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Depression is a serious mood disorder with severe and prolonged feelings of sadness. The loss of a spouse, a serious illness, stress or poor self-esteem can trigger depression. Depression may be inherited and is thought to be caused by a chemical imbalance in parts of the brain that controls moods and emotions.
Depression is a very real medical illness that could devastate your life and even lead to suicide. See a doctor before trying any herb or supplement on your own. Do not diagnose or treat yourself.
Symptoms
Symptoms include:
- Headaches
- Irritability
- Fatigue
- Suicidal thoughts
- Insomnia
- Excessive sleep
- Loss of appetite or increased appetite
- Muscle pain throughout the body, including the back
- Great sadness
- Feelings of worthlessness
- Intense guilt
- Lack of concentration
- Anxiety and feeling stressed
Be aware that herbs and supplements are not strictly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration. Do not assume if a product is considered "natural" that it is harmless. Many substances do not have sound science behind them to prove their safety or how well they work. Manufacturers may not be giving you what you think you are getting, or the way the substance is processed may be unhealthy or unsafe.
With many of these products, doctors do not know enough about them. Herbs and supplements may interact with prescription and over-the-counter medications or can worsen your health conditions. Consider that some supplements, such as vitamin A, may be unsafe when taken in mega doses.
It is strongly advised that you talk to your doctor before taking any supplement or herb. If you are taking an herb or supplement and notice any unusual symptoms, stop taking the substance immediately and talk to your doctor.
| Herb or supplement |
Claims |
Possible Interactions, Side Effects and Dangers |
What the experts say |
| St. John's wort |
Treats depression. |
St. John's wort may have dangerous interactions with prescription medications, including protease inhibitors (used in HIV patients), the blood thinner warfarin, the heart drug digoxin and some oral contraceptives.
Minor side effects include headaches, gastrointestinal discomfort, sun sensitivity and dry mouth.
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St. John's wort may help mild to moderate forms of depression but is probably ineffective against severe depression. Never self-diagnose your depression or its degree of severity. It's hard to draw the line between moderate and severe depression. A large, well-designed study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found St. John's wort did not do any better than a dummy pill for people with severe depression. However, more research is needed. Before you self-medicate, see a doctor. |
| SAM-e |
Treats depression with fewer side effects than antidepressants. |
People with bipolar depression should not take SAM-e because of a risk of bringing on a manic episode. Don't use for severe depression. SAM-e may also interact with some antidepressants. SAM-e is converted into homocysteine levels, which can raise the risk of heart disease.
At high doses, you may have headache, insomnia and dizziness.
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The benefits and long-term risks are unknown. Studies are scant and poorly done. Clinical trials are needed to find out if SAM-e is effective or dangerous. Do not take this. See a doctor. |
| Colostrum, bovine |
Improves mood. |
This is secreted by all breastfeeding animals. When it is produced in cows, colostrum is good only for newborn calves. It is not good for humans. May cause bloating. |
There has been little or no research into these supplements for humans. You do not need these supplements. Also, you cannot be sure you are really getting colostrum in them. |
This article was reviewed and updated June 2007.
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