Herbal Depression Medicine, Do They Even Work?

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I have tried a number of herbal remedies as depression medicine and have had mixed results. St John's Wort did absolutely nothing despite the public praise this herb has received. I tried a "mood-lifting" tea for awhile that had a very mild effect--one that I would call relaxing more than healing. Proponents of alternative treatments swear by many herbs for depression treatment, but I suspect many of these have a placebo effect more than anything else.

The neurotransmitter serotonin is the body's natural antidepressant. Its circulation in the brain serves to control the depressive mood. Many antidepressant prescriptions work by boosting the activity of serotonin in the brain. This compound is also found in some natural food sources and herbs. Ice cream (which usually contains serotonin), for example, is known to many people as a mood alleviator. Similarly, herbs and herbal formulas can be used as depression medicine.

Famous Herbs for Depression

Some of the more well known herbs used as depression medicine include Siberian ginseng, licorice, oat straw, ginkgo, thyme, basil, spearmint, clove, rosemary, and so on. Before using any of these herbs for treating the depressed mood, remember to get information on the method of use, safety, and dosage etc.

Herbal Tonics for Depression

Using a single herb is not that effectual in alleviating depressive symptoms as using a herbal tonic containing a combination of herbs. The point in combining herbs is to prevent the possible side effects that result from a single herb. A herbal tonic used as depression medicine is therefore more balanced. Some common herbal preparations are easy to make and you can try these, though not without the approval of an experienced expert in herbal treatments.

Antidepressant Tincture

Take one-half teaspoon tincture of each of the ingredients: ginseng root, licorice root, lemon balm leaf, ashwaganda leaf. Combine these with a teaspoon tincture of Saint-John's-wort leaf and use three times daily by taking one dropper at a time. You can also buy glycerites to use instead of tincture, which contains alcohol.

Gentian Root Tea

This is a tasty herbal depression medicine, easy to prepare at home. Take one-half ounce of well-chopped poplar bark and gentian root. Put these in two pints of water and leave for 15 minutes. Bring to boil, and then add one-half ounce of agrimony and the same quantity of centaury. Simmer the tea for about ten minutes. Allow to cool and strain. It is fine to add a bit of honey as sweetener. Use this tea three to four tablespoon before taking meal.

Rosemary-Sage Tea

A readily prepared herbal depression medicine is the rosemary-sage tea. Put one teaspoon of rosemary and one of sage in two cups of water. Boil the mixture and allow steeping for five minutes. Drink daily for a lighter mood.

Clove Tea

Clove tea is a good solution for lifting mild depression. Crush some cloves. Add them to sage, camomile or peppermint tea along with a dash of ginseng powder. Use daily twice or three times.

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