Medically reviewed by Katherine Marengo Revive Your Energy, Remsdies. The Food and Drug Administration Mental exhaustion symptoms that St. Learn more Water retention remedies this article. Depdession more links and local resources. While prescription antidepressants like Fir serotonin reuptake inhibitors SSRIs are common treatments, they often come with side effects. A study in the Journal of Psychopharmacology suggested that folic acid — the manufactured form of folate sold as supplements — might be effective in reducing depressive symptoms, but more research is needed to determine its overall effectiveness, as well as what dosage is best for managing depression, Ingram says.

Herbal remedies for depression -

Below are the five classifications of depressive disorders, which share features such as sadness, irritability, a feeling of emptiness, and changes in the body and brain that affect daily functioning 2 :.

Depressive disorders are treated with medication and psychotherapy. In addition, lifestyle modifications , such as making dietary changes and taking certain supplements, may help people recover and reduce the chance of relapse. For example, some research shows that specific vitamins, minerals, herbs, and other compounds may provide added benefits in improving depressive symptoms.

While supplements may be helpful in managing depression, they are not a cure for the condition. Therefore, when selecting supplements, be wary of products that claim to treat or cure depression. There are a ton of dietary supplements on the market, but not all of them are safe and effective.

One dollar sign means the product is rather affordable, whereas four dollar signs indicate a higher cost. Therefore, a product that you need to take fewer times per day may end up being comparatively cheaper, despite having a higher price per count than a product that you need to take multiple times per day.

Rhodiola is an herb that, when taken in supplement form, has been linked to a variety of potential health benefits, including reduced depressive symptoms and an improved stress response 3.

Specifically, the herb is thought to benefit people with depression by reducing overactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical HPA axis and affecting neurotransmitter receptors and molecular networks 3 , 4 , 5. For example, studies focusing on adults with depression have found that taking rhodiola daily for 6 or 12 weeks led to clinically meaningful reductions in depressive symptoms 6 , 7.

The company exceeds standards set by United States Pharmacopeia USP , an organization that sets strict product-specific standards for supplements. Pure Encapsulations products are also third-party tested by independent laboratories such as Eurofins, Silliker, and Intertek.

Interestingly, saffron has shown promise as a natural remedy for depression 8 , 9. Studies have observed that saffron increases levels of the mood-boosting neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain.

Two reviews from found that saffron significantly improved depression severity and was significantly more effective than placebo 8 , NOW Saffron 50 mg provides a dose that has been shown to be effective for reducing symptoms of depression 11 , The CGMPs are regulations set by the Food and Drug Administration FDA to ensure safe supplement manufacturing and processing.

Omega-3 fats are essential fats, meaning you need to get them from your diet. Some studies show that omega-3 supplements may help reduce depressive symptoms in some people For example, one review of 10 studies including people with MDD found that omega-3 supplements were superior to placebo treatments in reducing depressive symptoms and that higher dose omega-3 supplements were more effective than lower dose supplements Another review found that supplements with a higher ratio of eicosapentaenoic acid EPA to docosahexaenoic acid DHA were particularly effective.

EPA and DHA are two types of omega-3 fatty acids, both of which are concentrated in seafood While these findings are promising, more research is needed to investigate the effects of omega-3 supplements on depressive symptoms. Research suggests that supplements with a greater amount of EPA are most effective for people with depression.

Therefore, choosing an omega-3 supplement that delivers at least 1, mg of EPA may be best Nordic Naturals EPA Xtra meets this criteria, providing 1, mg of EPA and mg of DHA per 2-softgel serving. Nordic Naturals fish oil products are third-party tested to ensure the product meets strict standards for purity, potency, and freshness.

Plus, the company makes it easy to view the certificate of analysis COA for every batch of its supplements online for ultimate transparency. NAC is a precursor to the amino acids L-cysteine and glutathione. Glutathione is considered one of the most important antioxidants in your body and is critical for regulating inflammation and protecting cells from oxidative damage Research shows that people with depression are more likely to have higher levels of inflammatory cytokines such as C-reactive protein, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha.

