Natural Remedies As Treatment: Herbs For Depression

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that depression affects millions of people worldwide, with the total adding up to 3.8% of the general population. The symptoms of depression can make accomplishing daily tasks difficult and disrupt relationships. These symptoms may include a low mood, loss of interest, headaches, disturbed sleep, and energy loss. While many effective medications are available by prescription by medical doctors, some people prefer more natural treatments (like herbs) for depression.

While they are not a direct substitute for pharmaceutical medications (like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors [SSRIs]), some natural herbs and supplements have been shown to improve symptoms of major depression. If you are looking for an affordable, potentially safe, and effective way to improve depressive symptoms, specifically those that are mild to moderate in severity, an herbal treatment protocol may suit you. However, please consult supplement labels and your healthcare provider before taking any herbs or dietary supplements, as they may interact with your medications or exacerbate an existing or unknown health condition.

What is the difference between complementary and alternative medicine or natural remedies?

Natural remedies and dietary supplements are often associated with alternative medicine. However, some healthcare providers and psychiatrists also include these natural herbs and supplements for depression in their treatment protocol. This type of care is known as integrative health or complementary medicine.

Practitioners in complementary and alternative medicine often use herbal and dietary supplements to treat mood disorders, like major depressive disorder. However, where alternative medicine practitioners eschew mainstream medicines altogether, those in integrative health may use dietary supplements and other natural remedies alongside mainstream medication and treatments. 

A note of caution on herbs for depression versus medications

The following list of herbs and supplements are those that integrative medical practitioners may use alongside other medications and treatments. Be sure to speak to a licensed healthcare professional before taking any herbs mentioned in this article. 

While most of these herbs may be safe for adults to take in small quantities to treat depression, they can be harmful if taken incorrectly. Speaking to a doctor may help you reduce the chance of contraindications between the herbs and medications you may be taking. In addition, if you have an allergic response, you may have a doctor available to check in with you and monitor your dosages. 

Suppose you have a particular medical condition or are in a unique medical situation (such as during pregnancy or lactation). In that case, checking with your healthcare professional to ensure these herbs and supplements are safe may also be beneficial. 

If your symptoms of depression interrupt your ability to accomplish normal daily tasks or you find the symptoms worsening, contact a mental health professional. Major depressive disorder is a severe mental health condition that can require more intensive treatment. If you are having thoughts of suicide or self-harm, it's essential that you reach out for help immediately. You can do this by dialing 988 and contacting the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which is available 24/7. 

The BetterHelp platform is not intended to provide any information regarding which medication or medical treatment may be appropriate for you. The content provides generalized information that is not specific to one individual. Do not take any action (including starting, stopping, or changing medications) without consulting a qualified medical professional.

Herbal remedies for depression

Below are a few of the most commonly used supplements and alternative herbal remedies for depression that have been studied by psychologists, psychiatrists, and medical doctors. What remedies work for you may vary depending on your unique depression experience. For this reason, consult your doctor before taking a new supplement or remedy. 

St. John’s wort: Treatment for depression and other symptoms

St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a flowering shrub with small yellow flowers native to Europe and Asia. It has been used as a medicinal herb for millennia to treat illnesses and diseases, including mental health conditions. St. John’s wort is one of the most used treatments for depression in Germany. It is most often taken in a capsule or pill form or drunk in tea, although other methods like essential oils or the consumption of fresh herbs may also be used. 

A 2008 study on St. John’s wort conclusively showed that the herb could manage depression symptoms as effectively as some prescribed antidepressant medication in the United States. The study determined that St. John’s wort was capable of reducing depressive symptoms in mild and moderate cases of depression with potentially fewer side effects. 

In another trial from 1998, St. John’s wort was administered to clients along with folic acid. The combination functioned by modulating serotonin receptors and assisting in the breakdown of serotonin and noradrenaline, successfully treating depressive symptoms. In addition, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health in 2005 found some support for using St. John’s wort for treating and managing depression but cautions that more research and evidence is needed.

St. John’s wort may interact with oral contraception, leading to adverse effects. Those taking birth control pills should consult their doctor before taking St. John’s wort. St. John’s wort may also interact with many other similarly metabolized medications. Don’t start a supplement without consulting your doctor. 

