Depressed People Should Take These 11 Herbs And Supplements
Depression is a mental condition that involves irritable mood, feeling of emptiness and cognitive changes. Medically it can be divided into following conditions.
• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
• Disruptive mood dysregulation disorder
• Persistent depressive disorder
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
• Depressive disorder due to another medical condition
Patients suffering from depression are given anti-depressants to help ease the depressive symptoms. Also, they are advised lifestyle changes to control environment that give negative thoughts.
Depression can also be treated with supplements like Vitamin B12, Omega-3 fatty acids and herbs like saffron.
There are 11 herbs and medicines that depression patients can take to control the symptoms.
- Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fats are mood boosters and this have been proved in research. It is found that EPA and DHA are quite effective in controlling depression. A detailed study on fatty acids revealed that taking 1 gm of fatty acid containing 60% EPA per day can help fight depression.
- NAC (N-acetylcysteine)
NAC is an amino acid and it has several good functions for brain. First, it contains glutathione that works as an antioxidant and protects cells from oxidative damage. Second, NAC reduce inflammation by neutralizing higher levels of inflammatory cytokines found in depressed people. Third, it improves neurotransmitter dysregulation associated with mood disorders.
- Saffron
Saffron is good for treating depression as it contains antioxidant compounds like carotenoids crocin and crocetin. Also, it increases mood-boosting neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. In studies, it was found that saffron supplements have the same effect as anti-depressant meds have.
- Vitamin D
Depressed people are generally lacking in Vitamin D. But it can help fight by reducing inflammation and protecting brain against neurocognitive dysfunction. In 2020, a study was conducted on people with depressive symptoms. They were administered Vitamin D injections along with regular anti-depressant medicines and they displayed excellent results.
- Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea)
Rhodiola is an herb with amazing anti-depressant properties. It enhances nerve cells communication by reducing overactivity of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis that works at stress response center of the body. A study found that Rhodiola gives good results when given with saffron. It reduces depression symptoms like anxiety to mild within six-weeks.
- B vitamins
B vitamins are needed for production and regulation of neurotransmitters like serotonin, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and dopamine. Their role in neurological function is crucial. Researches have linked deficiency of B12 and folate to depression. Vitamin B6, B12 and folate supplements can help overcome depressive symptoms. Vitamins B12 and B6 can be given with other supplements and anti-depressants. Folate is found to be helpful in curing treatment-resistant depression that is a genetic mutation. This genetic mutation is found in both children and adults.
- Zinc
Zinc is a mineral and critical to mental health as it packs antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. It can reduce oxidative stress and inflammation. Also, it helps in regulating neurotransmitter pathways. In studies, it is found deficiency in zinc can lead to severe depressed conditions. Another study found that zinc supplements with anti-depressants work well for depression patients.
- S-Adenosylmethionine (SAMe)
SAMe has shown promise in treating depression especially when taken with anti-depression medicines. Also, it can be taken alone. Found in the body, this sulfur-containing compound is said to critical in brain functions. The daily dose of SAMe could be from 200-3200 mg depending on the overall health of the patient. The duration of the treatment could be from 2-12 weeks again depending on individual conditions of patients.
- St. John’s Wort
A popular herb, St. John’s Wort is considered good in treating depression symptoms. Also, this herb has the potential to interact with common anti-depressant medicines. Like other herbs, St. John’s Wort is also capable of interacting with other supplements and anti-depressant medicines.
- Magnesium
Deficiency of this mineral is common in people suffering from depression. In a study, 126 people with mild depression were administered 248 mg of magnesium per day for 6 weeks and the results were exciting. They showed improvement from depression symptoms.
- Creatine
It is an organic acid but it plays an important role in brain function. It maintains brain energy needed for maintaining mood balance. And altered brain energy is found to be a lead cause in development of depression. Creatine can be given in small doses of 2-10 grans per day could help reduce depression symptoms.
Final thoughts
Depression is a mental disorder affecting millions of people worldwide, but the good thing is that it can be treated with anti-depressants and supplements. Also, changing lifestyle could help in overcoming depression symptoms.
A health supplement can be taken in a direct form or with dietary changes. And there are many supplements and herbs that you can take to overcome depressive symptoms. Or it will be better to say that you can maintain your brain health by taking these supplements.
Disclaimer: Health supplements work well and they can help in overcoming depression symptoms. But you need taking care while choosing a supplement as it could have side effects.