Taking NAC may help reduce inflammation and ease depressive symptoms The dysregulation of neurotransmitters such as dopamine and glutamate may be associated with mood disorders and schizophrenia, among other conditions Finally, a review of five studies concluded that treatment with NAC significantly reduced depressive symptoms and improved functioning in people with depression compared with placebo treatments.

Plus, the NAC supplements were safe and well tolerated This supplement from Pure Encapsulations is a great NAC supplement because it contains just one active ingredient and is tested multiple times throughout manufacturing.

Vitamin D is a critical nutrient that plays numerous essential roles in your body. Research shows that people with depression are more likely to be low or deficient in vitamin D. Those with the condition tend to have lower vitamin D levels than the general population, and people with the lowest levels tend to have the most significant depressive symptoms Vitamin D may reduce the risk of depression through several mechanisms, including by reducing inflammation, regulating mood, and protecting against neurocognitive dysfunction Several studies in people with depression suggest that taking vitamin D supplements may lead to significant improvements in depressive symptoms, quality of life, and illness severity 19 , Keep in mind that more research is needed before vitamin D can be recommended as a universal treatment for depression.

Thorne is certified by NSF International, an organization that inspects manufacturing facilities and tests supplements for quality and potency. B vitamins play important roles in brain function and mood regulation.

B vitamins, including folate, B12, and B6, are necessary for the production and regulation of neurotransmitters such as serotonin, gamma-aminobutyric acid GABA , and dopamine Older research suggests that deficiencies in vitamin B12 and folate may increase the risk of depression and that supplementing with these nutrients may help reduce depressive symptoms in certain populations 23 , 24 , 25 , An older study also found B12 injections to be beneficial in people with MDD when used alongside antidepressant medication Additionally, a review suggested that taking vitamin B12 supplements earlier in life may delay the onset of depression and improve the effects of antidepressant medications Vitamin B6 has also been found to improve depressive symptoms when used in combination with other nutrients, including tryptophan and a form of vitamin B3 called nicotinamide Because several B vitamins may benefit people with depression, a B-complex supplement that contains all eight B vitamins may be the best choice.

Klaire Labs B-Complex Plus contains all eight B vitamins, including active forms of folate and B12 for better absorption. It also boasts antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties Zinc deficiency is strongly linked to an increased risk of depression and depression symptom severity A analysis found that zinc supplementation significantly lowered symptom scores in people with depression Sweets: Sweets temporarily make you feel good as blood sugar rises but may worsen your mood later when blood glucose levels plummet.

Alcohol: Even though alcohol can temporarily relax some people, the effects are short-lived. Avoid alcohol as it can potentially worsen mood swings, anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Vitamin B6: Vitamin B6 is needed to produce the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine.

Although deficiency of vitamin B6 is rare, people taking oral contraceptives or drugs for tuberculosis may be at higher risk for a deficiency. Magnesium: Most people do not get enough magnesium in their diets.

Good sources of magnesium include legumes, nuts, whole grains, and green vegetables. Like vitamin B6, magnesium is needed for serotonin production. Regular exercise is one of the most effective and inexpensive ways to improve mood and can be integrated into any medical treatment plan.

Exercise, particularly aerobic exercise, releases mood-elevating chemicals in the brain and can decrease stress hormones. Choose something you enjoy and will stick with, such as:.

Start with the amount of exercise that is manageable for you, even if it's less than 30 minutes. Any amount of exercise is progress. Getting enough sunlight may be effective in helping reduce the seasonal mood changes that occur in the darker winter months.

Exposure to light in the morning e. The production of serotonin, a brain chemical that is key in influencing mood, is turned on in the morning upon exposure to light. During the winter when there is less sunlight, serotonin levels can drop, sometimes leading to fatigue or symptoms of seasonal affective disorder SAD.

Another option is bright light therapy 10, lux. There are different types available, from lightboxes to visors, that are typically used for about 30 minutes a day. If you or a loved one are struggling with depression, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration SAMHSA National Helpline at for information on support and treatment facilities in your area.

