Since ancient times, people have liked to seek ways to treat diseases from nature, such as using herbs to stop bleeding and heal wounds. Depression, as a common disease, many people also use herbal remedies or natural supplements to treat it in order to relieve the feeling of depression. So, is there any scientific basis for using these herbs or natural supplements to treat depression? Dr. Dan Isipisku, the clinical research director at New York University, conducted relevant experiments on this.
First kind: St. John’s Wort
St. John’s Wort, which many people may not have heard of, is a bright yellow flower unique to the Eurasian continent, mainly used by the Western world for anti-depression therapy. Dr. Samal McCacho, a psychiatrist at Ohio State University, said that clinical trials have found that St. John’s Wort is effective and well tolerated.
However, there have been some issues in using St. John’s Wort. First, it can react with blood thinners or oral contraceptives. In addition, non-prescription preparations of St. John’s Wort are not regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, so it is impossible to determine how much to use for treating depression and what the long-term effects are based solely on the listed contents and dosages on the label.
Furthermore, studies on patients with mild depression have found that St. John’s Wort is actually effective only for mild illnesses and may not be well compatible with standard antidepressants.
Therefore, if you are taking antidepressants as per your doctor’s recommendation, do not blindly add St. John’s Wort unless the doctor advises, as it may lead to dangerous reactions.
Second kind: Omega-3 fatty acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are called the “protector of life” due to their efficacy and are widely used for their potential anti-depressive effects. Omega-3 fatty acids are found in oily fish and plant oils, which can protect heart health, modulate immune system function, and alleviate depressive moods.
However, Dr. Isipisku stated that the data on the efficacy of Omega-3 fatty acids in treating depression is “mixed,” so it cannot be fully confirmed whether they are effective against depression.
Third kind: Folate element
Folate element is an active form of folic acid, belonging to a type of vitamin B. Folic acid is mainly found in leafy green vegetables, citrus fruits, and legumes.
Research has shown that folic acid or vitamin B9 is crucial for pregnant women in preventing miscarriage and fetal defects. There is also evidence that folic acid can prevent heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers.
Low levels of folate may hinder the effectiveness of antidepressants in patients with schizophrenia, depression, and bipolar disorder.
Therefore, theoretically, adding folate is beneficial for treating depression, but the research results so far are mixed.
Fourth kind: Vitamin D
Vitamin D, also known as the “sunshine vitamin,” is produced by the skin under exposure to ultraviolet light. It is essential for maintaining strong, healthy bones, normal cell growth, and modulating immune system health.
Some evidence suggests that vitamin D can maintain brain health, while a deficiency in vitamin D may lead to depression or other mental illnesses.
There is a lot of data on vitamin D and depression, and it is quite diverse. If a person lacks vitamin D, a doctor may recommend taking this nutrient, which may improve the person’s mood. Getting about 10 to 15 minutes of sunlight exposure per day can also increase the body’s natural production of vitamin D.
In conclusion, before attempting to use these natural therapies to address depression, it is essential to understand the ingredients and quality issues of these natural therapies. For products that have not been evaluated, there may be significant risks. If necessary, it is best to follow a doctor’s advice rather than blindly using them to avoid negative interactions.
Currently, the confirmed effective and safe interventions for treating depression mainly include the following:
– Maintaining good sleep.
– Avoiding alcohol or substance abuse.
– Regular aerobic exercise.
– Healthy diet.
– Social interaction with others.
– Practices such as yoga, meditation, and mindfulness, among others.
When you are suffering from depression, do not feel embarrassed to consult a psychologist. Just as you would see a doctor for headaches, colds, and other issues, why not seek help for depression? When symptoms like persistent fatigue, headaches, loss of appetite or overeating occur, it is advisable to seek medical help promptly.
