Please note: You should always consult a licensed physician before beginning self-administration of herbsand other healing vegetation. Proceeding carefully, gradually, and deliberately will ensure not only beneficial results, but a new found knowledge and respect for this ancient and interesting practice.

Modern western society is known for its high depression rate. This phenomena is no where more evident than the strong medical and media attention to new antidepressant prescription drugs.While these drugs have helped thousands, they are not natural and the side effects are reported to range from minor to critical. There is little argument that severe or manic cases of depression call for the attention of specialized medicine. But for minor depression caused by stress, tension, loss, or worry, natural herbs are well worth the effort and experimentation.

The most famous herb for overcoming minor bouts of depression is St. Johnswort. The plant is harvested at the beginning of summer, when its beautiful yellow flower is in full bloom. The bright flower has small black dots that contain the oil that gives St. Johnswort its special benefits. When the flower is crushed, a red oil appears. This red oil told Native people and early Americans that St. Johnswort was good for cleansing the blood. The Native people believed that toxic blood conditions can bring on melancholy, thus the helpful effects of the oil were explained in this way.

Modern science has studied St. Johnswort extensively and has confirmed its healing properties. The chemistry tells us this herb acts as a monoamine oxidase inhibitor, or MAO. MAO's increase the mood-enhancing neurotransmitters in the brain. Modern medicines commonly prescribed for depression usually contain MAO, but for minor depression, St. Johnswort may be gentler to the system. MAO's also break down certain neurochemicals in the brain, including the enzyme tyrosine. This substance is also found in certain foods, including cheese, preserved and fermented foods, liver and red wine. Ingesting these foods items, along with antidepressant drugs containing MAO inhibitors, can cause blood pressure to skyrocket to dangerous levels.

It is particularly important for those with high blood pressure to consult with professionals before applying this herb. Theoretically, the same effect can accompany St. Johnswort. Users should be aware of this possibility, although it is rarely seen. Another advantage is that this herb does not have the same addictive effects as some pharmaceuticals. For these reasons, St. Johnswort is a best selling herb in Europe.

Due to its anti-depression capabilities, the question arises whether St. Johnswort can be taken with prescription tricyclic antidepressives such as Elavil. Since there is no reliable research on how St. Johnswort achieves its results, it is known as an "atypical" antidepressant. Researchers simply don't know how it might interact or affect dosage levels of other antidepressants. While it may function in the same way as drugs like Proziac, the best advice at this time is to not use it with any antidepressant drugs.

In order for St. Johnswort to be effective, it must be taken in consistent doses. It is usually taken as a concentrated extract so it can be accurately measured. Its effects don't appear immediately, but gradually over a three to six week period. It is particularly beneficial for people with high stress levels and those who are not responding well to other therapies.

Besides St. Johnswort, there are a variety of other herbs containing mild antidepressants that have been found to be helpful in mild cases of depression. After lemon balm was brought to the New World from Europe, it was quickly adopted by Native Americans for its ability to calm upset stomachs associated with nervous conditions. Also commonly called bee balm, because of its use in attracting bees, lemon balm can build immunity, an important aspect since a suppressed immune system generally accompanies emotional depression. Its uplifting effects can be felt without delay. An added benefit is its tasty quality when made as a tea.

Evening Primrose is another easy to obtain remedy for depression. The herb is a nervine, sedative and an astringent containing essential fatty acids known to be important for optimal brain functioning. The leaves and bark can be used to remove toxins in the alimentary canal, otherwise depressing the solar plexus and central nervous system. It is also one of the best known sources of tryptophan. Dietary tryptophan is converted to serotonin in the brain. This makes it an excellent antidepressant complement to St. Johnswort!

Traditional Native American rituals used smoke from dried herbs to eliminate low spirits. Sage was used in smudging ceremonies to clear the psychic space of an area. A tied bundle of sage was burned, and the smoke is wafted around. When inhaled, sage is said to bring old issues to the surface of awareness, allowing the person to release them and move on in life. Sage can also be taken internally in very small doses. It is believed that just a nibble will help a person break through old repetitive patterns that keep him or her depressed.

The following herbal extracts are also know for their antidepressant properties when taken correctly: damiana, passion flower, black cohosh, valerian root, wild oats, wormwood, and calamus root.

For further information and resources, please see our Healing Herb database

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