Top 10 Spices and Herbs for Depression

Herbs for depression can be used to relieve the symptoms of depression which include feelings of sadness, low moods, reduced energy levels, difficulty concentrating and inability to enjoy life.

Spices and herbs used to treat depression naturally include:
St. John’s Wort
St. John’s wort, Hypericum perforatum, has been proven to be as effective as tricyclic antidepressants for the treatment of mild to moderate depression. It is often taken at a dose of 300 mg of the 0.3% hypericin extract thrice a day.

Though St. John’s wort was found to have less side effects that the prescription medications used to treat depression, it also has its own adverse effects which include indigestion, dizziness and making the skin more sensitive to sunlight.

Pregnant women and those who are nursing should not use this herb for depression. Persons with severe depression and bipolar disorder should also not take St. John’s wort. Those with moderate depression who are using serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) antidepressants like citalopram and fluoxetine or tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) like amitriptyline and imipramine should also not take St. John’s Wort since the combination can cause dangerous reactions.

Saffron
Studies have shown that saffron, Crocus sativus, is effective for treating mild to moderate depression. Two clinical trials even found that it was just as effective as fluoxetine and imipramine and yet it had fewer side effects.

Lavender
A study found lavender, Lavandula angustifolia, to have similar effectiveness with imipramine when used by persons with moderate depression.


Sage
Sage is another herb for depression treatment since clinical trials have shown that it can elevate the mood.

Cayenne Pepper
Cayenne pepper, Capsicum annuum, is used to treat depression since it elevates levels of endorphins in the brain by stimulating TRPV1 pain receptors. By increasing endorphins which are the body’s feel good hormone, the ultimate effect of cayenne pepper is mood elevation. 

Cayenne pepper is relatively safe when consumed in diet amounts however excessive consumption can cause ulcers.

Rosemary
Rosemary, Rosemarinus officinalis, is used to treat depression since it contains a compound known as cineole which stimulates the nervous system. Rosemary also has an uplifting aroma that is perfect for countering the apathy associated with depression.

Persons taking blood thinners like warfarin, clopidogrel and aspirin should avoid using rosemary in medicinal amounts since it can cause bleeding. Persons taking diabetes medications should also avoid consuming large amounts of rosemary since it can affect blood glucose levels. Persons taking angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors like captopril and lisinopril to lower high blood pressure should also avoid using rosemary.

Ginkgo Biloba
Ginkgo biloba, Ginkgo biloba, is used to treat depression since it has a mild stimulatory effect on the brain and it improves the circulation of blood through it.

Ginkgo biloba can be taken at a dose of 80 mg three times a day to relive depression. It can also be taken as a tea or tincture.

Ginseng
Ginseng, Panax ginseng, is used for depression since it enhances mental health. It is often taken at daily doses ranging from 150 -300 mg.

Ginger
Ginger, Zingiber officinale, has been used as a herbal remedy for depression for centuries.  

Persons with bleeding disorders and those taking blood thinners like warfarin and aspirin should not take ginger in medicinal quantities. Diabetics on medications should also not consume ginger in large amounts since it can reduce blood glucose levels. Persons taking high blood pressure medications should also avoid ginger since it can lower blood pressure.

Turmeric
Turmeric, Curcuma longa, is another herb used to treat depression since it is thought to elevate the mood.  

Though it is relatively safe when used as a spice, persons taking blood thinners should avoid using it in medicinal quantities.


These spices and herbs for depression should only be used after consulting a doctor since many of them interact with prescription medications and cause unwanted adverse effects.