Depression is considered as a serious disorder and is also considered as a psychological illness. It usually occurs when an individual has some major emotional distress that occurs from a long period of time. People who are depressed usually experience major changes in their life.
Several other factors such as family history, genetics, gender, age, stress, and chronic illnesses are likely to trigger depression. It is not uncommon to suffer from depression in the elderly, teens, or children.
For many years, the most effective treatment for depression was administered through the use of medications. It used to be the only way to control depressive symptoms, but now with the advancement of medical science, more non-drug alternatives are being widely promoted for those who suffer from depression.
Natural alternatives are now being used for depression as the herbal remedies have been proven effective in dealing with depression and anxiety. Several studies have proved that herbs help in treating the symptoms of depression naturally.
There are two types of herbal remedies that are particularly popular in treating depression. These are Valerian and St. John’s Wort. Valerian is a sedative that has a calming effect on the mind and body.
Some known side effects of the use of Valerian are insomnia, drowsiness, diarrhea, constipation, nausea, muscle tension, mood swings, headache, loss of appetite, sweating, and weight gain. On the other hand, St. John’s Wort is a herb that is said to have an antidepressant effect on the central nervous system. It also helps in improving the blood flow and lower cholesterol levels.
Supplements like Minoxidil and other antidepressants may be useful in treating depression. It may also help relieve the symptoms of anxiety and tension. It can also slow down the process of aging by up to five years.
Herbal supplements are effective alternatives to drugs that may prove harmful to the person taking them. Even the oral intake of herbs may cause side effects, so one should be very careful while taking these supplements.
Grape seed extract, ginkgo biloba, resveratrol, Valerian, bilberry, and ginseng are some of the most popular herbal remedies. All these ingredients have beneficial effects on the human brain and nervous system.
Herbal remedies are safe to take as well as cheaper alternatives to prescription drugs. To treat depression, a minimum dosage of 600 mg of Valerian extract daily is required for women. Other herbs like green tea and yerba mate also work effectively in decreasing the signs of depression.
The use of herbal remedies for depression is a safe way to treat the condition. It is much safer than conventional medicine as it is not addictive and will not produce any side effects.
