Herbs for Depression

23 Jul

Posted by Dr John Anne as Herbs

Most Asian countries are famous for their use of medicinal heeling herbs. One reason is climate - warm and humid it promotes plants growth and it is also traditional way of living using healing herbs to fight diseases where even modern drugs don’t work. Herbs that help with depression are no exception - you can find many Chinese medicinal herbs to cure depression and relieve stress. The Western world has also caught on the usage of medicinal herbs as a treatment for many illnesses including depression and anxiety, because it is safer and more natural.

Herbs for Depression

Chinese herbs used to relieve depression and anxiety all move the Liver QI (qi of the chest ). Taken alone, these herbs may exert only a mild effect. In certain combinations, however, the results can be quite powerful.

Chai hu, or bupleurum, is the best known of these herbs. Though it is classified as a surface relieving herb, which might be used for colds, etc., its most common use by far, is to move the qi of the chest (Liver QI). Its ability to do this is greatly enhanced by combining it with a small amount of mint (bo he).

Gingko Biloba - Indigenous to China, gingko has been used widely to increase memory and mental alertness due to its ability to increase blood circulation to the brain. This improved mental ability helps alleviate feeling of depression, especially in the elderly.

Gotu Kola - native to Asia and Europe, gotu kola has been used to treat skin conditions such as psoriasis and varicose veins. However it has also been shown to help with mental functioning and concentration, helping quell feelings of depression.

SAMe - S-adenosylmethionine (SAM-E) is an amino acid that is used in the treatment of depression. SAMe is an essential amino acid required to maintain healthy neurotransmitter processes in the brain. People suffering from depression often have deficient quantities of certain brain chemicals. SAMe works fast to increase these levels and improve these deficient factors with little or no side effects.

Siberian Ginseng -Siberian ginseng improves the balance of important neurotransmitters (including serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine) in the brain. Its various varieties are referred to as an adaptogen, a substance that assists body in adapting to external physical stresses. Ginseng is believed to stimulate the immune system, enhance abstract thinking and improve aerobic capacity. Ginseng may also benefit people with diabetes by regulating blood sugar levels.

Green Tea (Theanine)

Yes! Green Tea is an excellent herb for depression as it relaxes you. Since ancient times, we’ve heard this. The substance that is responsible for this sense of relaxation, is called theanine. Theanine is a unique amino acid found almost solely in tea plants and the main component responsible for the exotic taste of `green’ tea.

Licorice

Licorice has been known for a long time as an effective herbal treatment fro colds, but recently recorded results have shown impressive results in the treatment of depression. Licorice is a natural anti-depressant which contains eight monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

Other herbs for depression include Kava Kava which is extremely effective in the treatment of somatic complaints and nervousness, ginger, gingko biloba, licorice, Siberian ginseng, basil, thyme, rosemary, lemon balm and valerian. In addition, Chinese tinctures and herbs such as Ding quai and Bupleurum are also known for their effectiveness in the treatment of depressive symptoms.