5 herbs for fighting depression naturally

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Five great herbs for fighting depression naturally

Wednesday, April 04, 2012 by: Benson, staff writer

http://www.naturalnews.com/035463_depression_herbs_remedies.html#ixzz1r6E9Q38w

(NaturalNews) Depression is a ubiquitous condition that afflicts millions of

Americans, many of whom have been convinced by the psychiatric industry that

selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and various other

antidepressant drugs are their only options for treatment and healing. Truth

be told, there are a number of herbal alternatives to these dangerous

pharmaceuticals that have been scientifically proven to help remediate

depression naturally, and without causing negative side effects.

Rhodiola rosea

Rhodiola rosea (Crassulaceae) is a perennial plant that grows in cold,

alpine regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Its roots contain a sap that has

long been used to improve physical and mental endurance, relieve symptoms of

anxiety and stress, and even lift mood and alleviate depression symptoms.

This is why it is considered to be an adaptogen, a natural substance that

helps normalize the body's response to stress, and maintain optimal

homeostasis by balancing the immune system and endocrine hormones

(http://cms.herbalgram.org/herbclip/342/review45139.html).

Numerous scientific studies, including research conducted and compiled by

Dr. Zakir Ramazanov, a former Soviet soldier-turned-doctor, has revealed

that rhodiola rosea can be safely used to reduce recovery time after

workouts, improve attention span and memory, improve physical fitness and

performance, enhance psychomotor function, and alleviate depression and

anxiety (http://rhodiolarosea.org/rhodiola-benefits/).

St. 's Wort

St. 's Wort (Hypericum perforatum), a plant native to temperate and

subtropical regions of the world, has long been used in many cultures to

treat depression. Numerous research studies, including a 2008 study

published as part of the Cochrane Systematic Review, have found that St.

's Wort is at least as effective as standard antidepressant drugs at

treating mild to moderate depressive disorders, but with few potentially

harmful side effects

(http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2008/10/081007192435.htm).

When taken as a whole extract, St. 's Wort has also been shown to help

naturally alleviate sleep disorders, promote relaxation, and boost energy

levels in such a way that avoids the " spikes " and " plunges " typically

associated with consumption of caffeine and other stimulants. St. 's

Wort is considered to be a safe, inexpensive herbal remedy that can help

promote improved overall mental health.

Camu Camu

Camu Camu (Myrciaria dubia) is a tropical rainforest plant whose berries

have the highest known levels of natural vitamin C in the world. The plant's

fruit, which is naturally tangy and sweet, contains a host of nutrients,

including vitamin C, that fight the negative effects of the herpes virus,

promote immune health, alleviate inflammation, and fight bacteria and

viruses. Camu Camu also has adaptogenic properties that normalize bodily

processes during stress, and help relieve symptoms of depression.

In his Clinician's Handbook of Natural Healing, Dr. Null, Ph.D.,

critically-acclaimed nutritionist and researcher, lists Camu Camu as the

second most potent known plant for containing natural antidepressant

compounds -- and best of all, eating camu camu has absolutely no know

negative side effects.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), an Indian plant that has long been used in

Ayurvedic medicine, contains powerful adaptogenic compounds that are known

to relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression. The plant is also known to

help fight degenerative brain conditions like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's,

as well as inhibit the growth and spread of cancer cells.

Several studies, including one published in the journal Phytomedicine back

in 2000, have found that ashwagandha works as well as, or better than,

antidepressant drugs at relieving anxiety and treating depression symptoms.

And ashwagandha naturally prevents stress-induced free radical damage

without causing harmful side effects

(http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2006/jun2006_report_ashwa_01.htm).

Maca

Maca (Lepidium meyenii), also known as " Peruvian ginseng, " is a root

vegetable that is packed with amino acids, phytonutrients, vitamins, and

minerals. Like the other herbs mentioned, it has long been used in

traditional medicine to increase energy and stamina, enhance libido, and

boost the immune, adrenal, and endocrine systems.

In a 2008 study published in the journal Menopause, researchers found that

maca helps reduce anxiety and depression symptoms in women with menopause

(http://drtorihudson.com). And in a 2006 study published in the journal BMC

Complementary and Alternative Medicine, researchers found that maca clearly

exhibits general antidepressant activity in all people when consumed.

If you or someone you know suffers from depression or depression symptoms,

you may want to consider checking out these and various other natural herbal

remedies that contain powerful antidepressant compounds and nutrients. As

always, be sure to consult with your physician before implementing any new

treatment regimens.