7 Herbs that Help with Depression
Depression is the second leading cause of disability in the United States, and affects around 300 million people worldwide.
During any given year, about 1 in 20 people suffers with depression.
Depression doesn't discriminate. It can affect anyone regardless of age, mental health or well-being.
Symptoms of depression are typically treated using a variety of options, including antidepressant medications or psychological treatments, like therapy.
While there are many different types of antidepressants available, they can come with unwanted side effects and may not be effective for everyone.
In some cases, it's possible to feel worse before you start feeling better. In other instances, antidepressants may not work at all or stop working over time.
Seeking out natural remedies and herbs to help with symptoms is a great way support mental health without the need for prescription medications and their unwanted negative side effects.
So what if you've decided you don't want to take antidepressant pharmaceuticals?
This blog is for you!
Keep scrolling..
In this blog post, we will discuss 7 healing plants that can be used for natural ways to treat depression plus a few methods to use them!
There are no known side effects associated with the herbs below but caution should always be taken when combining any herbs together as not all herbal supplements will mix well together.
The dosages referenced in this blog post were found through research, experience, and my own personal journey with herbs.
**Always consult your doctor or a medical professional prior to starting any herbal routines.
List of 7 Herbs that Help with Depression:
#1 Ginger
Ginger helps with depression by increasing serotonin and dopamine levels in the brain. It also has powerful anti-inflammatory properties that make it effective for reducing pain, inflammation, and nausea.
How to use:
Ginger tea can be brewed for its healing properties. It can also be cooked into your favorite meals or taken daily as supplements.
#2 Sage
Sage has been used for centuries and in many cultures as a natural treatment for depression. It is thought that sage can help to regulate the hormones and brain chemicals associated with mood disorders like anxiety and depression.
How to use:
To enjoy the benefits of sage, make a tea with fresh or dried leaves.
You can also use it as an oil infusion by adding drops to your favorite carrier oils like jojoba, coconut, and olive oil.
One highly recommended way to use Sage is through aromatherapy, by burning sage leaves or bundles.
#3 Licorice Root
Licorice root has been traditionally used in Chinese medicine to treat depression, high blood pressure, digestive issues, headaches, skin conditions, gum disease, and many other illnesses!
What makes this herb especially useful for those who have stress-related symptoms of depression is its ability to produce cortisol which helps us deal with stressful situations by increasing energy levels and stabilizing emotional responses.
How to use:
Licorice root can be consumed in a variety of ways.
You can mix it with your favorite tea, take it as supplements or opt for the tincture form by mixing equal parts licorice and ginger roots along with enough vodka to cover them completely!
To use this potent combination, simply add some honey if you want to sweeten it up a bit.
#4 Holy basil
This well-known plant is also called Tulsi. It's one of India's most sacred plants and has been used for centuries to help lift depression, stress, anxiety, and fatigue in Ayurvedic medicine.
The herb contains high levels of an antioxidant called rosmarinic acid that helps block the release of the hormone cortisol which stresses your heart and cardiovascular system.
Another key ingredient that makes Holy Basil so powerful is the L-Tryptophan found in it. L-Tryptophan is an amino acid that's used to produce serotonin, which has been shown to help ease depression symptoms and improve moods.
This plant can also be helpful for people with high blood pressure or insomnia because it induces sleepiness.
How to take:
Holy basil has a slightly sweet taste similar to licorice, chamomile, or spearmint tea and should be brewed with hot water and steeped for at least 15 minutes before drinking three cups of the leaves per day (one round tablespoon).
Take as supplements or try Tulsi capsules for convenient dosage. You can also mix it with water and honey to make an elixir.
#5 Saffron
Saffron is another powerful herb that is believed to have the potential to help alleviate the symptoms of major depressive disorder.
Saffron works in two ways:
First, by boosting serotonin levels and second by inhibiting monoamine oxidase which regulates the neurotransmitters norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin.
This powerful herb can help improve moods while also increasing appetite!
How to use:
To enjoy the benefits of saffron, try taking a few drops of saffron tincture 3x daily or take capsules that contain no more than 400 mg each.
Saffron mixed with a favorite tea creates an elixir that can ease depression.
The potency has been noted to be comparable to reference drugs (fluoxetine and imipramine).
Please use caution when dosing Amounts higher than those used in food (eg, 5 g or more) have uterine stimulant and abortifacient effects.
#6 St. John’s Wort
St. John’s Wort has been used for centuries to help relieve depression and related symptoms like anxiety, fatigue, and agitation by boosting serotonin production in the brain but also regulating cortisol levels which contribute to mood disorders.
St. John’s Wort because it not only boosts serotonin levels but has also been shown to help inhibit monoamine oxidase which is an enzyme that helps produce neurotransmitters like norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin.
How to take:
St. John's wort is a plant that can be taken to treat depression without unpleasant side effects, but only 300 mg per day for up to eight weeks at a time.
It is recommended to take 30 - 60 minutes before bedtime; the sedative properties help promote sleep as well.
While taking St. John's wort, avoid drinking coffee at the same time to prevent too much jittery energy.
Do not use with SSRIs (link), serotonin modulators such as Triptodur, or if taking any other serotonin modulators.
Do not use with neuroleptics, lithium, opioids, and methadone as it can increase the sedative effects of these drugs!
Please consult a doctor before using this herb in combination with prescription medication for depression.
#7 Chamomile
Chamomile has long been used to ease anxiety, depression and insomnia.
It is also believed the herb may be able to help people with mood disorders like depression because it contains apigenin which can act as a serotonin receptor agonist that activates neurotransmitters in your brain!
The herb's anti-inflammatory properties can also help ease depression symptoms.
How to take:
Chamomile makes a great tea that's pleasant and soothing, but can be taken in supplements as well up to three times daily or 30 minutes before bedtime.
Please consult a doctor before using this herb in combination with prescription medication for depression.
Mental health is a sensitive topic that many people struggle with in silence.
Mental disorders are the leading cause of disability for young adults, but most importantly it’s not something to be ashamed about or keep to yourself.
It can affect anyone regardless of gender, age, or socioeconomic status.
In this blog post, we talked about 7 herbs that may help soothe symptoms of depression by aiding serotonin production and regulating cortisol levels which contribute to mood disorders; these herbs include Holy Basil, Saffron, St John's Wort, Chamomile, and more!
Before using any one herb, it is important to get a doctor's advice regarding its usage, especially if you are currently taking prescription medications.
The dosages referenced in this blog post were found through experience and my own personal journey with herbs.
Staying emotionally healthy is important, and it's something you shouldn't have to do alone.
We hope that this blog post has been helpful to anyone who may be struggling with depression or mental health issues; know that there are many ways out there to help ease symptoms and give yourself the best opportunity to overcome depression and move forward.
Resources for you or a loved one:
If you feel like your mental health isn’t where it should be, please contact your doctor today or SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357) for help!
Don't be afraid to reach out.