If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call For more mental health resources, see our National Helpline Database. If you are experiencing any of the following depression symptoms that persist, talk with a healthcare provider:. Some studies suggest that certain natural remedies for depression may be beneficial.

Natural remedies should be monitored by a healthcare provider for potential drug interactions and effectiveness. Along with natural remedies, medication and therapy may also be needed to treat depression.

National Institute of Mental Health. Major depression. Clarke JL, Skoufalos A, Medalia A, Fendrick AM. Improving health outcomes for patients with depression: a population health imperative.

Report on an expert panel meeting. Population Health Management. NIH National Institute of Mental Health. Winchester Hospital Health Library. Mount Sinai. NIH National Center for Complementary and Integrative Care.

PennState Hershey. Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. Docosahexaenoic acid DHA. De Berardis D, Orsolini L, Serroni N, et al. A comprehensive review on the efficacy of S-Adenosyl-L-methionine in Major Depressive Disorder.

Mischoulon D, Alpert JE, Arning E, Bottiglieri T, Fava M, Papakostas GI. Bioavailability of S-Adenosyl Methionine and Impact on Response in a Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial in Major Depressive Disorder. Winchester Hospital. Health Library.

Hinz M, Stein A, Hinz M. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat. Kenda M, Kočevar Glavač N, Nagy M, Sollner Dolenc M. Medicinal Plants Used for Anxiety, Depression, or Stress Treatment: An Update. Published Sep Bostan HB, Mehri S, Hosseinzadeh H.

Toxicology effects of saffron and its constituents: a review. Iran J Basic Med Sci. Wolkowitz OM, Reus VI, Roberts E, et al. Dehydroepiandrosterone DHEA treatment of depression. Biol Psychiatry. Schmidt PJ, Daly RC, Bloch M, et al.

In most cases, St. John's wort makes the medication less effective. In other cases, St. John's wort may make the effects of a medication stronger. If you are being treated with any medications, you should not use St. John's wort without first talking to your doctor.

John's wort may interact with many different medications, including but not limited to the following:. John's wort may interact with medications used to treat depression or other mood disorders, including tricyclic antidepressants, SSRIs, and monoamine oxidase inhibitors MAOIs.

Taking St. John's wort with these medications tends to increase side effects, and could lead to a dangerous condition called serotonin syndrome. John's wort with other antidepressants, including:. John's wort at the same time as dextromethorphan, a cough suppressant found in many over-the-counter cough and cold medicines, can increase the risk of side effects, including serotonin syndrome.

John's wort may lower levels of the medication and make it less effective. John's wort if you take digoxin. John's wort can reduce the effectiveness of these medications, which are taken after organ transplant, or to control autoimmune diseases.

There have been many reports of cyclosporin blood levels dropping in those with a heart or kidney transplant, even leading to rejection of the transplanted organ.

John's wort appears to interact with at least two kinds of medications used to treat HIV and AIDS: protease inhibitors and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors.

The Food and Drug Administration recommends that St. John's wort not be used with any type of antiretroviral medication used to treat HIV or AIDS. There have been reports of breakthrough bleeding in women on birth control pills who were also taking St.

It is possible that the herb might make birth control pills less effective, leading to unplanned pregnancies. This medication makes your skin more sensitive to sunlight. John's wort also increases skin sensitivity to light.

Together, they may have a dangerous impact on skin sensitivity to the sun. Based on animal studies, St. John's wort may interfere with reserpine's ability to treat high blood pressure.

John's wort can lower levels of this medication in the blood. Theophylline is used to open the airways in people with asthma, emphysema, or chronic bronchitis.

John's wort can increase the risk of side effects, including serotonin syndrome, when taken with these medications:. Because St. John's wort is broken down by certain liver enzymes, it may interact with other drugs that are broken down by the same enzymes. Those drugs may include:. Ang-Lee MK, Moss J, Yuan CS.

Herbal medicines and perioperative care. Apaydin EA, Maher AR, Shanman R, et al. A systematic review of St. John's wort for major depressive disorder. Syst Rev. Beaubrun G, Gray GE. A review of herbal medicines for psychiatric disorders.

