Herbal Remedies for Depression: Viable Alternative to Antidepressants

Deane Alban, Guest
Waking Times

Antidepressants are not very helpful and cause many side effects. These herbal remedies have a history of effectiveness and safety in treating depression.

The statistics surrounding depression are staggering.

Over 18 million Americans have a depressive disorder.

One in ten adults takes antidepressants, and for women in their 40s and 50s this number is up to one in four. (1)

Americans lead the way in antidepressant use but other countries with high standards of living, like France and the Netherlands, are close behind.

Some experts believe that our modern lifestyle is making us more depressed, while others think that heavy promotion by drug companies and over-prescribing doctors are to blame.

But however you look at it, more people than ever are taking antidepressants, and natural options that work are needed more than ever.

In this article, we’ll first examine the reasons antidepressants are not right for most people.

Then we’ll take a look at the best herbal remedies to consider instead.

Medical Treatments for Depression: Not Right for Everyone

The usual medical treatments for depression are medication, cognitive behavioral therapy or a combination of both.

But these treatments are far from successful.

Cognitive behavioral therapy has an 80% relapse rate.

Medication works for only 30% of those who try it. (2)

There’s evidence that prescription antidepressants work no better than a placebo. (3)

Many users experience unacceptable side effects including anxiety, nausea, headaches, weight gain, insomnia and loss of libido. (4)

One in eight adolescents have clinical depression, but giving drugs to children with still-developing brains is risky. (5)

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), the most commonly prescribed group of antidepressants, can cause suicidal thoughts in patients of all ages, but are more likely to do so in children, teens, and young adults. (6, )

Six million seniors are affected by depression, yet only 10% receive treatment.

The average senior already takes 14 medications each year and adding antidepressants to the mix can be dangerous. (8)

Antidepressants are not safe for pregnant women.

Dozens of  lawsuits having been filed by women who had children with birth defects. (9)

Unfortunately, over half of Americans still erroneously believe that depression is a character flaw, so shame and embarrassment keep them from seeking professional help. (10)

For these reasons and more, 80% of people with depression symptoms never get medical treatment.

Obviously, treating depression with prescription drugs has largely been a failure.

But if you have depression, is there anything else you can take?

There’s a surprising array of herbal supplements that may be better than prescription antidepressants.

Herbal Remedies for Depression

You might be surprised to learn that traditional herbal remedies have been used medicinally to treat depression in every culture.

Apparently, depression is not just a modern problem!

There are dozens of herbal remedies for depression.

Here’s a look at some of the best — those with a history of safe use that have been scientifically proven to be effective.

Plus, I’ll issue a quick warning about one herbal antidepressant you should stay clear of.

Arctic Root (Rhodiola rosea)

Arctic root is found mainly in cold regions of the world like the Arctic and mountains of central China. (11)

It’s been used since the ancient Greeks to boost overall physical and mental vitality.

It’s a top-rated adaptogen, a natural substance that increases your resilience to physical and emotional stress. (12)

It works by increasing the activity of brain chemicals that impact your mood like serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. (13)

It’s been shown to reduce depression symptoms faster than antidepressant medications. (14) 

It’s particularly useful for depression accompanied by anxiety and fatigue, depression caused by seasonal affective disorder (SAD), or when you need results quickly. (15)

Read More at Be Brain Fit, HERE. 

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Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of WakingTimes or its staff.

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