Herbal Treatment for Depression

Many herbal treatments for depression are available but only a few have actually been proven to effectively relieve depression. Most of the medicinal herbs marketed for depression have not been studied at all, and even those claiming to be "scientifically proven" are often supported by just one or two poorly designed studies. A handful of herbs, however, have been proven to effectively relieve depression by multiple well-designed clinical trials. The best herbal treatments for depression are those that contain these proven herbs in high-quality forms and in the proper dosages.

St. John's Wort - Natural, wholesome, inexpensive. Hypericum perforatum seemed to be the dream remedy for depression. The herbal remedy had fewer side effects and as the researchers concluded, it showed promise for the long-term treatment of moderate depression.

Oats - avena sativa

The same oats from which you make porridge. They are reputed to be a very good tonic for the nervous system. The plant is used to combat anxiety, stress and fatigue as well as for depression. It is usually taken as a tea three times per day.

Lavender

Lavender has been traditionally used to promote relaxation and sleep in the form of a nosegay under a pillow. Its essential oil is available in most chemists and health food shops for applying to a pillow or for the bath.

Antidepressant Tincture

1 teaspoon tincture of Saint-John's-wort leaf
½ teaspoon tinctures of licorice root, ginseng root, lemon balm leaf and ashwaganda leaf (if available)
Combine ingredients (if you do not or cannot drink alcohol, buy glycerites instead of tinctures). Take 1 dropperful 3 times a day.

Herbal Depression Treatment with Mood Smooth

Mood Smooth is Jia Wei Xiao Yao Wan. This Chinese herbal supplement has been around in the past 600 years. The Chinese call them happy pill, as it can magically make a depressed person feel happier. Prozac is the today's most popular medicine for depression. Jia Wei Xiao Yao is the Chinese counterpart of that drug.

Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis)

Valerian root is possibly one of the most pungent herbs in use. This strong smelling herb is famous for being the plant that Valium was derived from. It is one of the more potent calmatives in use and care should be taken when using valerian for more than three weeks for insomnia associated with anxiety. Valerian can cause drowsiness and prolonged use may disrupt deep sleep which can lead to tiredness, even after a full nights sleep.

For more information visit Herbal Remedies