Are there any herbal treatments for depression?

Question: Are there any herbal treatments for depression?

Answer:

St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) and SAMe (S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine) are substances available over the counter in the U.S. that may have some value in treating milder forms of depression. Both should be treated like medications and discussed with your heath care provider, since they may interact with other medications.

The American College of Physicians-American Society of Internal Medicine released guidelines for antidepressant prescriptions which state that St. John's wort may be effective against "mild" depression, at least in the short term. An NIMH-funded study suggests that it is not effective for major depression.

Some evidence, primarily from Europe, suggests that SAMe (SAM-e or S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine) can be an effective antidepressant. In the U.S. SAMe is available over-the-counter and in health food stores.

For more information:

SAMe Information

More on St. John's Wort [Last updated 11/8/05