Depression: Causes, Medicinal Herbs and Herbal Preparations

Depression is a complex mental health disorder characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and a loss of interest in activities that once brought joy.

It can be triggered by a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors, including stress, trauma, and imbalances in neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine. If left untreated, depression can lead to serious health complications, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and weakened immune systems. However, herbal remedies like St. John's Wort, Saffron, and Ashwagandha have been shown to alleviate depressive symptoms when used in moderation.

When using medicinal herbs for depression, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional and follow recommended dosages to avoid interactions with prescription medications and potential side effects.

This article explains in detail what are the causes of depression, what medicinal herbs to use to relieve this problem and how to prepare these herbs to get the best results.

What are the main causes of depression?

The main causes of depression are complex and multifaceted, involving a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.

Research suggests that genetic predisposition, with 40-50% of the risk attributed to heritability, plays a significant role in the development of depression. Neurotransmitter imbalances, particularly serotonin and dopamine, are also implicated, with studies indicating that individuals with depression often have reduced levels of these neurotransmitters. Environmental factors, including childhood trauma, social isolation, and major life stressors, can also contribute to the onset of depression, with the American Psychological Association citing that 75% of individuals with depression experience at least one major life stressor.

Additionally, chronic health conditions, such as diabetes and heart disease, can increase the risk of developing depression.

• Genetic predisposition: Genetic predisposition is a common cause of depression as individuals with a family history of depression are more likely to experience the condition due to inherited genetic variations that affect neurotransmitter levels and brain function.
• Traumatic events: Traumatic events such as physical or emotional abuse, loss of a loved one, or a serious medical condition can trigger depression as the individual struggles to cope with the emotional aftermath and adjust to a new reality.
• Hormonal imbalance: Hormonal imbalance, particularly thyroid disorders, premenstrual syndrome, and menopause, can contribute to depression as hormonal fluctuations affect neurotransmitter levels and brain chemistry.
• Medication side effects: Medication side effects, such as those associated with antidepressants, steroids, and certain antibiotics, can cause depression as the medication alters brain chemistry and function.
• Sleep disorders: Sleep disorders, including insomnia and sleep apnea, can contribute to depression as poor sleep quality and duration affect neurotransmitter levels and brain function.
• Social isolation: Social isolation, whether due to loneliness, lack of social support, or physical confinement, can lead to depression as the individual lacks a support network and experiences reduced opportunities for social interaction.
• Financial problems: Financial problems, including poverty, unemployment, and debt, can contribute to depression as the individual experiences stress, anxiety, and reduced financial security.
• Chronic illness: Chronic illness, including chronic pain, diabetes, and heart disease, can lead to depression as the individual struggles to cope with the physical and emotional burden of their condition.
• Substance abuse: Substance abuse, including addiction to alcohol, drugs, and nicotine, can contribute to depression as the individual experiences withdrawal symptoms, guilt, and reduced opportunities for social interaction.
• Nutritional deficiencies: Nutritional deficiencies, including deficiencies in vitamin D, B12, and omega-3 fatty acids, can contribute to depression as the individual lacks essential nutrients for brain function and development.

What are the primary medicinal plants used for depression?

The main medicinal herbs used for depression are Hypericum perforatum, Valeriana officinalis, Passiflora incarnata, Ginkgo biloba, Avena sativa, Melissa officinalis, Lavandula angustifolia, Zingiber officinale, Sambucus nigra, Panax ginseng.

Hypericum perforatum, also known as St. John's Wort, has been shown to inhibit the reuptake of serotonin and norepinephrine, leading to increased levels of these neurotransmitters, which play a crucial role in regulating mood. Valeriana officinalis, or valerian root, has been used to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, while Passiflora incarnata, or passionflower, has been found to have anxiolytic and sedative properties. Ginkgo biloba, a plant rich in flavonoids and terpenoids, has been shown to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression by increasing blood flow to the brain, while Avena sativa, or oat straw, may help to reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality.

Other herbs like Melissa officinalis, Lavandula angustifolia, Zingiber officinale, Sambucus nigra, and Panax ginseng have also been studied for their potential antidepressant effects, including Melissa officinalis's role in promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety, and Panax ginseng's ability to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression.