Saffron: No undesirable side effects

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is an exotic and luxurious spice with a rich orange-red color and a distinctive flavor. In ancient China, this herb was traditionally used as a treatment for depression and as an antispasmodic, expectorant, and aphrodisiac. While saffron can be more expensive to obtain than some of the other herbal supplements on this list, it can elicit an effective response against depression without any undesirable side effects.

There are three primary active ingredients in saffron, including picrocrocin, safranal, and crocin. These three substances work together to achieve the desired antidepressant activity in the body. Scientific evidence suggests that crocin and safranal’s inhibition of dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin reuptake receptors in the brain may be responsible for the antidepressant effects that saffron produces in people who are experiencing depression symptoms.

Another study found that taking saffron supplements for eight weeks reduced depressive symptoms and improved the resiliency of study participants against the development of other mental illnesses. 

Rhodiola: An adaptogenic herb good for treating symptoms of major depressive disorder

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

Rhodiola may be well suited to managing and treating depression caused by stress and stressful situations because it can increase the body’s resilience against stress reactions and support healthy mood balancing. For medicinal purposes, Rhodiola is best taken as an extract containing approximately 2% to 3% rosavin and 0.8% to 1% salidroside (both vital constituents in the plant). 

Ashwagandha: An adaptogen for moderate depression

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an adaptogen, a natural substance that brings balance to the body when it is interrupted by internal or external stressors. These unique substances meet your body’s requirement to return to homeostasis and balance by stimulating the nervous system when fatigued and calming it when stressed. It also may substantially reduce mild to moderate cases of depression. 

This Indian herb, also known as Indian ginseng, has a history dating back over 6000 years and is a central component of Ayurvedic medicine, one of the world’s oldest medicine traditions. In modern Western medicine, ashwagandha has been scientifically proven to significantly affect mood balance. For example, in a recent study published in Current Neuropharmacology, root and leaf extracts of ashwagandha were shown to have significant anti-stress and anti-anxiety activity and improved symptoms of depression and insomnia in animal and human studies.

Ashwagandha can have side effects that affect hyperthyroidism, diabetes, and pregnancy, among others. Consult a medical professional before incorporating ashwagandha into your treatment plan. 

Ginkgo biloba: May work just like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for depression

Ginkgo biloba (also known as the maidenhair tree) belongs to an ancient family of trees that existed from 150 to 250 million years ago. The tree leaves have been used medicinally for thousands of years, with healing properties first recorded in writing by the healer Chen Yuoung (2767 B.C. to 2687 B.C.).

Long used in Chinese medicine, ginkgo biloba has gained global popularity in recent decades as an herbal supplement that can reduce symptoms of depression, attention problems, anxiety, dizziness, tinnitus, and memory loss (among other challenges). This herb treats depression by increasing serotonin and dopamine uptake in the brain and reducing free radicals and blood viscosity.

If you have a severe allergy to poison ivy, poison oak, or poison sumac, consider avoiding ginkgo biloba. Its constituents can cause an allergic reaction in people who are allergic to these plants.

Maca root: Can treat a variety of health conditions

Maca root (Lepidium meyenii) is a traditional South American plant used among the indigenous people in Peru and throughout the Andes to boost brain function as well as to treat a variety of health conditions, including but not limited to depression, decreased libido, and premenopausal symptoms. 

The root is often consumed in tea, in capsule form, or as a powder mixed with water or milk. While the plant can be used to treat depression in most genders or ages, it’s most often used to treat anxiety and depression in women who have reached menopause due to its balancing effects on the hormonal systems in the body.

In 2008, a study was done for the journal Menopause that analyzed the effects of maca root on depression and other pre- and postmenopausal symptoms in women. The study found significant improvements in mood, libido, and overall energy in the 14 women who participated. 

Rosemary: An effective natural remedy for depressive symptoms 

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) is a fragrant, evergreen, bushy shrub native to the Mediterranean region and the Himalayas. It is a popular herb used in cooking but has several beneficial medicinal effects that folk medicine practitioners have used for millennia to treat respiratory disorders and stimulate hair growth. However, current research has proven that rosemary extract is another effective natural remedy for mild to moderate depression and the accompanying symptoms. 

