Natural Herbal Antidepressants

Natural Herbal Antidepressants
                               
Antidepressants are big business.  Over l20 million drugs are dispersed to individuals each year in America alone for the treatment of depression and related conditions.  Although these may provide temporary relief, they come to us with unwanted harmful side-effects including liver damage, insomnia, hallucinations, convulsions, low blood pressure, dizziness, blurred visions, difficulty breathing, and much more.
 
This is the main reason why so many individuals are now turning to natural herbal antidepressants as an alternative to pharmaceutical drugs such as paxil, prozac, Zoloft, etc.  Although these remedies have been around for thousands of years successfully treating depression as well as other illnesses, they are just now catching on in the Western World.  In fact, in Germany the use of natural herbal remedies far exceed that of pharmaceuticals for the treatment of depression.
 
Advantages of Taking Natural Herbal Antidepressants

• There are no known serious common side effects:
• No known possibilities of addiction or withdrawal;
• Individuals do not need a prescription
• No doctor visit required - however one should consult with a physician before hand
• Individuals do not seem to develop weight problems; and
• No sexual dysfunction reported

It is only fair to mention that although these natural herbal alternatives have great outcomes they too come with certain risks factors, but by far the risks are less common and less severe.    Remember they are very powerful medicines - many prescription medications come from trees, herbs, or shrubs.  Therefore, it is important to check with your physician to be sure they are right for you - a common problem can be drug interaction.
 
Having said this, a few of the most common natural herbal antidepressants which seem to be safe and effective are as follows: 
 
Kava:  Recommended daily dose is 65-85 mg of kava lactones three times daily - results usually appearing in two to three days.  Individuals may develop mild stomach upset.  There are restrictions when taking this drug - be sure to avoid other central nervous system depressants, alcohol, prescription axiolytics or St. John’s Wort.
 
Valerian Root:  Recommended daily dose is 450mg at bedtime.  This medication is very successful without daytime drowsiness or impaired concentration.  Pregnant and lactating women may also use this drug without repercussion.
 
St. John’s Wort:   Recommended daily dose 900 to 1800 mg depending on how severe depression is - may take four to six weeks to notice full effects.  Be careful for interaction with other medications - cold medicines as well as other antidepressants.
 
SAM-e which is a chemical that's found naturally in the human body and is believed to increase levels of neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine.  In studies SAM-e has been proven more effective than placebo.
 
5-HTTP:  Recommended dose ranges from about 50-400mg.  Supplements are available in 50 mg. and 100mg. capsules.  This is treated for other than depression, but when treating depression, it is usually beneficial if one takes a 50 mg. capsule or two once to four times daily.  If taking 100 mg. three tablets should be divided.  Always consult with your doctor to see which amount will work best for you.
 
It is obvious that more and more people are becoming aware of what is and what is not good for them.  Organic foods are becoming popular, natural materials are becoming popular and it shouldn’t surprise us that we are turning to nature to heal us as well and that is why herbal natural antidepressants are becoming increasingly popular.