• Hypericum perforatum: Hypericum perforatum, also known as St. John's Wort, helps with depression by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that regulates mood, which can lead to an increase in serotonin levels in the brain and help alleviate symptoms of depression.
• Valeriana officinalis: Valeriana officinalis, also known as Valerian root, helps with depression by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety through its sedative properties, which can help individuals with depression to calm their minds and improve their sleep quality.
• Passiflora incarnata: Passiflora incarnata, also known as Passionflower, helps with depression by exerting a sedative effect on the nervous system, which can help reduce anxiety and insomnia associated with depression.
• Ginkgo biloba: Ginkgo biloba helps with depression by improving blood flow to the brain, which can help increase the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, that are involved in regulating mood.
• Avena sativa: Avena sativa, also known as Oat straw, helps with depression by exerting a sedative effect on the nervous system and promoting relaxation, which can help reduce anxiety and improve sleep quality.
• Melissa officinalis: Melissa officinalis, also known as Lemon balm, helps with depression by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety through its sedative properties, which can help individuals with depression to calm their minds and improve their sleep quality.
• Lavandula angustifolia: Lavandula angustifolia, also known as Lavender, helps with depression by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety through its sedative properties, which can help individuals with depression to calm their minds and improve their sleep quality.
• Zingiber officinale: Zingiber officinale, also known as Ginger, helps with depression by reducing inflammation in the body, which can contribute to depression, and also by improving digestion and reducing nausea, which can be associated with depression.
• Sambucus nigra: Sambucus nigra, also known as Elderberry, helps with depression by reducing inflammation in the body, which can contribute to depression, and also by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety through its sedative properties.
• Panax ginseng: Panax ginseng helps with depression by improving mood and reducing fatigue through its adaptogenic properties, which can help the body to adapt to stress and promote a sense of well-being.

What are the main herbal preparations used for depression?

The main herbal preparations used for depression are Capsule, Tincture, Decoction, Suppository, Elixir, Salve, Cream, Oil, Extract, Gel.

Capsule forms of St. John's Wort and Saffron are used to treat mild to moderate depression due to their high serotonin levels. Tinctures of Passionflower and Lavender are used to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. Decoctions of Ashwagandha and Licorice root are used to alleviate stress and promote sleep, while Suppositories of St. John's Wort and Valerian root are used to treat anxiety and promote relaxation.

Elixirs of Ginkgo and Ginseng are used to improve mood and reduce fatigue, while Salves, Creams, and Oils of Chamomile and Lavender are used to reduce anxiety and promote relaxation, and Extracts and Gels of Ashwagandha and Bacopa Monnieri are used to improve mood and cognitive function.

• Capsule: A capsule filled with powdered extract of St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum) helps with depression by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, thereby increasing its availability in the synaptic cleft and alleviating symptoms of depression.
• Tincture: A tincture of Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnata) helps with depression by interacting with GABA receptors in the brain, promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety, which are often associated with depression.
• Decoction: A decoction of the roots of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) helps with depression by reducing cortisol levels and promoting the production of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which are essential for mood regulation.
• Suppository: A suppository of the essential oil of Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) helps with depression by inducing relaxation and reducing anxiety through its anxiolytic and sedative effects, promoting a good night's sleep and improving mood.
• Elixir: An elixir of the flowers of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) helps with depression by improving memory and cognitive function, which can be impaired in individuals with depression, and promoting a sense of well-being and reduced anxiety.
• Salve: A salve of the leaves of Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) helps with depression by improving blood flow to the brain, enhancing cognitive function, and reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
• Cream: A cream of the roots of Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) helps with depression by promoting relaxation, reducing anxiety, and improving sleep quality, all of which are essential for managing symptoms of depression.
• Oil: An oil of the seeds of Black Cumin (Nigella sativa) helps with depression by reducing inflammation, improving mood, and promoting a sense of well-being, all of which are beneficial for managing symptoms of depression.
• Extract: An extract of the leaves of Bacopa (Bacopa monnieri) helps with depression by improving memory and cognitive function, reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression, and promoting a sense of well-being.
• Gel: A gel of the roots of Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) helps with depression by reducing stress and anxiety, promoting relaxation, and improving mood, all of which are essential for managing symptoms of depression.