Psychiatr Serv. Biffignandi PM, Bilia AR. The growing knowledge of St. John's wort Hypericum perforatum L drug interactions and their clinical significance.

Curr Ther Res. Blumenthal M, Goldberg A, Brinckmann J. Herbal Medicine: Expanded Commission E Monographs. Newton, MA: Integrative Medicine Communications; Breidenbach T, Hoffmann MW, Becker T, Schlitt H, Klempnauer J. Drug interaction with St. John's wort with cyclosporin. Breidenbach T, Kliem V, Burg M, Radermacher J, Hoffman MW, Klempnauer J.

Profound drop of cyclosporin A whole blood trough levels caused by St. John's wort Hypericum perforatum [letter]. Brenner R, Azbel V, Madhusoodanan S, Pawlowska M. Comparison of an extract of hypericum LI and sertraline in the treatment of depression: a double-blind, randomized pilot study.

Clin Ther. Briese V, Stammwitz U, Friede M, Henneicke-von Zepelin HH. Black cohosh with or without St. John's wort for symptom-specific climacteric treatment -- results of a large-scale, controlled, observational study.

Carai MAM, Agabio R, Bombardelli E, et al. Potential use of medicinal plants in the treatment of alcoholism. Caraci F, Crupi R, Drago F, Spina E.

Metabolic drug interactions between antidepressants and anticancer drugs: focus on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and hypericum extract. Curr Drug Metab. Carpenter DJ. John's wort and S-adenosyl methionine as "natural" alternatives to conventional antidepressants in the era of the suicidality boxed warning: what is the evidence for clinically relevant benefit?

Altern Med Rev. Chung DJ, Kim HY, Park KH, et al. Black cohosh and St. John's wort GYNO-Plus for climacteric symptoms. Yonsei Med J. De Smet P, Touw D. Safety of St. Food and Drug Administration.

Risk of Drug Interactions with St John's Wort and Indinavir and Other Drugs. Rockville, MD: National Press Office; February 10, Public Health Advisory. Geller SE, Studee L. Botanical and dietary supplements for mood and anxiety in menopausal women. Harrer G. Hypericum and phototherapy.

Schweiz Rundsch Med Prax. Hubner W-D, Kirste T. Experience with St John's wort Hypericum perforatum in children under 12 years with symptoms of depression and psychovegetative disturbances. Phytother Res. Hypericum Depression Trial Study Group.

Effect of Hypericum perforatum St. John's wort in major depressive disorder: a randomized controlled trial. Kasper S, Anghelescu IG, Szegedi A, Dienel A, Kieser M.

Superior efficacy of St John's wort extract WS compared to placebo in patients with major depression: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center trial. BMC Med. Kobak KA, Taylor LV, Bystritsky A, et al. St John's wort versus placebo in obsessive-compulsive disorder: results from a double-blind study.

Int Clin Psychopharmacol. Kobak KA, Taylor LV, Warner G, Futterer R.

Anxiety rmedies depression are Fot among cancer patients, remecies significant negative impact. Sports nutrition and aging bodies Revive Your Energy single-herb medicines eepression may warrant further study in Herbal remedies for depression patients. Our search Herbap PubMed, Allied and Complementary Medicine, Embase, and Cochrane databases, selecting only single-herb randomized controlled trials between and in any population for data extraction, excluding herbs with known potential for interactions with cancer treatments. One hundred articles involving 38 botanicals met our criteria. Black cohosh, chamomile, and chasteberry are also promising. Anxiety or depressive symptoms were measured in all studies, but not always as primary endpoints. Remddies Mental exhaustion symptoms to antidepressants. In a given year, an estimated 21 million adults in the United States Herbal remedies for depression have at Mental exhaustion symptoms one major depressive Hebral, which is dor. Many people with Probiotics for hair and skin do not seek treatment, although the majority can benefit from treatment. A number of preliminary studies suggest that certain natural remedies for depression may work well for some people, but more studies are needed to determine if they're as effective or more effective than antidepressants. If you're considering the use of any supplement or remedy, talk to your healthcare provider first.

Video

Natural Home Remedies for Unhappiness \u0026 Depression - Dr Mandell