by Edward Group
Global
Healing Center

The experience
of emotional and psychological depression has been noted and subjected
to various explanations since the dawn of recorded history and quite
probably before. The current model, which reduces all depression
to a deficiency in serotonin, seems as overly simplistic and inadequate
as those before it. This is to say, at least in part, that depression
is a complex and age-old illness with a storied history of treatment.
There are a number of herbs that have been used successfully to
help relieve symptoms of depression, and thoughtful consideration
of various root causes of psychological malaise can serve to steer
one toward appropriate improvement

Recent studies
have reinforced the potential efficacy of a number of traditional
herbal aids for depression.

St. JohnÂ’s
Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

One of the
most widely known herbs purported to help with depression, St. JohnÂ’s
Wort (Hypericum perforatum) has been the subject of much debate
in recent years. While the data on St. JohnÂ’s Wort is confusing
to say the least, it is worth noting its long and extensive use
throughout the world, along with several independent investigations
reinforcing its efficacy. A 2009 meta-analysis by the
Cochrane Collaboration concluded that “Overall, the St.
JohnÂ’s wort extracts tested in the trials were superior to
placebo, similarly effective as standard antidepressants, and had
fewer side effects than standard antidepressants.”

Another thoughtful
and extensive meta-analysis published by four physicians in the
British
Journal of Psychiatry considered 37 prior studies and found
that “Hypericum perforatum extracts improved symptoms more
than placebo and similarly to standard antidepressants in adults
with mild to moderate depression.” Furthermore, hypericum extracts
caused fewer adverse effects than questionable antidepressants.

Rhodiola
(Rhodiola rosea)

Lesser known,
but also an interesting aid in depression is the adaptogen Rhodiola
(Rhodiola rosea). In a very well designed and executed study
of Rhodiola rosea, 89 individuals, male and female, ranging
from 18-70 years of age and selected according to DSM-IV criteria
for depression, were divided into three groups. One group received
340 mg of rhodiola per day, in two tablets, a second received 680
mg/day in two tablets and a third received two placebo tablets.
Both groups receiving the rhodiola experienced significant improvements
in overall depression, insomnia, emotional instability and somatization
as scored in the Beck Depression Inventory and Hamilton Rating Scale
for Depression (HAMD) questionnaire. The placebo group showed no
such improvement. No serious side effects were reported among any
of the three groups.

Read
the rest of the article

September
7, 2012

Copyright
© 2012 Global
Healing Center