact with certain medications. 5-HTP 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is an amino acid that the body converts into serotonin, a neurotransmitter that sends signals between nerve cells. Serotonin levels that are low have been linked to depression, anxiety, fibromyalgia, sleep disorders and a range of other health problems. Studies have shown that 5-HTP supplements may increase serotonin levels and improve mood in some people. More research is required to determine the effectiveness of this supplement in treating depression. The amino acid tryptophan can be found in turkey, milk, cheese, yogurt and bananas. It is also offered as a dietary supplement available over-the-counter. The body converts tryptophan to serotonin, which then stimulates brain chemical changes that promote mood stability and regulate sleep and appetite. In a variety of studies it has been proven that 5-HTP can be just as effective as antidepressant medication in treating depression. holistic depression treatment of these studies are flawed, for instance the small sample size and the short duration. In addition, a few of the studies have employed SSRI medications, which can hinder the effectiveness of 5-HTP. 5-HTP can be beneficial for a variety of health conditions, including chronic headaches and fibromyalgia. It may also help with weight loss. It has been shown to improve sleep patterns and decrease fatigue in fibromyalgia patients. It also appears to have an calming effect and could decrease anxiety in some people. Studies have shown that 5-HTP may increase levels of the gamma aminobutyric (GABA), an important neurotransmitter that helps reduce anxiety. Some studies suggest that 5-HTP could help treat other conditions which are related to low serotonin levels, like migraines and tension headaches. It has been demonstrated to increase melatonin, which is crucial for healthy sleep patterns. Some research also suggests that taking 100 mg of 5-HTP per day can help ease fibromyalgia stiffness and pain, as well as mood. People who are considering taking 5-HTP must discuss it with a doctor prior to taking it. This is particularly important for people taking SSRI or MAOI medications since 5-HTP could interact with these drugs and cause dangerous side effects. In addition, high doses of 5-HTP could cause nausea in certain people. Kava Kava is a native of the Pacific Islands, has been used as a medicine and ceremonial drink for hundreds of years. It works similar to alcohol in helping to relax the mind and relax muscles however, it does not have the adverse effects of a lot of pharmaceutical drugs. The plant's active component, kavalactone, alters the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) pathway in the brain, causing anxiolytic and antidepressant effects. Research has shown that it is effective to treat general anxiety disorder (GAD) and stress, without producing the “hangover effect” of some sedatives. It has been shown to have numerous other health benefits. These include boosting dopamine levels and easing the symptoms of chronic pain or fibromyalgia. It also reduces stress hormones, decreases blood pressure, and improves the immune system. Kava is available in capsule, tablet or tincture form. It can be added to drinks like tea and other beverages. It is recommended to consult with your physician before taking any herbal supplements. The FDA doesn't regulate dietary supplements, so they don't have to go through the same rigorous clinical testing as prescription drugs. This leaves consumers exposed to a range of risks, like liver damage. People with pre-existing heart, lung or liver ailments should avoid kava. It may worsen those conditions. People with pre-existing mental health problems should avoid kava because it can cause dilated pupils, reddened eyes and reduced muscle control (ataxia). When used in conjunction with other psychoactive drugs, like prescription medications or alcohol, kava may be dangerous. It is also not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing mothers. Kava is an all-natural substance, and there's no evidence that it has addictive properties, but the risk of causing liver damage cannot be completely eliminated. People who are concerned about liver damage must speak with their physician prior to beginning a kava regimen. More research is required to discover the causes that can make kava unsafe but it's generally safe for patients under medical supervision. St. John's Wort St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a herbal remedy that may help those suffering from mild to moderate depression. A few studies have shown that it may improve your mood by affecting how your body uses certain chemicals, like serotonin. It also appears to work with a type antidepressant called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. They are the most frequently prescribed drugs to treat depression. It might not be effective for those suffering from severe depression, however. It's crucial to speak with your doctor prior to taking St. John's wort, because it can interact with some drugs in dangerous ways. In a 12-week study, St. John's Wort was just as effective as standard antidepressants in reducing symptoms of depression that are minor. In another study, a combination of with St. John's wort with citalopram (an SSRI) was as effective in treating depression as an placebo. This research was funded through the National Institute of Mental Health. There's not as much research on long-term use of St. John's wort, however some studies suggest that it may have benefits when taken for several weeks or months. You can buy it as dried herb in tablets, capsules or tea. It may take 3 to six weeks before you begin to feel the effects. St. John's Wort can interact with many medications including antibiotics and birth-control pills. It also can alter the way your body metabolizes certain drugs, like sedatives and opioids, which could lead to severe side effects when they are combined. Depression is a serious disease and you shouldn't attempt to treat it yourself without consulting a doctor. If you're thinking about using natural remedies to treat depression, it's best to consult a naturopath or integrative medicine specialist who can help you make an informed choice. They can also recommend alternative methods of healthcare that don't require prescription drugs. They may also refer you to specialists if you require. You will find a naturopath as well as an integrative healthcare practitioner in the Mayo Clinic directory.