Natural Remedies For Depression
major depression treatment is a challenging illness to treat. However, there are several effective
Treatments For Depression Uk. Psychotherapy, also known as "talk therapy," is a crucial component of treatment. The use of medication is effective in reducing symptoms.
Certain herbal supplements can help. St. John's Wort, an herb that is not FDA-approved for treating depression may improve symptoms in some people. It may interact with birth control pills, heart drugs, and drugs that can prevent rejection of organs after the transplant.
Saffron
Saffron's primary function is to provide the color of food however it also serves as a mood booster. It contains a number of compounds, like Crocins and crocetins that contain antioxidants and radical scavenging properties, that help fight harmful free radicals that may cause chronic illnesses like depression.
The research conducted on saffron and depression is mixed however, some of it seems promising. In one study, individuals who were suffering from depression were randomly assigned to either take saffron for six weeks or placebo. Then, they were analyzed with a depression and anxiety questionnaire. The people who took the saffron reported less depression and anxiety than those who did not.
However, other studies have failed to find the similar effect. In fact, the review article mentioned above mentions that a majority of the studies that have found benefits used small samples and brief follow-ups, and most of them were done in Iran where the researchers have financial ties to manufacturers of saffron. This raises doubts about Iranian researchers who claim that saffron is beneficial for depression.
It's possible that saffron may have antidepressant effects because it acts on the brain to increase serotonin levels. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that can improve mood and promote relaxation. It is believed that saffron hinders synaptic serotonin uptake and keeps the chemical in the body.
In a different study women suffering from premenstrual symptoms were offered either saffron extract or an inactive placebo for a period of two months. The Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and Premenstrual Daily Symptoms questionnaire were used to assess the women. The saffron supplement greatly improved PMS symptoms, and women who took it were more at coping with stress.
Saffron is a well-known
treatment refractory depression for depression. However, we need larger, longer-term trials before it can become a recommended
first line treatment for depression and anxiety. It's also important to consult your doctor prior to taking any nutritional supplement for depression, particularly those that haven't been approved by the FDA. They can interact with other medications or trigger serious side effects.
5-HTP
5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) is an amino acid that the body converts into serotonin, a neurotransmitter that sends signals between nerve cells. Low levels of serotonin have been associated with anxiety, depression and sleep disorders, fibromyalgia and a variety of other health problems. Research has shown 5-HTP supplements to improve mood and increase serotonin in certain people. However it is still necessary to conduct more research to determine
how to treat depression and anxiety without medication effective this supplement is for treating depression.
The amino acid tryptophan can be found in turkey, milk, cheese, yogurt and bananas. It is also available as an over the counter food supplement. The body converts tryptophan to serotonin which stimulates brain chemical changes that promote mood stability and aid in regulating the appetite and sleep patterns.
In several studies it has been proven that 5-HTP is as effective as antidepressant drugs in treating depression. Some of these studies are flawed, for instance the small sample size and short duration. Some of the studies employed SSRIs, which can hinder the effectiveness of 5-HTP.
5-HTP can be beneficial for a range of health conditions, such as chronic headaches, fibromyalgia, and weight loss. It has been demonstrated that it improves sleep and reduces fatigue in fibromyalgia sufferers. It may also have an calming effect and decrease anxiety in some people. Research has also indicated that 5-HTP may increase gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels which is a neurotransmitter, which can aid in reducing anxiety and boost feelings of calmness.
Some studies suggest that 5-HTP may aid in treating other conditions that are a result of low serotonin levels, for example migraines and tension headaches. It has been shown to increase melatonin, which is vital for healthy sleep patterns. Research suggests that consuming 100 mg of 5-HTP a day could help relieve stiffness in fibromyalgia, pain and mood.
Before taking 5-HTP, people should talk to their doctor. This is important for people who are taking SSRIs or MAOIs as 5-HTP could interact with these medications and cause dangerous side-effects. Additionally the high doses of 5-HTP can cause nausea in certain individuals.
Kava
Kava is a well-known medicinal herb that comes from the Pacific Islands. It has been used for centuries as a drink for ceremonies and a medicine. It functions like alcohol in calming the mind and relaxing muscles, but it doesn't cause the adverse negative effects of numerous pharmaceutical drugs. The plant's active component, kavalactone, alters the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) pathway in the brain to produce anxiolytic and antidepressant effects. Studies have demonstrated that it is effective to treat general anxiety disorder (GAD) and stress, without producing the "hangover effect" of some sedatives.
It has been proven to have numerous other health benefits. It is believed to boost dopamine and alleviating the symptoms of chronic pain or fibromyalgia. It also lowers stress hormones, decreases blood pressure and boosts immunity. Kava can be taken in the form of tablets, capsules or tinctures. It can be added to drinks and teas. Consult your physician before taking any herbal supplements. Dietary supplements aren't controlled by the FDA as such, and are not subject to the same rigorous clinical tests that are required for prescription drugs. This puts the consumers exposed to various health risks which include liver damage.
Kava should not be used by people with heart, lung or liver problems. It can aggravate those conditions. People with pre-existing mental health issues should avoid kava because it can cause reddened eyes and reduced muscle control (ataxia). Kava can be harmful when combined with other psychoactive substances like alcohol or prescription drugs. Kava is also not recommended for women who are pregnant or nursing mothers.
Kava is an organic substance and there's no evidence that it has addictive properties, but the risk of liver damage can't be completely eliminated. People who are concerned about liver damage should talk with their physician prior to beginning a kava regimen. More research is needed to determine the factors that can make kava unsafe but it's generally safe for patients under medical supervision.
St. John's wort
St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) is an herbal medication that may help those suffering from mild to moderate depression. There is evidence that suggests it may improve mood by altering the way that your body utilizes chemicals such as serotonin. It also seems to be effective with a specific type of antidepressant referred to as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. These are the most common medications used to treat depression. It might not be effective for those suffering from severe depression, however. And it's important to talk with a doctor before taking St. John's Wort, since it can interact with some drugs in dangerous ways.
In a 12-week clinical study, St. John's wort was just as effective as an antidepressant in reducing symptoms of minor depression. In another study, a mixture of St. John's Wort with citalopram (an SSRI) was as effective in treating depression as a placebo. This research was funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
St. John's Wort has been less studied over a long period of time, but certain studies have proven that it can be beneficial when used for a few weeks or even months. You can purchase it as dried herb in tablets, capsules or tea. The effects may be felt within 3 to 6 weeks. St. John's Wort can interact with various medications, including birth-control pills and antibiotics. It also can alter the way your body processes certain drugs, such as opioids and sedatives. This could lead to serious side effects if combined.
You should not try to treat depression by yourself. Instead, you should consult with a medical professional. If you are considering using natural treatments for depression, you should talk to a naturopath. They can help you make an educated decision. They can also suggest alternative methods of healthcare that don't involve prescription medications. They can also refer you specialists if you require. The Mayo Clinic directory has a list of naturopaths and integrative healthcare providers.
