The subject of natural herbs for depression/herbs for depression is one that sparks heated debate in certain medical circles. Herbal treatments for depression are considered alternative. The label alternative is defined as when the treatment in question is not widely accepted as effective by conventional mental health experts and medical professionals or the treatment is not the first choice of most doctors in cases of depression.

So we can comfortably conclude that natural herbs for depression fall into the alternative medicine category. Just because herbs for depression are labeled alternative does not mean they aren’t effective. This is especially true in cases of mild depression.

There are many different herbs used in natural health formulas. Some of the names often seen are St. John’s wort, Kava, Ginkgo biloba, Basil, Black Hellebore, Ginger, Clove, Oat straw, Rosemary, Sage, and Thyme. In this informational article titled “Natural Herbs for Depression” we will briefly explore St. Johns wort, Kava, and Ginkgo biloba.

St. John’s wort – In the world of herbs for depression St. John’s wort has garnered the most attention from researchers. Positive research results seem to support its effectiveness in treating mild depression. It is thought that this natural herb works by reducing the rate at which brain cells reabsorb the neurotransmitter (brain messenger) serotonin, low levels of which have been linked to depression.

Popular herbs for anxiety and depression include St. Johns Wort, Kava, Passion Flower, Ginseng and SAM-e, and many have reported positive benefits to taking these herbs. St. Johns Wort probably has the largest body of supporting evidence and is widely used. Again remember that you should consult your physician before taking any medication, even herbal, and do not take multiple herbal remedies at the same time without consultation with a professional.

Ginkgo biloba – You are probably surprised to find this supplement on my short list of potentially helpful natural herbs for depression. The simple reason is it may be helpful in helping our senior citizens maintain a healthy positive attitude and avoid depression. A research study concluded Ginkgo biloba was effective in increasing serotonin receptors in people age of 50 and older. This is important because as we age there is a reduction in the number of serotonin receptor sites on brain cells make elderly people more vulnerable to depression. The more serotonin receptors lost, the deeper and darker the depression; Ginkgo helped offset this problematic progression.

However many herbs have been used in medical applications for much longer than their modern chemical counterparts and so there exists a large body of admittedly anecdotal evidence backing their medicinal properties.

Additionally, the main advantage for choosing an herbal depression remedy is not so much in the clinical advantages as it is in the area of safety. While not all herbal remedies for depression are safe for everyone, they do have substantially less side effects than current antidepressant medications such as Zoloft; for this reason alone they are an option worth considering.