Health & Body Care News - Herbal Approaches for Depression

Depression, despite increasing incidence, is still a bad word in today's culture. Most of us can express that we are sad; sad is OK. But being 'depressed' comes with the social stigma of a suggested character flaw. The most prevalent mood disorders encountered in general medical practice are major and mild or chronic depression. The fact is that most of us have experienced times of sadness, fatigue, or lack of focus and enjoyment; our hearts feel heavy and our mind/spirit uninspired. These periods or cycles make up the physical and emotional rhythms of our lives, like little deaths that are followed by a rebirth of fresh ideas, renewed energy and inspiration.

Major depression is distinguishable from normal sadness and grief by the duration and severity of symptoms that interfere with one's ability to function day to day. Symptoms may include: depressed mood most of the day, diminished interest in pleasurable activities, significant weight loss or gain, insomnia or hypersomnia, fatigue, low self- esteem or inappropriate guilt, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and recurrent thoughts of death. According to studies in the U.S., Canada, Germany, and Sweden, incidences of depression are increasing, while the age of onset is declining. Endocrine or neuralgic conditions, nutritional deficiencies, and prescription drugs may cause depression.

If you suffer from depression, be sure to seek a health care practitioner for a comprehensive diagnosis and to rule out any of the above factors.

Unfortunately our culture allows no room for depression, and offers no rituals or outlets to express emotional pain for the sake of personal health and growth. Not all cultures ignore this natural exploration. The Lakota traditionally practice the Hanbleceyapi (vision quest) as a rite of passage that symbolizes the journey many people with depression experience. This journey requires that an individual go out alone into nature for 1-4 days with only a blanket, seated within a drawn circle where she/he will 'cry for a vision' in order to get through the darkness. A changed person returns from this experience having confronted fear and learned that we all are ultimately alone, and never alone.

In modern American life, few of us are equipped with the appropriate tools to get through the darkness. Therefore, it is helpful to create meaningful rituals in our lives to act as personal guideposts. For some people this takes the form of community groups, meditation, prayer, yoga, writing, art, taking walks, creating ceremony, or simple, ritualized acts such as drinking tea, or taking a bath with essential oils and lighting candles. Many of us practice these simple, reflective acts, but when we don't, our lives feel out of balance, as if we have forgotten something important.

Depression involves a complex interplay of genetics, biochemistry, developmental and social factors. The current biochemical theory asserts that severe depression is caused by a deficiency of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine. Other neuroendocrine abnormalities found in approximately 45-60% of people with major depression include hypersecretion of cortisol, and diminished response of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) to thyrotropin releasing hormone (TRH). The presumed success of drugs such as Prozac, Paxil and Zoloft is most likely responsible for the current focus on serotonin, due to the drugs' action as a serotonin re-uptake inhibitor. But it is important to remember that depression is a finite, transitory condition that requires counseling and should be routinely re-evaluated.

St. John's Wort was named for the red droplets extracted from its yellow flower and associated with the beheading of John the Baptist. This sunny flower was used over 2,000 years ago for melancholy caused by 'evil spirits.' The antidepressant effects of the plant appear to be in part, due to its ability to inhibit the enzyme monoamine oxidase found in neurons and the synaptic cleft between adjoining nerve cells. This enzyme picks up excess norepinephrine and serotonin in the synaptic cleft. By inhibiting monoamine oxidase, thereby preventing neurotransmitter degradation, norepinephrine and serotonin are available for longer periods of time. The antidepressant effects of St. John's Wort were originally attributed to the hypericin found in the plant. Researchers now believe that it is the complex interaction of many constituents responsible for the plant's therapeutic effects, rather than a single compound. Over thirty clinical trials have demonstrated its antidepressant effects, making St. John's Wort an excellent remedy for those with mild to moderate depression. Compared with anti-depressant drugs currently prescribed, St. John's Wort does not produce the side effects common to tri-cyclic drugs including fatigue, 'hang-over,' weight gain and dry mouth. St. John's Wort offers a nice transition for those who wish to get off prescription anti-depressants. Like many herbs, it often takes four to six weeks to take effect. The recommended dosage is 1-4 ml of tincture (1:3) twice a day, or if using a standardized extract, 400 mg three times a day. Lower dosages in tincture or teas may be effective for anxiety.

Ginkgo biloba is a powerful herb that balances serotonin levels and augments the effects of other anti-depressants such as St. John's Wort, Lemon balm, and Passion flower. This leaf, from the most ancient tree in the world, is especially beneficial in easing depression associated with dementia of the Alzheimer's variety. Ginkgo helps increase blood flow to the brain and oxygenates tissues. Clinical trials reveal that Ginkgo enhances short term memory and helps correct cerebral insufficiency. Newer research is demonstrating that Ginkgo enhances neurotransmitter receptor binding and neurotransmitter metabolism. This plant is an excellent choice for someone suffering from lack of focus, interest, alertness, and concentration. Most studies have been conducted on extracts standardized to the flavonoid content at 24%, with a dosage range of 80-160 mg per day. To obtain this dose in a fluid extract (1:1), one should take 2-4 ml twice a day.

Lemon balm (Melissa), traditionally referred to as 'the gladdening herb,' is excellent for both depression and anxiety, and very easy to grow. This is a great herb to use fresh in teas or as an aromatic bath infusion. Melissa has a normalizing effect on the limbic system of the brain which is responsible for emotions.

Depression is a serious emotional imbalance that should not be treated with pharmaceuticals or herbs alone without counseling or behavioral therapies. Exercise is also very important. Aerobic activity for at least thirty minutes, three times a week helps reduce tension, improve energy and mood, and uses excess stress-induced cortisol in the bloodstream.

It is important to know that as individuals, customers, and patients we have choices. Herbs are generally safer and less expensive than pharmaceuticals, and their use supports environmentally sound medicine and local (often organic) cultivation with a longer history of use than the drugs produced by multi-national companies. Depression does not have to mean dependence on drugs. We can explore our choices and create our solutions through stress management, community, ritual, exercise, counseling, creativity, or maybe a good friend and a cup of tea.

Alternative Approaches to Living with Depression and Anxiety; Tieraona Low Dog, MD, Herbfest seminar 8/18/97, Norway, Iowa. Dr. Low Dog has been a practicing herbalist in New Mexico since 1982. She founded the New Mexico Herb Center in Albuquerque, a training facility for clinical herbalists. As a mother, herbalist, biochemist and physician, Tieraona weaves science and tradition into a unique tapestry of healing.

St. John's Wort; The Natural Treatment C.M. Hawken, 1997; Woodland Publishing.