|
Natural treatments for anxiety and depression.
Supplements which
offer natural cures and treatments for the symtoms of depression and anxiety are
growing in popularity as research supports their effectiveness. Some of
the best supplements for treating depression and anxiety are affordable
and readily available. These include the supplements and
herbs: st. john's wort, SAM-e, 5-HTP, Ginkgo Biloba and Ginseng.
It is important to check with knowledgable medical professionals who
are also familiar with alternative treatments for depression and
anxiety. Saint John's Wort is currently the most promising
natural supplement for fighting depression, but others are at times
effective as well. Most require a few weeks or more to fully "kick in",
which is also true for most prescription medication.
The herbal antidepressant supplement
supported by the strongest evidence is St.
John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum). Several studies and
meta-studies have demonstrated that St. John's Wort extract
effectively relieves mild to moderate depression. Some even suggest it
works as well as prescription medications, with fewer side effects. It
does tend to create photosensitivity in some individuals, in which it
is very easy to burn, even with sunscreen. This is a real side effect
for some, so be aware of that possibility. This side effect, like the
positive benefits, tends to begin slowly and then become more present
over a few weeks. Many people do not experience any difficulty with
this.
Another effective supplement for depression symtoms is 5-HTP
(5-hydroxytryptophan), a natural amino acid extracted from the
Griffonia simplicifolia plant. Doses of 150-300 mg per day are often
recommended, and some recommend combining it with St. Johns Wort, and
taking a smaller dose of 5-HTP of 25-100--mg per day. Siberian
Ginseng is recommended at times because it increases energy and tends
to help reduce "stuckness" that can accompany and complicate and build
on depression. Ginkgo Biloba may support mental health through
increased blood flow to the brain, among other benefits.
Soon this site
will have more info on each of these supplements for treating
depression and depression symtoms, as well as a list of common symtoms
of depression. As a final note , be sure to check with health
care
professionals when making decisions regarding depression and related
challenges.
|
