Natural antidepressants

Antidepressants are a popular form of treatment for depression in England, with an incredible 22 million prescriptions written each year. But many people prefer to try a more natural way to help lift their mood

If you do decide to use natural medicine, it is still important to see your GP for regular assessment, to make sure you continue to improve and your condition does not worsen - it is sometimes difficult to judge for yourself when you are feeling down.

Most important of all, do not take any herbal medicines along with prescribed antidepressant drugs. If taking other medicines, always check with a pharmacist, in case there are any known reactions. Do not take any herbal remedies during pregnancy or breastfeeding, except under the advice of a qualified medical herbalist.

Herbal remedies

  • St John's Wort
    The leaves and flowers of St John's Wort (hypericum perforatum) contain a variety of natural antidepressant substances including, hypericin, pseudohypericin and hyperforin. These work at the root of mild depression, boosting neurotransmitter function and returning your mood to an even keel.

    Standardised St John's Wort extracts providing 900mcg hypericin daily are, at least, as effective as commonly prescribed antidepressant drugs, and can lift mild depression within two weeks - the optimum effect is reached within six weeks.

    St John's Wort is best taken with food. Avoid alcohol. St John's Wort does interact with some prescribed drugs, so if on other medication, check with a doctor or pharmacist before taking.

  • Valerian
    Depression and anxiety are closely linked and often occur together. Valerian contains a number of unique substances (e.g. valeric acid, valepotriates) that work by raising levels of an inhibitory brain chemical, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), that dampens down the over-stimulation in the brain occurring during anxiety. Valerian can also improve insomnia, which usually accompanies depression. Taking 600mg of a standardised extract of valerian (Sedonium available from behind the counter at pharmacies) half an hour before bedtime improves both the onset and quality of sleep.

  • 5-hydroxy-tryptophan (5-HTP)
    Commercially available 5-HTP is obtained from the seedpods of the West African plant, griffonia simplicifolia. 5-HTP is derived from an amino acid, tryptophan, which is converted into serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, which helps to lift mood, and is one of the main targets for modern antidepressant drugs.

    5-HTP is used to treat insomnia, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, obesity and attention deficit disorder. Since 5-HTP may cause drowsiness, it should not be used while driving or operating heavy machinery. A typical dose is 100mg to 300mg daily, divided into three doses, for up to three months. If taking any prescribed medicines, consult your doctor or a pharmacist before taking this supplement.

  • Ginkgo biloba
    Ginkgo biloba contain a variety of powerful substances, known as ginkgolides and bilobalides that boost blood circulation to the brain. It helps to improve memory and concentration and is also effective for improving depression when it is linked with reduced blood flow to the brain.

    In one study, 40 depressed patients, aged from 51 to 78 years old, and who had not benefited from standard antidepressant drugs, were given either 80mg of ginkgo biloba extract three times daily or a placebo. After 8 weeks, those taking ginkgo biloba showed a three fold improvement in their depression score, while those on the placebo became worse.

    NB Do not take if you have a blood clotting disorder or if you are on regular warfarin or aspirin treatment.

  • Gotu kola (Centella asiatica)
    Gotu kola is one of the most important ayurvedic herbs, known as brahmi. The dried leaves, stems and flowers contain glycosides and triterpenoids (asiatic acid, madecassic acid, asiaticoside, and madecassoside), which have a number of beneficial roles in the body. Gotu kola is traditionally used to relieve anxiety and depression, improve memory and concentration (especially in those with learning difficulties) and promote a calmer mood (in larger doses). Typical dose: 200mg two or three times a day.

    Other mood-lifting therapies

    Cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) is effective for treating a number of emotional conditions, including depression, panic disorder, agoraphobia, generalised anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. It is a combination of cognitive therapy, which helps to change unwanted thoughts and beliefs, and behavioural therapy, which helps people to change the way they respond to those thoughts.

    It is based on the belief that most of the unwanted thinking patterns and behavioural responses that occur in anxiety disorders have been learned, so retraining can help people identify unwanted feelings, and learn to replace negative thoughts with more desirable ones. Relaxation techniques and breathing exercises are also used to reduce anxiety.

    Hypnotherapy can help to overcome anxiety and depression by promoting relaxation, improved self-esteem and help people change their thought and behaviour patterns.

    Acupuncture is effective against stress, depression and anxiety disorders.

    Homeopathic remedies used to treat depression depend on the underlying cause. It is best to seek individual advice from a qualified homeopath. Remedies that may be used include ignatia (for depression with wildly fluctuating moods) and pulsatilla (for depression with continual weeping).