Three More Depression Fighting Herbs
Most of us feel sad, miserable or ‘down in the dumps’ sometimes. We can feel like this when someone we love has died or moves away or we have lost a job or our home or have difficult things or circumstances to cope with. Usually, these feeling become less intense over time — especially, when other good things are happening in our life. However, when these feeling of being sad or down are intense and persistent and stop us from doing the things that we would normally do then it is likely that we have a depressive illness.
The depressive illness can range from interfering with our usual activities and relationships (mild to moderate depression) to making it hard to relate or communicate with others or to do day-to-day tasks ( debilitating or severe depression). If you or someone you know has depression (mild, moderate or severe) it is important to seek professional health care. However, there are many things that the depressed person can do to help themselves — the information on herbal remedies provided in this article is particularly geared to someone with mild or moderate depression.
There are many herbs
Skullcap (Scutellaria laterifolia).
Skullcap is a powerful immune booster, especially for the upper body. It is used to help speed recovery, relax nervous tension and renew the nervous system. Scutellaria is rich in minerals that are necessary for the nervous system.
- It is useful for the strengthening and support provided in times of stress and is a remedy for: nervous tension, headaches, agitation, anxiety, insomnia, hysteria, exhaustion and depression.
- an antispasmodic which is useful for twitching muscles, trembling, epilepsy (both petit and grand mal) and heart palpitations.
- useful as an aid when withdrawing from orthodox tranquilizers and antidepressants.
- useful, when combined with hormonal balancing herbs (such as chaste tree and false unicorn root) for premenstrual syndrome.
- as an anti-inflammatory it can be used for arthritis particularly where the condition is aggravated by stress.
- useful in reducing fevers, enhancing digestion and stimulating the liver’s function - due to the presence of bitters.
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis).
Valerian is one of the most useful relaxing nervines that is available. Valerian:
- may safely be used to reduce tension, anxiety and depression. It can help to calm people who ‘can’t switch off’ and it relieves palpitations, panic and tremors. Generally it eases any stress-related condition. This means that it can also assist in insomnia and induce a natural healing sleep. However, about 20% of the population respond to valerian as a stimulant, so if you take it and still have insomnia and are very alert try hops, chamomile, passionflower, or skullcap, which are all excellent herbs to relieve stress, anxiety and insomnia.
- has a calming relaxing effect on the muscles and blood vessels. This means that it will cause blood vessels to dilate and thus the blood pressure will go down.
- is an anti-spasmodic herb which will aid in the relief of colic, intestinal cramps, indigestion and flatulence. As a pain reliever it is most indicated when the pain is associated with tension.
- can assist in migraine and rheumatic pain.
- can be used to assist in relieving menstrual pain and premenstrual tension. It is also useful for some menopausal symptoms including depression that is sometimes associated with menopause.
Notes on valerian
- Do not take valerian if you are already using sleeping tablets.
- Do not take over a long period of time (more that 2-3 weeks) without a break.
- Do not confuse this plant with false valerian, also known as kiss me quick (Centranthus ruber.)
- Valerian is not related to the pharmaceutical drug valium.
- For the relief of tension it will combine well with skullcap.
- For insomnia it will combine well with passion flower and hops.
- For the treatment of cramps it will work well with cramp bark.
- It may cause heart palpitations and nervousness in those who are sensitive to it. If such stimulation occurs discontinue its use.
Vervain (Verbena officinalis).
Vervain is a wonderful tonic for the nervous system, calming the nerves and easing tension and stress. Vervain:
- can be used to relieve anxiety, lift depression and for stress related conditions, such as headaches and migraines as well as nervous exhaustion. It may be used with seizures and hysteria.
- contain bitters which stimulate the liver and enhance digestion. This makes vervain useful in conditions related to a sluggish liver and gallbladder problems.
- when taken as a hot infusion acts as a diaphoretic (increasing sweating) and can be used to bring down a fever.
- can be used as a mouth wash against tooth decay and gum disease. It can also be used for sores and wounds and insect bites when it is in a lotion.
- increases milk flow production in nursing mothers. It also brings on menstrual flow and uterine contraction so it is best avoided during pregnancy. It can be used during birth to enhance contractions.
Notes on vervain
- Avoid during pregnancy.
- For the treatment of depression it may be used with skullcap and lady’s slipper.
Skullcap, valerian and vervain are three herbs that can be used to help with depression especially for those with mild to moderate depression. If you have depression it is important that you seek professional help. You will also benefit by joining an overcoming depression program.
References
Hoffmann, D. 2000, The New Holistic Herbal. Element Pub.
McIntyre, A. 1995, The Complete Women’s Herbal. Henry Holt Reference Books.
Mills, S. Y. 1989, The A-Z of Modern Herbalism: A Comprehensive Guide to Practical Herbal Therapy. Thorson.
Dr Jenny Tylee is an experienced health professional who is passionate about health and
wellbeing. She believes that health is not just absence of disease and seeks to actively promote
vitality and wellness through empowering others. She encourages people to improve their health by quit smoking, cleansing their body, taking essential vitamin and mineral supplement and many other methods, including herbal remedies.
Tags: antidepression herb, depression, depression fighting herb, overcome depression, skullcap, valerian, vervai