What Are Herbal Antidepressants

Depression is a condition that affects millions of people worldwide, and its main cause is the lack of sufficient natural antidepressant in the brain. This is called serotonin, and, under certain circumstances, the brain cells that are specialized in making it reduce the production; when this happens, temporary or prolonged episodes of depression occur. Although there are plenty of prescription medicines for dysthymic disorder, some people prefer to take a herbal antidepressant instead of them. How effective these herbal supplements really are in the treatment of depression is a matter of debate, but people everywhere prefer to take them instead of getting hooked on other drugs.

Saint John’s Wort

One herbal mood booster that has gained plenty of popularity during the recent years is Saint John’s Wort. The herb can be consumed as oil, or you can simply consume tea made of dried flowers and leaves. Although seen as almost an ideal alternative antidepressant to prescription medicines, when to avoid gotu kola can have some side effects. For instance, it can increase sensitivity to light, and it is not recommended to pregnant or breast-feeding women. Even if this herbal antidepressant can be acquired over the counter, without the need for a medical prescription, caution is advised. Ask your personal physician whether it is a good idea to treat your depression using this herbal supplement for regulating the levels of natural antidepressant in your brain or not.

Lavender

Another well known alternative antidepressant is lavender. Used in the making of many massage oils and teas, lavender has great herbal mood booster properties. It can help calm the nervous system, and it can also act as a great aid for people that have trouble falling asleep. Studies have shown that lavender is a great herbal antidepressant, as it has proven its efficiency in treating mild or even moderate cases of depression.

Ginseng

The qualities of the well known ginseng stretch into the area of herbal antidepressant therapies, as well. The root of a plant originated in China, ginseng can help balance the production of natural antidepressant in the human brain, along with the secretion of other hormones that are responsible for one’s general state of well being. People suffering from depression may find ginseng to be a great herbal mood booster, since it can improve the way they feel without the need for prescription drugs.

Limits of herbal antidepressants

Even if taking an alternative antidepressant sounds like such a great idea, there are some things about these natural treatments that should not be ignored. In severe cases of depression, achieving the hormonal balance – including that of natural antidepressant – cannot be obtained so easily. A herbal mood booster will never replace real medicine, which is why it is best to address your problem with a doctor, before deciding to treat yourself as you see fit. The possible side effects of these supplements can also bring some disadvantages, so do not forget to ask your physician if it is safe to take certain herbs.