The Three Best Herbs To Fight Depression

These symptoms may include a low mood, loss of interest, headache, disturbed sleep, and a loss of energy. While there are many highly effective chemical antidepressants available by prescription today, some people prefer to go a more natural route with treating their depression.Consult with your healthcare provider before taking any herbs or supplements as they may interact with medications you are currently taking or exacerbate a condition.St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a flowering shrub with little yellow flowers native to Europe and parts of Asia. It has been used for millennia as a medicinal herb to treat a multitude of illnesses and diseases, especially mental health conditions. In fact, St. John’s Wort is currently one of the most used treatments for depression in Germany. It is most often taken in a capsule/pill form or drank as a tea, although other methods such as essential oils or consumption of the fresh herb may also be used. There are three primary bioactive substances in saffron: picrocrocin, safranol, and crocin. These three substances work together to achieve the desired antidepressant activity in the body. Research suggests that crocin and safranol’s inhabitation of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin reuptake receptors in the brain is likely responsible for the antidepressant effects that saffron produces in people who are experiencing depression symptoms.

Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea), also known as arctic root or golden root, is in plant native to northern Europe and Russia and was traditionally used to treat poor attention span, fatigue, and memory issues. Rhodiola is known as an adaptogenic herb, one that helps the body build resilience against stressors, including environmental, physical, or psychological. The root is the most commonly used medicinal portion of the plant. 

Rhodiola particularly well suited to managing and treating depression caused by stress and stressful situations. This is due to its ability to increase the body’s resilience against stress reactions and to support healthy mood balancing. For medicinal purposes, Rhodiola is best taken as an extract that contains approximately 2-3% rosavin and 0.8-1% salidroside (both vital constituents in the plant). 

NOTE: Medical experts advise those taking prescription medications for major depression not to take Rhodiola, as taking both can cause a buildup of serotonin levels in the body, leading to serotonin syndrome. It may also trigger manic symptoms in those with bipolar disorder. If you have bipolar disorder or are taking a prescription antidepressant, consult a healthcare professional before taking Rhodiola.

https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/depression/the-top-7-best-herbs-for-depression/