As a common and serious mental health condition, depression affects millions of people worldwide. It can cause continuous feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in daily activities, as well as physical and cognitive changes that impair one’s functioning and quality of life. Depression can have various causes, such as genetic, biological, psychological, or environmental factors, and it can be treated with medication, psychotherapy, or a combination of both. However, you may not respond well to conventional treatments or may experience unpleasant side effects or interactions.
In these cases, herbal remedies may offer a natural and effective alternative to help reduce depressive symptoms and improve mood. Herbal remedies are ingredients derived from plants that have medicinal properties and have been shown its potential therapeutic effects by research. In this article, we will explain the benefits of natural herbs for depression, how they work, how to use them, and what to consider before trying them.
5-HTP
5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is a natural compound extracted from the plant Griffonia simplicifolia. It is a common supplement used to combat depression and enhance mental well-being and relaxation. 5-HTP works by acting as a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, sleep, appetite, and other functions. When you take 5-HTP, it crosses the blood-brain barrier and enters the brain, where it can be converted into serotonin.
However, 5-HTP may also have some side effects, such as nausea, diarrhea, headache, and drowsiness. It may also pose serious risks when taken with other drugs that affect serotonin levels, such as antidepressants, anticoagulants, birth control pills, or other medications.
St. John’s Wort
Hypericin, the main ingredient extracted from Hypericum perforatum, may help to improve mood and reduce symptoms of mild to moderate depression by increasing the levels of neurotransmitters like serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in the brain.
Lavender
Some clinical trials have shown that lavender oil can relieve stress. It may also have some benefits for people who suffer from depression. Lavender can help improve mood, sleep quality, and relaxation by affecting the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates these functions.
Conclusion
There are other natural herbs and their active ingredients that may help with depression. In this article, we list some common herb extracts that are used to enhance mood. Every supplement has its side effects, so follow your doctor’s advice.
References:
https://luckherb.com/products/st-johns-wort-hypericin-powder/
https://luckherb.com/products/5htp-powder/
https://luckherb.com/cosmetics-materials/lavender-essentail-oil/
https://luckherb.com/anticancer/magnolia-bark-extract-honokiol-and-magnolol-powder/