5 Medicinal Herbs To Treat Depression

According to popular wisdom, since ancient times medicinal herbs have been used to treat depression or, rather, to contribute to the relief of emotional distress and tension.

Although they are not a replacement for medical treatment, their use seems to improve mood in some people, since they help to relax the body and fall asleep. 

5 medicinal herbs to relieve depression

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several medications to combat depression in recent years. However, these are not necessary in all cases. Therefore, first of all, priority must be given to medical consultation.

However, there are medicinal herbs whose properties can help alleviate the symptoms of depression. Although they are not a first-line treatment, some studies support their use as an adjunct to better rest and mood.

But beware! Despite being natural products, they are not exempt from causing interactions and side effects. They are even contraindicated in some cases. Therefore, before trying one option or another, you have to find out all the information about it.

Knowing this, let’s see below what are those medicinal herbs to treat depression or rather, maximize well-being in general. Use them with caution, following the consumption recommendations.

1. St. John’s wort

Of all the medicinal herbs, St. John’s wort is one of the most popular for the natural treatment of depression. Some research shows its effectiveness, also for anxiety.

Apparently, its consumption helps increase the secretion of serotonin, a chemical associated with well-being. In a systematic review published in  Cochrane , it was found that it could help with mild or moderate depression.

It should be taken into account that it should only be used in natural treatments. That is,  it should not be combined with any antidepressant medication at the same time.

Ingredients

• 1 cup of water (250 g)
• 1 teaspoon of St. John’s wort (5 g)

How to use it?

• Heat the water and, when it comes to a boil, add the St. John’s wort and let it infuse for 5 minutes before consuming it.
• Take it 3 times a day.

Remember that its effects can take up to 3 weeks to appear, almost as long as chemical antidepressants.

2. Poppy

The poppy is also among the medicinal herbs that you can have at home to promote the relief of depression.

Thanks to its contribution of alkaloids, its active principle, it is very suitable to calm anxiety and moderate depression, according to a study in Biochemistry Research International .

Note: should be avoided in case of pregnancy and lactation.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of poppy flowers (10 g)
• 1 cup of water (250 ml)

How to use it?

• Prepare it as an infusion and let it concentrate for 10 minutes.
• You can take it 3 times a day, taking into account that it is also one of the treatments with relatively late effects.

3. Angelica

Angelica belongs to the medicinal herbs used to alleviate the symptoms of depression. In fact, a study published in Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine talks about its antidepressant effects.

This is because it has sedative properties, useful for relieving symptoms of anxiety, insomnia and even loss of appetite as a result of depression.

• It can only be used in people over 6 years of age, due to the maximum effects of its active ingredient.
• The plant should not be exposed on the skin, as it tends to cause dermatitis.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon of angelica flowers (5 g)
• 1 cup of water (250 ml)

How to use it?

• Prepare the angelica infusion with a teaspoon of its flowers for each cup of boiling water and let it settle for 5 minutes.

• Take 3 times a day before meals and you will notice the changes after a week of use.

4. Valerian, the most popular of the medicinal herbs to treat depression

Valerian is one of the most popular depression medicine around.

At the beginning of its discovery, it was used more for its spasmolytic effect. However, over time, its sedative properties were appreciated. Thus, today it is used to combat insomnia and relieve depression.

Additionally, a study published in the Journal of Traditional and Complementary Medicine suggests that it may be effective against the emotional symptoms of PMS.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon of valerian (10 g)
• 1 cup of water (250 ml)

How to use it?

To prepare the infusion, keep in mind that you must have the plant plus the root, as it is the one that contains most of its benefits for depression.

• Add a tablespoon for each cup of boiling water and let it sit and all the beginning is extracted, for 15 minutes.

• The ideal is to take it 3 times a day and be patient so that in several days the effect is indicated.

5. Ginseng

Ginseng is a natural stimulant that may help fight depression. This medicinal herb exerts a tonic effect on the brain, helps channel relaxation and, as a consequence, deflects feelings of anxiety, depression and lack of appetite.

Research published in the Journal of Ginseng Research indicates that this plant could be an aid to alleviate depression derived from constant stress and anxiety.

Among the possible side effects that this herb can cause are nervousness and hypertension, but usually they only appear if the recommended dose is exceeded.

Ingredients

• ¼ teaspoon ginseng (1.2 g)
• 1 cup of water (250 ml)

How to use it?

• Boil 1 gram of ginseng herb root in a cup of water.
• Allow the decoction to take place for 3 minutes and then steep for 5 minutes.
• Take the shots only once a day, in the morning, since it is the time when it has the best effect on the nervous system.

Medicinal herbs to relieve depression: conclusions

In conclusion, there are medicinal herbs that can help you reduce the symptoms of depression. However, in order for them to be more useful to you, you must modify your lifestyle, go out, play sports, and take care of your sleep and diet.

Finally, remember that it is best to go to a psychologist or health professional. No herbal supplement should be considered a substitute for medical treatment. Keep that in mind!