In everyday conversation, depression refers to misery, sadness, hopelessness or general unhappiness, and these emotions are justified by the circumstances an individual finds himself in. Though clinical depression disorder is loosely based on this idea, it is much more serious. According to International Classification of Diseases (ICD 10), a depressive disorder can be categorised into mild, moderate and severe, depending on the severity of the symptoms. The common physical and psychological manifestations of depression include, low mood, lack of appetite, disturbed sleep, reduced energy and interest in activities, poor attention and concentration, increased tiredness, decreased self-esteem and confidence, ideas of guilt and unworthiness and suicidal ideas and intentions.
Depression result from certain neuro-chemical changes in the brain of a person, which is increased due to negative and adverse life events. Episodes of depression can be recurrent or alternating with mania, according to the type manifested in the person. These symptoms, if gone untreated, can make the individual take that last, fatal step of self-harm. This is why the treatment methods for depression are given a lot of importance.
Depression and anxiety disorders, which can be included in the lifestyle psychological disorder list, are mostly treated using pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy, because these improve the basic mood of the person. However, long term use of drugs is known to cause dependency, which is why other forms of depression and anxiety cures are heavily researched upon. Among these, natural depression relief methods using herbs are most preferred due to its relatively lower rates of dependency and side effects. The most important herbs used for this are,
St. John’s Wort – This drug has proven to be equivalent to tricyclic antidepressants in its action in treating mild to moderate depression. Though its action was initially compared to Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) Inhibitors, later it was indicated to be closer to SSRIs. Therefore, St. John’s Wort taken with MAO or SSRIs is contraindicated as the side effects could result in serotonin syndrome, which is potentially fatal.
SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) – This supplement is used to treat osteoarthritis, liver disease and depression. Researchers speculate its natural depression relief effect results from its influence on the levels of serotonin, noradrenalin and possibly dopamine.
5-HTP (5-Hydroxytryptophan) – Supplement made from the seeds of an African plant, Griffonia simplicifolia, it is used to treat fibromyalgia, ADHD, binge eating, insomnia and depression. However, major side effects like nausea, diarrhoea, anorexia, restlessness, anxiety, aggressiveness, insomnia and hypertension are reported with its usage.
Kava Kava – Belongs to the pepper family from South Pacific, it is used to treat depression, anxiety and some other illnesses. It can be ingested in the form of a drink or pills.
Siberian Ginseng – Used to treat depression, sleep and appetite problems and increases resistance to stress, along with treating a variety of other illnesses.
Though the importance of herbal medicine in natural depression relief is widely discussed, there are many factors a user should pay attention to, while taking these medicines. The user should know which medicine should be taken for a specific illness, and the dosage must be strictly followed. This can be availed by a proper consultation with a certified doctor. Self-medication should be avoided as one needs to relieve illness, not aggravate it.
