While mainstream depression treatment approaches usually involve a combination of an antidepressant, such as Effexor, Prozac or Citalopram, and therapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy, there is also a place for complementary therapies including herbal remedies and supplements.
Angelica, Basil and Depression Treatment
Angelica is a herbal remedy recognised to be effective in treating a common symptom associated with depression of insomnia. It may be consumed as a tea through boiling one teaspoon of angelica seeds or roots. However, due to the fact that angelica looks very similar in appearance to toxic water hemlock, it is safer to buy this remedy from a health food shop unless one has extensive experience in the area of botany.
Unlike angelica, basil is much more well-known as a very common herb that's widely used in the kitchen. This herb is very safe, easily identified and may be used in either cooking or as a tea. Basil is said to reduce anxiety by way of its mild sedative properties.
Mint, Rosemary and Depression Treatment
As with basil, both mint and rosemary are easy to come by and very safe. Mint has long since been used as an after dinner tea intended to prevent indigestion, but it has also been identified as an alternative remedy for those suffering from sleep problems and insomnia that's related to depression.
Rosemary is another herb commonly used in cooking, particularly with roast lamb and in addition is utilised in the treatment of both insomnia and depression. Though diffusing the leaves which creates a soothing scent, rosemary may be made into a tea.
Kava Kava and Depression Treatment
Research study findings that kava kava root is comparable to mainstream medications in terms of its effectiveness in relieving the symptoms of anxiety that are often associated with depression.
It's important to note there may be health risks associated with this alternative treatment, including a risk of liver damage. As a result, kava kava has been banned in Germany.
Ginseng and Depression Treatment
Ginseng is widely used in America and Europe as an effective treatment for those suffering from stress-related symptoms and depressive illness. This complementary remedy is very commonly found in pill form. It's typically available in most health food shops.
Ginseng is not suitable for certain people including those who are about to undergo surgery, children under the age of twelve and pregnant or breast-feeding women.
In addition to such alternative approaches to depression treatment, St John's Wort is widely regarded as an effective remedy for mild to moderate forms of depression. Before commencing any form of herbal or complementary therapy, it is important to seek medical advice.
Sources:
Brees, K. (2008) The Everything Health Guide To Depression Avon: Adams Media.
Thase, M. & Lang, S. (2004) Beating The Blues Oxford University Press.
Kate Le Page - Kate Henning-Le Page writes about eating disorders, body image and recovery issues. She specializes in anorexia recovery.
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