Herbs that will help fight depression.

A decade ago, the World Health Organization warned that depression is the 4th most dangerous disease in the world. At that time, 10% of the population suffered from it, and estimates showed that in 2020 it would be the second disease, right after ischemic heart disease. Pessimistic forecasts have come true - today, depressive disorders, which have a huge impact not only on the people struggling with them, but also on entire societies, are already in second place ^1.2 . Depression is often associated with neurotic disorders and sleep disorders, and the scientific community, in search of effective treatment methods and treatment support, is looking more and more closely at remedies that have been known for thousands of years - herbs and other plants considered medicinal.

Herbs for depression: are they effective?

Herbs and their properties were already used by Neanderthals, as can be concluded from the analysis of burial places. ³ . The history of herbal medicine has accompanied the history of man from the beginning , and what was once considered the magical properties of herbs are simply the action of their natural substances. As modern scientists emphasize, herbs are used in mood disorders because many plants contain compounds that " can support the treatment of [this condition - depression, note] ed.], acting holistically on the patient's body , especially since depression affects the entire body, causing multi-organ dysfunctions. ⁴ .

Clinical studies have confirmed that the most effective plants, which can be used alone - for milder disorders - and complement other forms of treatment, including pharmacological ones, are:

• Bacopa monnieri (Water hyssop) – Brahmi - small-leaved bacopa
• Crocus sativus – cultivated saffron,
• Eleutherococcus senticosus – Siberian ginseng,
• Griffonia simplicifolia (Griffonia) - African black bean,
• Hypericum perforatum – St. John's wort,
• Piper methysticum – methystic pepper,
• Rhodiola rosea – mountain rosary.

Let's look at some of these plants in more detail. Here are their properties, confirmed by clinical tests ⁵ :

Brahmi or Jalanimba.

This is the name under which this plant is known in India; it has been used in Ayurveda, i.e. traditional Indian treatment, for thousands of years. In Polish, its name is " small-leaved bacopa ". It is used to treat epilepsy, insomnia, states of nervous tension and as a means of calming down anxiety states. Research confirms the effectiveness of the use of this plant and its derivatives in the treatment of children with ADHD, recovery after stroke, and epilepsy.

Saffron.

Known mainly as an expensive spice, an integral ingredient of, among others, Risotto Alla Milanese. However, this plant has been used in medicine for centuries: it has antispasmodic properties, helps with digestion, improves appetite and mood. It has antidepressant, expectorant, anticonvulsant, anticancer and antibacterial properties. Increases the concentration of serotonin and dopamine in the central nervous system. Randomized studies show that administering 30 mg of saffron extract for six weeks reduces symptoms of depression compared to people who took a placebo for the same period.

Ginseng .

Extracts from this plant, long considered magical, have been used with great success to support people with depressive and/or anxiety disorders; they also have anti-inflammatory, detoxifying and antioxidant properties. According to the magazine "Psychiatria Polska", the antidepressant activity of ginseng extracts was tested on rats.

St. John's wort.

St. John's wort is also high on the list of herbs that have antidepressant properties . Extracts from this plant inhibit serotonin reuptake and act as MAO inhibitors, i.e. on the same principle as pharmacological drugs. Research conducted in 1996 on patients with mild and moderate depression shows that St. John's wort is more effective than placebo and its effectiveness is comparable to pharmacological agents.

Methystine pepper , or kava kava.

It is a plant that was prohibited in Poland for a long time because it was included in the list of psychotropic substances, narcotic drugs and new psychoactive substances. However, for three years it has been legally importable from abroad. Be very careful with this plant and consult your doctor before using it. The infusion is considered effective in the treatment of infections, muscle pain and pain occurring during menstruation, as well as insomnia, skin and urinary system diseases, and has also been used for centuries to treat depressive disorders and anxiety.

In addition to the list above, you can also benefit from the calming properties of plants such as:

• Valeriana officinalis – valerian,
• Passiflora incarnata – flesh-colored passion flower,
• Lavandula angustifolia – narrow-leaved lavender,
• Melissa officinalis – lemon balm,
• Leonurus cardiaca – motherwort,
• Humulus lupulus – common hop.

Remember, however, that herbs are effective, but they can also be harmful if used without moderation or in an inappropriate dose. Just like medicines, they have a number of contraindications , and some herbs cannot be used in combination with pharmacological treatment. Therefore, the safest option will be a consultation with a specialist - a doctor and/or an experienced herbalist (phytotherapist) whom we trust.

Bibliography:

1. Liu L., Liu C., Wang Y., Wang P., Li Y., Li B., “Herbal Medicine for Anxiety, Depression and Insomnia.” Curr Neuropharmacol. 2015.
2. Muszyńska B., Łojewski M., Rojowski J. et al., "Natural raw materials important in the prevention and supporting the treatment of depression", Psychiatr. Half. 2015.
3. “Study reveals Neanderthals at El Sidrón in Northern Spain had knowledge of plants' healing qualities”, University of York, accessed December 14, 2021.
4. Muszyńska B., op.cit.
5. All descriptions of properties and tests come from Muszyńska B., op. cit.