Three Antidepressant 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 that are able to help lift the spirits, help a person to relax and relieve stress (which is often at the base of depression). This article concentrates on the following anti-depressive herbs:

• damiana,
• ginseng,
• lady's slipper

There are many other herbs that are widely known for their anti-depressive qualities and some of these will be explored in other articles. You will notice from the description of the herbs that are included here that they have many qualities other than relieving depression. These additional qualities can be beneficial to the body -- as well as elevating the mood. They can support the body in dealing with other conditions that may in themselves contribute to the depression

Damiana (Turnera aphrodisiaca)

Damiana is a strengthener for the nervous system. It also has an ancient reputation as an aphrodisiac - this may or may not be true but it is a tonic for the central nervous and hormonal systems. The pharmacology of the plant suggests that it has a testosterone like action.

Damiana is an anti-depressant and is considered a specific for anxiety and depression where there is a sexual factor.
It can be used to strengthen the male sexual system.
As a nerve tonic it is often used with oats and depending on the situation it combines well with kola or skullcap.

Ginseng (Panax Ginseng (Chinese/Korean/Japanese), panax quinquefolius (American) Eleutherococcus senticosus (Siberian)). It is also known as man root, life root and heal all.

Ginseng root protects the body and nervous system from stress, stimulates and increases metabolic function, enhances physical and mental efficiency by improving circulation. It also helps to keep balanced blood pressure and glucose levels, increase gastrointestinal movement, iron metabolism, and promote RNA synthesis.

Ginseng:

• stimulates the nervous system and boosts energy,
• stimulates hormone secretion,
• lowers blood cholesterol level,
• protects cells from damage due to radiation and exposure to toxins,
• enhances memory, concentration and learning,
• helps to lessen the effects of stress,
• improves liver detoxification function,
• improves the appetite,
• helps to elevate the mood (anti-depressant action) and
• improves sleep.

Lady's Slipper (Cypripedium pubescens)

Lady's slipper is one of the most widely applicable nerviness available. It can be used in all stress reactions, emotional tension and anxiety states. It will help to elevate the mood -- especially where depression is present. It can help ease nervous pain -- though it is best used in combination with other herbs for this purpose. It can be used to treat anxiety that is associated with insomnia.
Lady's slipper combines well with oats and skullcap. For nerve pain it can be used with Jamaican dogwood, passion flower and valerian.

Damiana, ginseng and lady's slipper 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.

Antidepressant Medication Research

What Is Antidepressant Medication Research and Where Is It Heading?

The main focus of most antidepressant medication research is how to counter the various side effects that these medications cause. Besides that, the research also wants to discover how these side effects work and which medications give the best results when taken. It has been known that side effects occur because the client's body produces resistance to the actions of the drugs, thereby sending signals to the brain through the neurotransmitters that affect serotonin and norephinephrine.

Antidepressant medication research has also found out that most of these antidepressants' effectively starts after several days or weeks at a time because studies have shown that the body's brain adapts slowly to the effects these medications want to achieve. Another research is to discover how these antidepressants will achieve the long term effects of these drugs and how to combat any side effects that may arise. Discovery on how antidepressants function when taken into the body will be a big help in finding out what actions to take to lessen side effects and to know which antidepressants will give the most benefits versus the side effects that it may produce.

Another antidepressant medication research gears on the possibility of multiple medications that will treat depression and anxiety disorder jointly. Anxiety disorders consist of but not limited to post traumatic stress disorders, societal withdrawal, and panic disorders. It has been known that anxiety disorders are the reasons why an increased number of suicidal attempts occur. Some antidepressant research is directed to learning the various effects of SSRIs antidepressants and how these medications affect suicide attempts in patients taking them. Some studies have shown that SSRIs such as fluoxatine, sertraline, and escitalopram have affected suicidal tendencies mostly in children and adolescents.

Antidepressant medication research was able to discover that when children undergo antidepressant medication therapy, their suicidal tendencies lessen. Additionally, herbal medication such as St. John's wort and hypericum has been proven effective in decreasing depression by this antidepressant research.

Antidepressant Side Effects

MAOIs hold the potential to induce life-threatening problems. The Side Effects associated with its use are hypertensive crisis, rapid heartbeat, blood cell problems, insomnia, dizziness, headache, fluid retention, and loss of appetite. It therefore cannot be used in patients of congestive cardiac failure or in those with a history of liver disease. It is unsafe for those who are hypersensitive to its ingredients.