The plant’s primary constituents — rosmarinic acid, rosmanol, cirsimaritin, and salvigenin — all work together to produce depression-fighting and anxiety-reducing effects. These constituents are thought to work by targeting gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain. GABA is a primary neurotransmitter that elicits a calming response. Research from 2012 has shown that people who are depressed have lower circulating amounts of GABA. 

Rosemary can be an essential healing herb, but it can also be a tasty spice to keep in your kitchen. The plant can be used in many Mediterranean and Middle Eastern dishes to supplement an antidepression herb or medication protocol. If you want a more concentrated form of the herb, consider buying rosemary in capsule form or as a food-grade essential oil.

Lavender

Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a fragrant purple flower native to Europe that has been used therapeutically and cosmetically for hundreds of years. It may also be another natural remedy for depression. The European Medicine Agency has approved lavender essential oil as an herbal medicine because it acts as a mild sedative that promotes relaxation and sleep. 

A small study from 2020 revealed that lavender oils could successfully reduce symptoms in healthy people with depression. One hypothesis as to why lavender oil relieves anxiety and depression is due to its action in supplements, vitamin D, acids, and SAM-e. 

Amino and fatty acids 

Acids and SAM-e are related supplements often taken together to combat depression. The body needs two kinds of acids: amino acids and fatty acids. Although not herbs, amino acids are present in many foods humans eat, including herbs, which are vital for survival and well-being. The amino acids L-tyrosine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) are connected to brain health and mood control. A deficiency in GABA is theorized to be a risk factor for major depressive disorder and other depressive disorders. 

Fatty acids can be beneficial for your body and brain. Omega-3 fatty acids are well-known for their health benefits and are frequently present in fish and other seafood. Research is mixed on whether omega-3 fatty acids help ease depressive symptoms. Most studies examining omega-3 fatty acids have done so as part of their use in conjunction with other medications. 

Trials where the dietary supplement was used alone have yielded more limited results, suggesting that they have the most impact on those deficient in omega-3 fatty acids. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health has noted that more research is needed before omega-3 fatty acids can be recommended as a primary or secondary treatment for depressive symptoms.

SAM-e

SAM-e (S-adenosylmethionine) is a supplement that has been proven to relieve the symptoms of mild to severe depression. SAM-e may be essential for producing certain amino acids (including methionine and cysteine). Taking amino acids and SAM-e together may be more effective than taking them individually. 

Vitamin D

One of the best dietary additions for people with depression is vitamin D supplements. A systematic review found that vitamin D levels in the body were inversely correlated with clinical depression. However, more research may be needed before recommending universal vitamin D supplementation for depression treatment. The study authors suggested that people with depression were more likely to benefit from vitamin D supplementation if deficient in it.

Counseling and treatment options: Talk to a doctor before taking any herbs for depression

Talk to a doctor before taking any herbs or supplements to treat depression symptoms. While many herbs and supplements can be safe when taken on their own in low doses, seek the knowledge of an expert in complementary and integrative health to ensure that you are correctly supplementing in the appropriate amounts. 

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has yet to endorse using herbs and supplements to reduce depressive symptoms. Likewise, the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) has noted that more research is needed on these approaches. In addition, a study has found that many natural supplements may induce mania in those living with bipolar I disorder.

If you’re looking for a nonmedical treatment but face barriers to in-person support, consider online counseling through a platform like BetterHelp. Online therapy can be a welcome option for people living with heightened stress and anxiety because they can receive support from any location with an internet connection. Research also supports the efficacy of online therapy, showing it can be equally as effective as in-person therapy for depression with the added benefits of convenience and availability. Through an online therapy platform, you can reach specialists in various fields of mental health, including those with a specialization in depressive disorders.

Online therapy can also allow individuals to take control of their schedules. With many therapists offering appointment times outside of standard business hours, you may be able to select an appointment in the early morning, late at night, or on the weekend. In addition, you may be able to receive extra resources like worksheets or webinars to use after sessions.