Herbal remedies for depression

Depression has always been a major public health issue, affecting people all over the world and from all walks of life. This illness can affect people irrespective of region, caste, creed or sex. Though powerful antidepressants are available, there is a significant bracket that would prefer alternate treatment procedures.

Herbal remedies for the illness have of late been more understood. Though there is still the area of uncertainty, there are evidences which have shown an appreciable degree of effectiveness. An herbal remedy can address the symptoms without the uncomfortable, toxic side effects of popular pharmaceutical drugs.

Extracts from a herb called St.John’s Wort has long been used in folk medicine. In Germany it is licensed for use in anxiety and sleep disorders and is traditionally used as a restoring tonic for the nervous system and to lift the spirits. Active ingredients include glycosides, flavonoids, volatile oils, tannins and resins. These are thought to boost serotonin levels. In some countries like Germany, the sale of St John's Wort and other such herbal remedies has outstripped many of the major prescription prescription drugs.

Another herb known as Passiflora Incarnata, other wise called Passion Flower is also used as a sedative and for insomnia and can relieve anxiety and nervousness. Active ingredients include flavonoids, cyanogenic glycosides, alkaloids and saparin. Combined with Hypericum, it helps to calm and soothe, and is also thought to reduce high blood pressure and nervous tremors.

Ginko Bilboa is thought to be one of the oldest living species of trees it has been appreciated widely for its medicinal properties. Studies have revealed that it is useful in helping with memory loss, vertigo, tinnitus, disorientation, headaches, and depression, especially in the elderly and aging people not responding to antidepressant drugs.

Although there is a clear lack of scientific evidence to support any of the theories for the efficacy attributed to Damiana, its seeming ability to induce mild euphoria could support a logical theory that in relatively small quantities, Damiana could lead to relaxation and could calm anxiety

The Yohimbe tree is a tall evergreen that originated in southwestern Nigeria, Cameroon, Gabon, and the Congo. The bark of this West African tree provides a number of medicinal uses. It has been reported that yohimbe dilates blood vessels and may even inhibit monoamine oxidase (MAO), whereby preventing a number of depressive disorders. However, unlike St. John's wort and other popular herbs, yohimbe does not have the research to support its medicinal claims.

Herbal remedies for depression has been preferred by a sizeable segment of people for the reason that use of anti depressants have been at times led to undesirable side effects. Not every one particularly among the elderly have responded to these drugs favorably. However the advice of a professional physician or consultant is vital before medications of any sort is chosen.

Also read our article about Exercise for Depression