Self Help

Going Herbal

While anti-depressant pills might seem to work fast, they do not come without side effects and a heavy price tag. People across the globe are waking up to this fact and more and more of them are turning to natural and herbal alternatives in order to escape the side effects of various prescription drugs. The popularity and awareness about these natural medicines has grown significantly over the last decade.

The herbal alternatives have been thoroughly, researched. As well, the herbs have been, tried, and tested in the labs across the world for any kind of discrepancy. Almost all the results have turned up negative until date. Various natural herbs like Kava kava, St. Johns wort, 5-HTP, Valerian root etc. have shown to produce impressive results in patients taking either of these herbal medicines for a period ranging from a few days to a few weeks.

These natural alternatives are available at retailers in various different formulations and combinations. Nevertheless, one must have some basic knowledge about these herbs before going in for any of them. A few of the more commonly available herbal medicines are, listed below with some of the details that might be important for you as a buyer. While these herbs are equally beneficial, these aren’t regulated by FDA and therefore do not have any kind of official or government approval for sale.

Kava kava is one of the strongest anti-anxiety, anti-depressant herbs available in the world. It has been, subjected to hundreds of clinical trials across the globe and has been found far more effective than most of the traditional prescription drugs available at the next-door chemist. Not only has this but it also been found to be one of the safest medicines to consume with least side effects.

St. John’s wort is also among the most commonly used herbal anti-depressant. It is also easily available across various medico-stores. Numerous clinical researches and tests conducted have indicated that it helps in relieving the symptoms of depression and anxiety in a matter of a few weeks. St John’s wort proved almost as good as many of the popular prescription drugs.

5-HTP derives its name from its function. It is used as a precursor for Serotonin, which is also known as 5HT. Thus, 5HT’s Precursor is 5-HTP. It is also found in nature and acts on the serotonergic path of reaction. Significantly, impressive results have been found with the use of this herbal alternative.

Valerian root has been prescribed for those patients who have been facing lack of sleep due to depression. Valerian roots are well known for its tranquilizing effects on the brain. The herbs provide instant relaxation by way of leading to immediate sleep. Most of the cases of depression and anxiety are reported due to lack of sleep. The consequences of lack of sleep at night are most often experienced at workplace and at home. Numerous studies conducted on this herb have proved it the best amongst all the herbs for curing sleeps related disorders and depression symptoms.

Minerals like Zinc, Magnesium and potassium also play a major role in maintaining the overall feelings and mood of an individual. Various researches conducted worldwide have proved the lowering of depression and mental disturbances in patients consuming balanced amounts of minerals in their diet.

Vitamins are extremely essential for the proper functioning of our bodies. They help to regulate numerous body functions, catalyze various reactions in the body, release of energy, transmitting of signals etc. A balanced amount of these vitamins in the diet can help to relieve the patients of mild depression.