Finding an herbal supplement for depression is considered a helpful remedy for milder forms of depression.
However, like many herbal supplements in the market nowadays, they have not been conclusive as effective treatments for moderate to severe depression.
Herbal supplement for depression as a cure depends on its effects on certain individuals and not as a whole. However, a doctor’s advice is required before taking any herbal supplement for depression because the supplement may interact with certain medications presently being taken.
The supplements that are believed to have a positive effects on depression is St. John’s wort.
The herb St. John’s wort or Hypericum Perforatum has long been utilized as a folk medicine in curing worry, poor sleep, nervousness and sadness.
Multiple clinical studies conducted with the use of the herb St. John’s wort have proven that this herb works well than a placebo. This herb is also known to be effective as an antidepressant for mild to moderate depression and has minimal side effects.
However, it is not a reliable cure for a major depression. The effectiveness of this herb can be noticed only after 4 to 6 weeks of continuous intake. Some known mild side effects are fatigue, dizziness, dry mouth and indigestion. St. John’s wort also increases photosensitivity such that precautions must be observed to protect eyes and skin from ultraviolet rays of the sun.
The use of St. John’s wort as one of the herbal supplements for depression should be done with caution since it can affect the performance of medicines such as drugs used in treating HIV and AIDS, drugs that prevent organ rejection from patient who have undergone organ transplants as well as that of oral contraceptives.
St. John’s wort is not also advised for pregnant or nursing women, to children and to individuals that have bipolar disorder, liver disease and kidney ailments.