St. John’s Wort as a Natural Depression Medicine

Depression can sap all your energy, kill your interest in hobbies, family, and friends and -- at its worst -- steal your will to live. But there are scores of remedies and aids on the market that may or lessen your pain. There’s one in particular that may help reduce the symptoms for mild or moderate sufferers. It’s a called St. John’s wort, and many consider it to be a potential natural depression medicine.

This yellow flower has been believed to offer relief to the depressed for centuries, especially in Europe where it is still prescribed. After harvesting, the dried leaves and flower are ground into a powder and put into capsules for consumption. Occasionally, the dried leaves are brewed into a tea. While it is unclear why St. John’s wort offers relief to some depression sufferers, some researchers believe it increases the availability of serotonin, a neurotransmitter.

If you’re interested in taking this as a possible natural depression medicine talk to your doctor about dosage and make sure to pay close attention to the particular capsules you buy. Dosage can vary from brand to brand. You should also consult your doctor about depression in general to ensure you pursue the best treatment plan possible.

There are many other options for alternative medicine for depression that may be used instead of or in addition to St. John’s wort to possibly help with depression that you may want to consider. Omega-3s, meditation, yoga, acupuncture, and massage are among them. You may also want to consider taking a combination natural depression medicine that includes a variety of herbs, vitamins, and nutrients.