What herbs or supplements are commonly used for depression?

There are many different herbs and supplements used for depression. One of the most notable and most studied is St. John’s wort. Countless clinical studies have found St. John’s wort as an effective treatment for depression, and doctors in Europe have been prescribing it for many years. You can find it at your local health food store as a tea, in a capsule, dried herb, or tincture. Many people swear by St. John’s wort for depression, although it is for mild depression not the more intense variety or bipolar disorder.

A popular supplement for depression is 5-HTP, otherwise known as 5-Hydroxytryptophan. This supplement is actually an amino acid found naturally in the body. 5-HTP is known to increase serotonin in the brain, improving mood, improving sleep and decreasing appetite. It is quite popular for mild depression, and as a sleep aid.

Another popular supplement for depression is SAMe. Another amino acid found naturally in the body, SAMe has shown to be effective for moderate depression in some studies, though the FDA still hasn’t approved any medical claims for the supplement. It is sold in the United States, but unlike 5-HTP, SAMe is not allowed to claim depression benefits until more studies have been done. Regardless, it remains a popular aid for depression.

In addition to these three popular depression aids, other herbs and supplements that are helpful to depression are: Ginkgo biloba, Siberian Ginseng, and kava kava. Omega-3 fatty acids are also gaining recognition for being a helpful supplement for depression.





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