Though the type of Side Effects experienced by the patient due to TCAs or MAOIs are many times similar, the frequency of these Side Effects is much less in the case of TCAs. Thus, TCAs enjoy a better rate of acceptance by the patients. The potential Side Effects of TCAs are allergic reactions, blood cell problems, blurred vision, dry mouth, weakness, fatigue, weight gain, constipation, difficulty with urination, sexual dysfunction, sweating, muscle twitches, rash, dizziness, tremors, ECG abnormalities, seizures, stroke, and Neuroleptic Malignant Syndrome (with amoxapine). The secondary amine TCAs (desipramine and nortriptyline) are generally better tolerated than tertiary amine TCAs.

The SSRIs are associated with nausea, anorexia, anxiety, agitation, insomnia, headache, dizziness, tremor somnolence, sweating, dry mouth, diarrhea, constipation, and sexual dysfunction as the general Side Effects. The sexual Side Effects of SSRIs often become the reason for its desired discontinuation.

The currently available SNRIs (desipramine, duloxetine, nefazodone, and venlafaxine) keep both serotonin and norepinephrine at the right level to alleviate depressive symptoms. The Side Effects associated with the use of nefazodone include dry mouth, constipation, and somnolence. Venlafaxine has significant anticholinergic effects (dry mouth, blurred vision, urinary hesitancy, and constipation) and induces sedation. Other Side Effects observed with its use are hypertension, agitation, tremor, sweating, headache, nausea and sleep disturbances. It has potential withdrawal effects.

The drug bupropion (Wellbutrin, Wellbutrin SR) is contraindicated in patients with seizure disorder or a history of anorexia nervosa or bulimia. Agitation, tremor, insomnia, decreased appetite, GI upset and psychoses are the bupropion-induced common Side Effects. The most common adverse effects of mirtazapine (a tetracyclic Antidepressant) include increased appetite, weight gain, lethargy and dizziness.

The most commonly associated Side Effects with the use of St. John's wort (a natural Antidepressant) include fatigue, sedation, restlessness, anxiety, headache, dizziness, dry mouth, gastrointestinal symptoms, and skin reactions. Studies have reported that the rates of adverse events with St. John's wort are comparable to those with a placebo.

Natural Antidepressant Remedies

Natural Antidepressant Remedies For Difficult Times

There are times in our life that stress or difficult circumstances can lead to depression, affecting our ability to live life fully. In these modern times many individuals lean on medicinal remedies, however there are an arsenal of natural antidepressants available for anyone to use. First, nutrition is a natural source of help for depression. Walnuts, flaxseed oil, and fish (salmon in particular) contain valuable Omega 3 fatty acids that lead to healthy brain function and combat depression. Chicken, turkey, citrus fruits, and water help bolster the brain's ability to function. Coffee, in moderation, is a known pick-me-up. Stay away from refined sugars. They create a cyclical pattern of energy ups and unfortunately downs.

Next, exercise cleans the body, strengthens your immune system and clears the thoughts. Walking, running, dancing or whatever gets you moving, produces endorphins throughout your body. This triggers positive feelings that affect both your thought processes and body. Combining your exercise with some sunlight will add to your well-being. Your body will benefit from the Vitamin D, not to mention the fresh air of being outside. Keep in mind to limit direct sun exposure to 15 minutes for fair skin to 40 for dark skin.

Pursue connections with other people. Make time to connect with your loved ones and friends. Shared time allows you to throw off the yoke of stress. It also gives insight into the struggles of others and how they have pulled through. Give time and volunteer. Research has shown that the effects of altruism on the body can be as powerful as drugs. In addition, by helping others in need you realize that everyone is fighting a battle of some kind.

Finally, in your solitary time, create a nurturing space. Burning incense or using other comforting smells can relax the body and mind. Find time for hobbies and the things that inspire you to create. In addition, many believe that we are the artists of our own thoughts. Meditation is a proven natural antidepressant method. It allows you to witness the type of thoughts that are repeated in your mind whether they are positive, negative or neutral. Focus on reducing your negative thoughts and practice putting positive goals and affirmations in their place. Meditation alone, studies suggest, can limit the likelihood of depression by 50%. If not meditating, then laugh! Humor relieves stress and helps the mind to relax.

Remember that natural antidepressants abound and will aid you to work through your difficult times. Depression is an emotional state out of balance, allowing you to reflect and strengthen yourself from damaging thoughts and practices. To arrive on the other side of depression is an evolution of spirit, lending itself to a deeper cup of appreciation for life.