Depression can encompass a suite of symptoms including low energy and motivation, sadness, and social withdrawal, and is often colored by lifestyle factors including diet. Despite these complex factors, however, a few natural treatments for depression's symptoms have proven themselves both broadly powerful and safer than conventional pharmaceuticals.
The Herbal Depression Treatment, St. John's Wort
Prescribed in Europe five times more frequently than Prozac in the treatment of depression, St. John's Wort appears to mimic the effects of both SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants – without their dangerous side effects and no potential for overdose. Most depressants lessen libido, while St. John's Wort can improve it, as well as enhancing dreaming and sleep.
St. John's Wort has also proven itself as effective as pharmaceuticals in treating depression without the potential for dependency or withdrawal, and appears to be suitable for treating mild to severe depression. Holford and Dr. Cass recommend a dose of 300 milligrams of 0.3 percent hypericin at breakfast. If mood does not improve after a week, up to 900 milligrams can be taken between breakfast and lunch.
Fish Oil as a Depression Treatment
Carnivorous fish, including herring, mackerel, tuna, and salmon, are all rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for both brain functioning (learning and memory) and mood. Countries which eat more fish have lower rates of depression, which is consistent with fish's serotonin-boosting effects. Omega-3 fatty acids also appear to play an important role in combating heart disease.
To increase serotonin levels with omega-3s, eat fatty fish three times a week. If taking a fish oil supplement, consume 500-1,000 milligrams of EPA plus DHA, which is usually two pills. Vegetarians can consume a teaspoon of flax seed oil a day.
S Adenosyl and TMG for Treating Depression
S Adenosyl (SAMe) and its precursor TMG, both naturally occurring molecules essential in the manufacture of neurotransmitters, have been linked to impressive turnarounds in depressed persons, matching or exceeding the power of pharmaceutical antidepressants without the potential for dependence. SAMe works faster than antidepressants — a few days versus several weeks — and has various side benefits, including improved liver function and anti-aging effects
For best results, take 200 milligrams of SAMe once or twice per day between meals, increasing up to as much as 1,600 milligrams a day if needed. TMG may be taken once or twice daily for a total dose of 500-3,000 milligrams. Also supplement with the cofactors vitamins B6 (50 milligrams), B12 (1,000 micrograms), and folic acid (800 micrograms) to support SAMe's effects.
More Natural Depression Treatments
These are only a few choices in the galaxy of natural treatments for anxiety and depression. Learn more about how to enhance serotonin and noradrenaline, along with how the pacific herb kava-kava improves mood, and supplementing with tryptophan and 5-HTP for relieving depression.
Source:
Cass, M.D., Hyla, and Patrick Holford. Natural Highs: Feel Good All the Time. New York: Avery, 2002. Print.
Josefine Cole - Josefine is a BA graduate of Naropa University's Religious Studies program, which emphasizes self-transformation through practice of ...
