Depression is a serious mental/emotional health condition, which leaves the sufferers unable to lead a normal lifestyle and maintain good levels of wellness. It occurs when the human brain is unable to produce enough of a hormone called serotonin, which is the hormone responsible for keeping your mood elevated and maintaining your sense of wellbeing. When this hormone is lacking, the sufferer can be plunged into depression, leading to symptoms such as appetite changes, fatigue, inability to relax, insomnia and suicidal tendencies. This condition can be hereditary or it can result from a time of trauma or tragedy.
The holistic approach to curing depression involves various forms such as oils, herb supplements, teas and tinctures. As with all alternative forms of medicine, however, you should consult your doctor for standard medical advice too, and make sure that whatever you are taking complements your medication.
One example of a complementary depression medication is 5-HTP or hydroxytryptophan, which is extracted from a plant called griffonia simplicifolia. This helps to produce extra serotonin in the brain, and improves mood, appetite and sleep. This is a very common herbal way of treating depression and is thought to be very effective. A dose of around 50mg is normally taken up to three times per day, but it cannot be taken with other antidepressant medications or medication for migraines, blood pressure or Parkinson’s.
St John’s Wort is also used in the treatment of depression, and the extracts are used in antidepressant drugs. There are ten active ingredients in the herb, which work on the neurotransmitters in the brain to stimulate them to produce the ‘feel good’ hormones. It is most effective for treating mild to moderate depression, and the usual dose is 300mg three times per day. There are some side effects associated with this one, however, such as weight gain and a reduction in sex drive.