6 natural antidepressants: What they are? Learn more here - Medical News Today
If a person thinks they have symptoms of depression, they should speak to a healthcare professional as soon as possible so that they can begin treatment.
According to a 2017 article, 40–60% of people who take prescription antidepressants experience an improvement in symptoms within 6–8 weeks, compared with just 20–40% of people who do not.
Natural antidepressants may offer some relief. However, as with prescription antidepressants, results vary from person to person.
1. SAM-e
S-adenosylmethionine (SAM-e) naturally occurs in the body. According to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), several studies suggest that SAM-e may help treat depression. However, no conclusive scientific research has shown it works.
A 2011 analysis of existing research studies found that SAM-e improved symptoms of depression in eight studies. However, each of these studies had methodological flaws.
In a separate 2009 analysis, SAM-e worked better than a placebo in six placebo-controlled trials.
According to the NCCIH, SAM-e may not be safe for people with bipolar disorder because it may increase mania symptoms.
People living with HIV should also avoid SAM-e because it may encourage the growth of Pneumocystis jirovecii, which could lead to pneumonia.
Doctors should also monitor SAM-e use in people with Parkinson's disease as it could decrease the effectiveness of levodopa (L-dopa), a treatment for Parkinson's disease.
2. St. John's Wort
Please be aware that St John's Wort can make many prescription medications less effective, and if a person combines it with antidepressants a life-threatening amount of serotonin could accumulate in the body.
St. John's wort derives from a yellow flower that people have used in herbal medicine for centuries.
Some studies show that St. John's wort can treat depression, but the results of these studies are inconsistent. Researchers do not know if St. John's wort is an effective long-term treatment.
Some research suggests that St. John's wort may change how the brain processes serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine in a similar way to some antidepressants.
In some studies, St. John's wort works better than a placebo and can work just as well as tricyclic antidepressants.
A 2011 review of previous research studies found that St. John's wort improved symptoms of depression in ten of the studies.
However, little data suggested that it works well to treat severe depression, or that it can be a long-term depression treatment.
3. Omega-3 fatty acids
Some types of fatty fish, such as tuna and albacore, contain omega-3 fatty acids. People who do not eat fish and want to boost their omega-3 levels can take them as supplements.
According to a 2009 analysis of 20 clinical trials, large doses of omega-3 fatty acids may improve mood and treat depression.
More findings from a 2015 report show that omega-3s may help with depression in both adults and children.
Researchers do not know how or why omega-3s work. They may reduce inflammation or reduce the effects of the stress-related hormone cortisol.
At high doses, omega-3s may cause a fishy aftertaste or an upset stomach. According to a 2013 clinical trial, they may also thin the blood. People with clotting disorders and blood thinners should carefully regulate how much omega-3 they consume.
4. Lavender
People anecdotally talk about the benefits of lavender, including its relaxing properties, and how it helps them get a good night's sleep.
As many people with depression also experience anxiety and sleep issues, lavender could help them sleep without the side effects of sleeping pills.
According to a 2012 systematic review inhaling lavender aromas before sleeping, did help people get to sleep. However, the studies were small, and most had methodological issues, so researchers need to do more studies to support the findings.
However, a 2015 randomized controlled trial does provide more evidence that lavender may help with sleep. In that study, two groups practiced healthy sleep hygiene, with one group wearing a lavender aromatherapy patch. Both groups were sleeping better, but the results were stronger in the lavender group.
5. 5-HTP
5-hydroxytryptophan may change serotonin levels in the brain, much like some antidepressants. A small number of studies suggest it may ease symptoms of depression.
A 2016 study on mice suggests it might be a viable alternative for treatment-resistant depression.
However, there is not enough research on 5-HTP to conclude if it is an effective treatment for depression.
Some research suggests that 5-HTP may deplete certain neurotransmitters, potentially worsening a person's mood over time. The longer a person uses 5-HTP, the risk of this happening will increase.
6. DHEA
5-Dehydroepiandrosterone is a steroid hormone that the adrenal glands produce. A very small number of studies suggest it may ease some mental health symptoms, including PTSD, depression, and anxiety.
However, DHEA causes many side effects. It may interact with a wide range of drugs, increase the risk of certain types of cancer, change blood sugar, affect menstruation and fertility, and cause bleeding. Other treatments are safer.
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