Although we have a decent post on herbs and what each one can help us mentally or physically. I wanted to stress the fact that several are proven to help with Depression and Anxiety.
Let me first say, IF YOUR ON MEDICATION AT ALL. BE SURE TO CHECK WITH A DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST BEFORE TAKING OR MAKING A CHANGE TO NATURAL SUPPLEMENTS.
This site has a large member list in the Depression and Anxiety groups. I hate to see and hear of people feeling depressed and they don't understand WHY. I'm basically one of those relatively happy go lucky types. I spent much of my young childhood passed around, depressed, abused neglected and unwanted. As I've grown up, I tend to want and try to make everyone happy around me.
So..... Here's a list of antidepressant herbs. Please check them out.
1. St. Johns Wort, one of the best for mild to average depression.
2. Omega-3 Fatty acids, Fish oil. Studies show that certain people with Low Omega-3 fatty acids, have a higher risk of depression.
3. Saffron, used mostly for mild depression.
4. Folate, in other words Folic acid. Very good for mild cases of depression.
Now I read this today. Other herbs that stores and especially health food stores sell for depression. Have NOT been proven to combat depression. Such as: Lemon balm, lavender, gingko Biloba and others.
I was surprised that stores would sell these herbs and consider them antidepressants without proof.
Although many ancient people used them for the exact same thing.
Here's a story I read years ago. A woman studying the wild mustangs in the western U.S. watched a sickly horse for weeks. She believed she knew what was troubling the horse, and he would probably die soon. One day she noticed the horse eating a particular poisonous plant. She took the plant to a near by College for study. Come to find out, the plant was poisonous if to much was eaten over time. But.... the plant also had the same medicinal properties in it, that a Doctor would have given the horse for its ailment.
After a matter of a couple weeks, the horse was fine. It actually knew how to self medicate.
Mother natures a wonderful thing!
Has anyone used or is currently using St. John's Wort, if so please share your experience.
I'm thinking of trying.
If you are under a doctors care, check with them first to make sure it won't interfere with any other meds you may be on.
There are several deficiencies that may cause depression such as vitamin D and B12 deficiencies are 2 that come to mind that may cause depression.
If your doctor is not knowledgeable in medication interference's with other meds or vitamins, check with the pharmacist as they are very knowledgeable.
Just know that it takes time for any supplement/herb to work.
Make sure you are digesting properly and that good quality supplements/herbs are used. It could take any where from one week to 3 months to work. This is the same amount of time it takes for pharma meds to work......but without the side effects.
It might be that you need to take a combination of supplements.....but that should be decided between you and your doctor.
Wishing you the best!
I can tell you right now what helps me most are b vitamins and amino acids. They by no means are curing whatever is wrong, but L theanine and b5 in particular are helping my symptoms to where I can function mostly at work.