What Herbs or Supplements Work for Depression?

I was recently diagnosed with depression. I'd like to treat my depression naturally, without medication. What herbs and/or supplements can I take for depression?

Answer

Several herbs and supplements have been studied for use in depression. Some of the more commonly recommended ones include:

St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum)
5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan)
Folic acid or L-methylfolate
SAM-e.

Short-term studies of St. John's wort suggest the herb may be beneficial in milder cases of depression. However, studies do not support its use in moderate or severe depression. In addition, St. John's wort can interact with several medications.

5-HTP is converted to serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is one of the chemicals associated with mood. The majority of antidepressant medications also work on serotonin. Studies suggest 5-HTP may help with depression; however, it may not work as well as antidepressant medications.

SAM-e is another supplement that has been studied a fair amount for the treatment of depression. In general, studies are positive and suggest that SAM-e can be an effective treatment for some individuals. It is not clear exactly how SAM-e works for depression. It causes several changes in the brain that may be responsible for its antidepressant effects.

Antidepressants can take several weeks to start having an effect. Studies suggest that antidepressants may work more quickly when given with folic acid. L-methylfolate, the active form of folic acid, is available as a medical food (Deplin^®) for use in people with depression and low folate levels. Although this vitamin is not intended to be used without an antidepressant, it may help antidepressants work better.

It's important to know that herbal supplements are not necessarily safe or without side effects just because they are labeled "natural." Herbals and other dietary supplements are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) the same way as prescription medications, and do not have to meet the same standards for safety or effectiveness.

In addition, herbs and supplements can interact with other medicines. Always talk to your healthcare provider about any herb or supplement you are considering.