Natural Remedies for DepressionHere are four natural remedies that are used around the world to help combat depression. �?St. John's wort, whose active ingredient is Hypericum perforatum, has been widely used in Germany -- where the drug is dispensed by prescription -- to treat mild depression. Studies are under way in the U.S. to substantiate the German reports. St. John's wort is cheaper than prescription antidepressants and appears to have fewer side effects, though it can cause nervousness, stomach problems and photosensitivity. Since it doesn't require FDA approval, however, there's no uniform quality standard. It is inadvisable to take St. John's wort if you are taking the protease inhibitor Indinavir or the anti-rejection drug cyclosporine.
�?SAM-e, Italy's version of St. John's wort, has been used there to treat depression for more than two decades.
�?5HTP is extracted from the seed pods of the African plant Griffonia simplicifolia. The natural compound is linked to the production of serotonin in the body and may relieve depression in much the same way as SSRIs.
�?Omega-3 fatty acids are found in oily fish, leafy green vegetables and various seeds. Studies are under way to see if patients who don't respond to antidepressants can be helped by pharmacological doses of omega-3 fatty acids.
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