Good Healthcare Requires Treatment of Your Mind, Body, and Soul

3 Herbs That Are Natural Depression Treatments

28 July 2021 by Hugh Larson

If you have been diagnosed with depression, yet do not want to take a prescription antidepressant medication, then you may wonder what your natural depression treatment options are. While cognitive-behavioral therapy, also called talk therapy, sessions with a licensed psychologist can help you learn to overcome your depression without the use of prescription antidepressants, there are also many natural herbs that have been shown to help combat depression naturally. 

Read on to learn about three herbs that are natural depression treatments and why. 

1. Saffron

One natural herb that has been shown to help combat depression symptoms naturally is saffron. This herb is bright red in color, filled with antioxidants, and may already be a staple in your spice cabinet if you enjoy cooking. Often added to seafood and other dishes to enhance their flavors, this herb contains two natural compounds called safranal and crocin that are believed to have strong antidepressant effects.

In fact, several studies revealed that saffron supplements helped relieve depressed mood as well as a prescription antidepressant medication can in some people. 

To take advantage of the natural antidepressant effects of saffron, include this spice in your dishes more often, or take a saffron supplement on a regular basis. 

2. Rhodiola Rosea

Another herb that is believed to help relieve depression symptoms in some people is Rhodiola rosea. This herb contains a natural compound called rosavin that is believed to be the main medicinal component of the herb. 

Various studies have shown that this herb taken in supplement form can help relieve feelings of stress, reduce feelings of anxiety, and decrease fatigue. In addition, this herb helps treat depression without producing the unwanted side effects that accompany many prescription antidepressants. 

3. St. John's Wort

Unlike saffron and Rhodiola rosea, which are herbs that have been found to help treat depression relatively recently, people all over the world have taken St. John's Wort supplements to help ease depression symptoms naturally for centuries. This herb, also known as Hypericum perforatum, is available in capsule and liquid extract form, although some people drink a tea they create by steeping the plant's flowers in hot water daily. 

The medicinal components in St. John's Wort are hypericin, adhyperforin, and hyperforin. These components increase the level of several neurotransmitters in the brain, including serotonin and dopamine, to boost mood and relieve depression symptoms. 

Like other herbs used to treat depression, St. John's Wort typically does not cause the unwanted side effects that many prescription depression treatments can. 

If you suffer from depression and do not want to take prescription depression medication, then try taking a supplement that contains one of these three herbs that act as natural depression treatments. 

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