Herbs for Depression: A Suitable Alternative to Depression Pharmaceuticals?
Herbs for depression are often seen as a viable alternative to pharmaceutical treatment of depression. However, actual data showing an effectiveness of herbs for depression is rare and thus it is currently hardly possible to make a final verdict on the usefulness of herbal treatment for depression in general. Also, there seems to be only limited interest from western medicine to study the effects of herbs for depression in a clinically relevant setting. So from a patient?s perspective the question remains: What is the evidence that herbal treatment for depression works? By far the best studied herbal treatment for depression is without doubt St. John?s wort.
St. John?s Wort
St. John?s wort (Hypericum Perforatum) is the most well-known and best studied of the herbs for depression in use. It has been known as herbal treatment for depression and cure for other diseases for many centuries. In Europe, where this herbal treatment for depression is commonly prescribed by medical professionals, various clinical studies have demonstrated a positive effect of this best known member of the herbs for depression in use in cases of mild to moderate depression. However, two clinical studies in the US, one of them funded by a pharmaceutical company, have recently indicated that St. John?s wort extracts were no more effective than a placebo in major depression. Further studies with this herbal treatment for depression are currently conducted, but it may take years before a final verdict can be made on St. John?s wort. The exact mode of action of this herbal treatment for depression is not fully understood, although there is some evidence that it acts on serotonin production or -activity. Despite open questions and demonstrated limitations, St. John?s wort currently stands as the only one of the herbs for depression with a clinically demonstrated positive effect at least in mild cases of depression.
Further herbs for depression
Other herbs for depression often mentioned are Siberian Ginseng and Gingko Biloba. Extracts of each of these alleged herbs for depression have been in use for medicinal purposes for many years in certain parts of the world. While some circumstantial evidence exists that seems to show their potential as herbal treatment for depression no clinical studies have been conducted so far that prove or disprove any claims made with regards to their effectiveness as depression treatment. Further herbs for depression are marketed every now and then - all of them lacking any clinical evidence in or against their favour
In addition to the general lack of clinical data available another major problem with all herbs for depression is that the quality of different marketed herbal extracts may vary substantially depending on where they come from and how they were produced. Impurities and wrong preparation may reduce their effectiveness as herbal treatment for depression and may also lead to an increase in side effects. In this context it has to be said that the common misconception that herbs for depression are natural and thus do not have any side effects is outright wrong and the depressive patient should be aware of the potential risks of taking herbs for depression without consulting a medical professional.
Conclusion
Although the use of herbs for depression is widely spread, on the whole there is (maybe with the exception of St. John?s wort) no definitive evidence for the usefulness of herbal treatments for depression. Especially when compared to standard prescription drugs for depression herbs for depression usually cannot prevail as a first choice treatment option. However, when other more established treatments fail, or in particular in the case of St. John?s wort, in cases of mild depression, using herbs for depression may be worth a try. In any case the user should realise the limitations and not underestimate the risks of using herbs for depression.
To learn more on herbs for depression or other treatments for depression visit http://www.BeatDepression.org - your depression information source.
Related Themes:
Depression and its Various Causes
The researchers often talks about to find the cause of a disease. Some causes for a particular disease are very straightforward. For example a broken leg is the result of the strain in the leg muscles. The Knee pain is the result of the disruption in the tendons and ligaments. The running nose is the result of cold. But the situation is not so simple with depression because there is not only a single cause of depression. Even it is also very difficult to determine which cause results to which type of depression. Depression occurs because of the disturbance in the brain nerve cells due to which they are not in a condition of communicating with each other. These nerve cells are known as neurotransmitters. The factors which can effect these ne ...
Easy Ways to find the Right Treatment for Depression.
Depression or prolonged sadness is actually quite common in the United States, around 9.5 percent of the American population actually suffers from this illness, however, not all of them get to be treated, thus, and depression and its ill-effects continue to be a burden to some individuals.
Depression - What You Should Know About Depression
A lot has been said, written and preached about depression. Many researches and analysis have been made in this regard. Some people feel that it is a stage where one feels similar to a black curtain of despair clouded over their lives. Others feel really irritable and that no energy is left in them to lead a happy life.
What is Medical Depression
All forms of depression are essentially categorized as medical related Depression includes a number of stages. They can range from mild depression, Bi-polar disorders or manic depression, all the way up to major depression. Depression is no doubt considered a disease. Although it is a mental illness it is no different than heart disease or lung disease. It strikes a critical organ, the brain. You aren't somehow less just because you have depression. It does not place you in a category that is stereotyped as weird or nuts. Just like other illnesses it can be treated.
How To Overcome Depression Using Antidepressant Prozac
Today it becomes more and more normal to hear such a grave notion as "depression". For many people this word becomes a common way of their inner state expression, although not everybody wonders what namely this term means.
Natural Way to Relieve Depression
People are often reluctant to consult a physician or health professional for emotional problems, but treatment for depression is crucial once it is diagnosed. However, if treatment for depression is not administered correctly, the condition could become worse. Treatment for depression should target all present symptoms. There are many symptoms of depression, including suicidal tendencies, long periods of sadness, and a total lack of self-confidence. Treatment of depression becomes the toughest when the patient and the patient's family members are not co-operative.
Recognizing if You Have Depression
Millions of people suffer from Depression each year Depression is made up of different emotions, most people get feelings of loss, frustration, sadness, and disappointment, just to name a few