Yahoo Answers is shutting down on May 4th, 2021 (Eastern Time) and the Yahoo Answers website is now in read-only mode. There will be no changes to other Yahoo properties or services, or your Yahoo account. You can find more information about the Yahoo Answers shutdown and how to download your data on this help page.

Besides St. John's Wort, what are good herbal antidepressants?

I tend toward dysthymia, and I have been in a rather low mood for the last month or so since a disastrous family trip. I was in an angry mood for a couple of weeks, but it has morphed into depression.

I'm on no medications whatsoever, and I'm wondering if St. John's wort is suitable for me, or if there's a better herbal antidepressant. I hate would rather work herbally before I have to go the conventional route because I am no fan of conventional pharmaceuticals.

Does anyone have experience using herbal remedies for depreession, and if so, what did you use and for how long?

Thanks!

Update:

I should have mentioned it--I'm vegan, so fish oil is out of the question.

9 Answers

Relevance
  • 1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    First of all the best advice I ever heard was "depression is suppressed anger". Sometimes talking to someone you trust can be a good place to start either friend, counselor, clergy, or just screaming in the woods. Also fights with the crazy family are in the top five stressors in life. Not fun. Maybe a breather from the family might be in order.

    Here are some herbal ideas too.

    Top picks:

    Eicosapentaenoic acid (ethyl ester [E-EPA])

    Folic acid (for folate deficiency)

    Iron (for iron deficiency)

    Vitamin B12 (for B12 deficiency)

    Vitamin B6 (with oral contraceptives)

    Secondary choices:

    Inositol

    L-phenylalanine/DLPA

    L-tyrosine

    Melatonin

    SAMe

    Selenium

    Vitamin B6 (for premenstrual syndrome)

    Vitamin D

  • 1 decade ago

    There is one called Ging Kaow or something like that. It works pretty well and actually feels alot like prosak.

    Try St. John's wort - it mellows you out with a little buzz.

    Fish oil capsules are also very important, as is good hydration. Do some exercise and sports too. Best luck.

    Source(s): chiropractor.
  • 1 decade ago

    The most effective one that my hubby and I have used is aromatherapy with orange oil. Sometimes we add lavender oil too, but we just get a bowl and pour boiling water in and put a towel over the head and breathe in, for severe days. For everyday use, we put a few drops in an oil burner and it smells up the home....I also take a vitamin B complex with B12, that helps too.

  • 1 decade ago

    EPA ( Eicosapentaenoic acid) fish oil is supposedly very good for altering the brain chemistry which many neurologists believe could be at the root of depression. Many sufferers certainly find that it helps them, nevertheless. Certainly worth a try - if nothing else, you'll be getting your recommended daily dose of omegas 3 and 6.

  • Anonymous
    5 years ago

    Consult a Good Homeopathic Physician,

  • 1 decade ago

    vegan flax seed oil is just as good as fish oil for depression.

    Jasmine is uplifting as are all citrus if you like essential oils

    "rhodiola rosae" is another excellent herb I have used for depression, but quality varies alot.

    any adaptogen type herb or better a combination of some are good to boost your body's reserves

  • 1 decade ago

    excercise increases your bodys making of seritonin or "the happy chemical"

    st john's wort is good but not for prolonged use because instead of creating more seritonin it just releases more

  • 1 decade ago

    For immediate results: L-Theanine.

    At night: 5-HTP

  • ~♥~
    Lv 4
    1 decade ago

    vitamin D

Still have questions? Get your answers by asking now.