Some people might feel that Voltaire put the enlightenment into French Enlightenment when he stated, "The art of medicine consists of amusing the patient while Nature cures the disease.
" While traditional medicine has its place, more and more depression sufferers are turning to supplements for depression treatment.
Herbal-tainment Tonight--St.
John's Wort Hollywood celebrities should try to hire the same publicity agent used by St.
John's Wort.
No supplement for depression has gotten more press than this weed with yellow flowers.
Even though some studies have questioned this depression supplement's efficacy in treating depression, this guy keeps coming back into the limelight.
Some studies indicate that St.
John's Wort is effective in treating minor depression.
St.
John's Wort is most commonly taken in capsule form.
Some people prefer to make a tea using dried St.
John's Wort.
Whatever floats your boat.
Do not take St.
John's Wort if you are pregnant.
Do not take St.
John's Wort if you do not wish to become pregnant and are using birth control pills! It is believed to reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills and some heart medications.
Discuss this with your doctor.
I Feel Good, Na-Na-Na-Na-Na-Na-Na--SAMe SAM-e stands for S-adenosyl-methionine.
This supplement for depression helps in the production of dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine.
That's a fancy way of saying that it can make you feel happier.
The most common complaint about SAMe is it's negative impact on your wallet.
It is definitely one of the more expensive depression supplements.
It should not be taken for people with bipolar disorder because it can cause a manic phase.
Finally, Something with Fatty in its Name--Omega-3s Fatty Acids When it comes to using Omega 3s as supplements for depression, we have good news and potentially more good news.
The good news is that Omega-3 supplements are already known health benefits associated with taking Omega-3s.
They are widely believed to promote heart health.
(How often is something with the word "fatty" in its title associated with heart health?) Omega-3s occur naturally in oily fish, such as tuna, salmon, mackerel, sardines and herring.
Here's where the "potentially more good news" comes in… Studies have shown that cultures with diets high in fish have lower instances of depression.
Studies concerning depression and Omega-3 offer mixed findings.
It appears that patients taking Omega 3s respond better to conventional antidepressants.
It also seems to help prevent postpartum depression.
Supplements are available, but you should be aware that there is an increased risk of bleeding.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.