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Natural Remedies For Depression Depression is a challenging diagnosis to treat. However, there are several effective treatments. Psychotherapy, also known as “talk therapy” is a crucial component of treatment. Medications are effective in reducing symptoms. Some herbal supplements may also help. St. John's Wort, an herb not FDA-approved to treat depression, may improve symptoms in a few people. However, it could interfere with heart medication or birth control pills, as well as drugs that can prevent rejection of organs after an organ transplant. Saffron Saffron is most well-known for its ability to add the color of food but it's also an excellent mood booster. It contains a number compounds, such crocetin, and crocins that possess antioxidant and radical-scavenging properties which help protect against harmful free radicals. These may contribute to chronic illnesses, such as depression. A portion of the research on the effects of saffron on depression are mixed. In one study, individuals suffering from depression were randomly assigned to undergo a six-week saffron treatment or placebo. Then, they were analyzed by using an anxiety and depression questionnaire. Those who took saffron were less depressed and anxious than those who didn't. Other studies haven't found the similar results. The article from the year 2019 mentioned above points to the fact that the majority of studies that have shown positive results utilized small samples, short-term follow-ups and were conducted in Iran where the researchers had financial relationships with producers of saffron. This raises doubts about Iranian researchers' claims that saffron is beneficial for depression. It's possible that saffron may have antidepressant effects due to its action on the brain to increase serotonin levels. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter which helps improve mood and promote relaxation. It is believed that saffron functions by inhibiting synaptic serotonin reuptake, which keeps more of the chemical in the brain. In a separate study women who had premenstrual symptoms received either saffron or an active control for two months. The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Premenstrual Daily Symptoms questionnaire were used to assess the women. The women who took the extract of saffron experienced significant improvement in their PMS symptoms and were better in coping with stress better than those who took the placebo. Saffron is one of the most popular treatments for depression. However, we require larger, longer-term trials before it can be a treatment option. It is also essential to consult your doctor before taking any nutritional supplement for depression, especially those that have not been approved by the FDA. They may cause serious adverse reactions or interact with certain medications. 5-HTP 5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is an amino acid that the body converts into serotonin, a neurotransmitter that sends signals between nerve cells. Low levels of serotonin have been linked to depression, anxiety as well as fibromyalgia, sleep disorders and a myriad of other health problems. Studies have shown that 5-HTP supplements may increase serotonin levels and improve mood in certain people. However further research is required to determine how effective this supplement is for treating depression. Tryptophan is a component of bananas, milk, cheese and yogurt. It is also available as an over-the-counter food supplement. The body converts tryptophan into serotonin. This then stimulates brain chemicals that help control appetite, mood and sleep patterns. In a variety of studies it has been proven that 5-HTP is as effective as antidepressant drugs in treating depression. Some of these studies are flawed, such as the small sample size and the short duration. Some of the studies employed SSRIs, which can affect the effectiveness of 5-HTP. 5-HTP may be beneficial for a wide range of health conditions, such as chronic headaches, fibromyalgia, and weight loss. It has been demonstrated that it improves sleeping habits and reduces fatigue among those suffering from fibromyalgia. It also has an calming effect and decrease anxiety in some people. Research has also indicated that 5-HTP may increase the gamma-aminobutyric acids (GABA) levels which is a neurotransmitter that may reduce anxiety and increase feelings of calmness. Some studies suggest that 5-HTP may help treat other conditions that are a result of low serotonin levels, for example migraines and tension headaches. It has been proven to increase melatonin, which is vital for healthy sleep patterns. In addition, some research suggests that consuming 100 mg of 5-HTP every day may ease fibromyalgia stiffness, pain and mood. Before taking 5-HTP, people should consult their doctor. This is especially important for people taking SSRI or MAOI medications because 5-HTP may interact with these drugs and trigger dangerous adverse effects. In addition that high doses of 5-HTP could cause nausea in certain people. Kava Kava is a well-known medicinal herb that comes from the Pacific Islands. It has been utilized for centuries as a drink used for rituals and as a medication. It functions similar to alcohol in helping to relax the mind and relax muscles, but without the side effects of many prescription drugs. The plant's active compound, kavalactone, alters the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) pathway in the brain to produce anxiolytic and antidepressant effects. I Am Psychiatry have shown that it is effective to treat general anxiety disorder (GAD) and stress, without producing the “hangover effect” of sedatives that are commonly used. It has been shown to have many other health benefits. These include boosting dopamine and alleviating the symptoms of chronic pain or fibromyalgia. It also lowers stress hormones, reduces blood pressure and boosts the immune system. Kava is available in capsule, tablet or tincture form. It can also be mixed into teas or other beverages. It is recommended to talk with your doctor before attempting any herbal supplements. Dietary supplements aren't controlled by the FDA as such, and do not have to undergo the same rigorous clinical tests as prescription drugs. This leaves the consumers exposed to various health risks, including liver damage. Kava should be avoided by people with lung, heart or liver issues. It can worsen these conditions. People with pre-existing mental health issues should also avoid kava because it can cause eyes that are red and irritated, as well as decreased muscle control (ataxia). Kava is a risk when it is combined with other psychoactive substances, like alcohol or prescription medications. It is also not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing mothers. Kava is an all-natural substance, and there's no evidence to suggest it has addictive properties, but the risk of causing liver damage can't be completely eliminated. Anyone who is concerned about liver damage must speak with their physician prior to beginning an kava-based regimen. More research is needed to discover the causes that can make kava unsafe, but it is generally safe for the majority of patients when used under medical supervision. St. John's Wort St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a herbal remedy that might help with mild to moderate depression. Certain studies suggest that it can improve your mood by altering how your body uses certain chemicals, like serotonin. It also appears to work well with a particular type of antidepressant called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. These are the most common drugs used to treat depression. However, it might not be as effective for people with severe forms of depression. St. John's wort can be dangerous when combined with certain medications and therefore it is recommended to consult a doctor first. In a 12-week study, St. John's wort was as effective as a standard antidepressant in reducing symptoms of minor depression. In a separate study, a combination of. John's herb and citalopram, a SSRI is equally effective as an antidepressant with placebo in treating depression. This research was funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). There's less research on long-term use of St. John's wort, however, some studies suggest it may have benefits when taken for a period of time, such as a few weeks or months. It is available as a dried herb in tablets, capsules, or tea. The effects may be felt within 3 to 6 weeks. St. John's Wort can interact with a variety of medications, including birth-control pills and antibiotics. It can also affect how your body metabolizes certain drugs, like the narcotics and sedatives that could cause potentially dangerous side effects if they're combined. You should not try to treat depression by yourself. Instead, consult with a medical professional. If you're considering natural remedies to treat depression, it's best to see a naturopath or integrative medicine specialist who can assist you in making an informed decision. They can also suggest complementary healthcare options that do not require prescription medications. They may also refer you to an expert if needed. You can find a naturopath or integrative healthcare provider in the Mayo Clinic directory.