Natural Remedies For Depression

Depression is a challenging diagnosis to treat. However, there are several effective treatments. Medications can reduce symptoms, and psychotherapy -also known as "talk therapy" -- is also an important aspect of electric shock treatment for depression (why not find out more).

Certain herbal supplements can aid. St. John's Wort, an herb that isn't FDA-approved to treat post stroke depression treatment, may improve symptoms in a few people. It may interact with birth control pills, heart drugs and medications that stop rejection of organs following an organ transplant.

Saffron

Saffron's primary purpose is to bring color to food however, it also functions as a mood-boosting agent. It contains a number of compounds, such as crocetin and crocins, that contain antioxidants and radical scavenging properties, which help protect against harmful free radicals that could contribute to chronic illnesses such as depression.

A portion of the research on the effects of saffron on depression are mixed. In one study, individuals who were suffering from depression were randomly assigned to either take saffron for six weeks or placebo. Then, they were analyzed using a questionnaire for anxiety and depression. The saffron-users were less depressed and anxious than those who did not.

However, other studies have not been able to prove the same effect. The article from the year 2019 mentioned above highlights the fact that the majority of studies that have shown positive results were conducted using small samples, short-term follow-ups, and were conducted in Iran where the researchers had financial ties with saffron producers. This raises the possibility that Iranian researchers might be exaggerating the benefits of saffron to treat depression.

It's possible that saffron may have antidepressant properties due to its ability to increase serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps improve mood and promote relaxation. It is believed that saffron blocks serotonin synaptic uptake and keeps the chemical within the body.

In a different study, women suffering from symptoms of premenstrual bleeding were given either saffron extract or an inactive placebo for a period of two months. The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Premenstrual Daily Symptoms questionnaire were used to assess the women. Those who took the saffron extract had significant improvement in their PMS symptoms and were more in coping with stress than those taking the placebo.

There's an abundance of interest in saffron's use for depression, but we need to conduct larger, more long-term clinical studies before it is suggested as an option to treat. Also, it's essential to consult with your doctor before taking any supplements to your diet for depression, especially 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 are associated with anxiety and postnatal depression treatment, fibromyalgia and sleep disorders, among other health problems. Studies have shown that 5-HTP supplements can boost serotonin and improve mood in some people. However further research is required to determine how effective this supplement can be in treating depression.

The amino acid tryptophan can be found in turkey, milk cheese, yogurt, and bananas. It is also available as a supplement to dietary intake over-the-counter. The body converts tryptophan into serotonin. This then stimulates brain chemicals that regulate appetite, mood and sleep patterns.

Several studies have shown that 5-HTP as a what treatment is there for depression for depression may be as effective as some antidepressant medications. Some of these studies are flawed, such as the small sample size and short duration. In addition, a few of the studies have used SSRI medications, which may affect the effectiveness of 5-HTP.

5-HTP is beneficial for many ailments, such as chronic headaches and fibromyalgia. It can also aid in weight loss. It has been proven to improve sleeping habits and decrease fatigue in fibromyalgia patients. It may also have a calming affect and reduce anxiety in certain people. Studies have shown that 5-HTP can raise levels of Gamma aminobutyric (GABA), neurotransmitter that can help reduce anxiety.

Some studies suggest that 5-HTP may aid in treating other conditions that are caused by low serotonin, such as migraines or tension headaches. It has been shown to increase melatonin levels, which is vital for healthy sleep patterns. Furthermore, some research suggests that consuming 100 mg of 5-HTP per day can ease fibromyalgia-related pain, stiffness and mood.

People who are considering taking 5-HTP must discuss it with a doctor prior to taking it. This is particularly important for those who are taking SSRIs or MAOIs because 5-HTP can interact with these medications and trigger dangerous side-effects. In addition the high doses of 5-HTP could cause nausea in certain people.

Kava

Kava is a native of the Pacific Islands, has been utilized as a healing herb and ceremonial drink for many centuries. It acts similar to alcohol in helping to relax the mind and relax muscles, but without the side effects of a lot of pharmaceutical drugs. The active component in the plant, kavalactone alters the gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) which is a brain pathway that produces antidepressants and anxiolytics. Studies have demonstrated that it can be used to treat general anxiety disorder (GAD) and stress without causing the "hangover effect" of sedatives that are commonly used.

It has also been proven to have many other health benefits, such as boosting dopamine levels and alleviating symptoms of chronic pain and fibromyalgia. It also lowers blood pressure, lowers stress hormones and boosts the immune system. Kava is available in capsule, tablet or tincture forms. It can also be mixed into teas and other drinks. It is recommended to talk with your doctor before attempting any herbal supplements. The FDA does not regulate dietary supplements and therefore they don't need to undergo the same rigorous clinical testing as prescription drugs. This leaves consumers at risk of various health hazards such as liver damage.

Kava should be avoided by people with lung, heart or liver problems. It can aggravate these ailments. Kava should not be used by those suffering from mental health problems, since it may cause dilated pupil, reddened eyeballs and reduced muscle control. When it is combined with other psychoactive drugs, such as prescription medication or alcohol, kava can be a risk. Kava should be avoided by nursing mothers and pregnant mothers.

Kava is a natural substance and there's no evidence it has addictive properties, however the risk of causing liver damage cannot be completely eliminated. Before beginning a kava regimen anyone who is concerned about liver damage should consult their doctor. More research is required to identify the factors that can make kava unsafe but it's generally safe for most patients when used under medical supervision.

St. John's Wort

St. John's Wort (Hypericum Perforatum) may help mild to moderate depression. Some research suggests that it can improve mood by altering the way that your body utilizes chemicals like serotonin. It also seems to work well with a type of antidepressant known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. These are the most commonly prescribed drugs to treat depression. However, it may not be as effective for patients suffering from severe depression. St. John's wort can interact with certain medications in a dangerous way, so it's best to consult a doctor first.

In a 12-week clinical study, St. John's Wort was just as effective as antidepressants that are standard in decreasing the symptoms of mild depression. In another study, a mixture of St. John's wort with citalopram (an SSRI) was as effective in treating depression as an placebo. This research was funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).

St. John's Wort has been studied less extensively over the long term, but some studies have shown that it may be beneficial if taken for just a few weeks, or months. It is available dried in capsules, tablets or tea. You may feel the effects within 3 to 6 weeks. St. John's Wort can interact with various medications, including antibiotics and birth-control pills. It may also affect the way your body's metabolism reacts to certain medications, including narcotics and sedatives, which could cause potentially dangerous adverse effects if they're mixed.

You shouldn't attempt to treat depression on your own. Instead, consult a healthcare professional. If you're thinking about using natural remedies for depression, it's best to visit a naturopath, or integrative medicine specialist who can assist you in making an informed decision. They can also recommend other complementary healthcare approaches that don't involve prescription medications. They may also refer you to an expert if needed. The Mayo Clinic directory has a list of naturopaths and integrative healthcare providers.