Complementary and alternative therapies
In its mildest form, depression can mean just being in low spirits and in these cases relaxing therapies can be useful. Some, such as aromatherapy and massage, use physical touch to help someone feel better emotionally while others, such as meditation and yoga, can help to calm someone down. Some complementary therapies are available on the NHS and are worth checking out with a GP. Herbal remedies that can be found on the shelves, such as St John’s Wort, can also work well for many people.
St John’s Wort
Sometimes known as the “Sunshine herb”, St John’s Wort or to give it its medical name hypericum perforatum was first used by the ancient Greeks to relieve low mood and depression. Over the years this lovely yellow flowered herb has become one of the most popular natural treatments for depression with plenty of research studies to back up its efficacy.
The largest ever study on the plant, carried out by Dr Klaus Linde, of the Centre for Complementary Medicine, Munich in 2005, reports that St John’s Wort is as effective for mild-to-moderate depression as conventional drugs such as Prozac. In a review of 29 studies of the plant, involving nearly 5,500 patients with mild to moderately severe depression, Linde found that, as well as helping to lift the spirits, St John’s Wort has fewer side effects. “Overall, we found that the St John’s Wort extracts tested in the trials were superior to placebos and as effective as standard antidepressants, with fewer side effects,” said Linde.
It is not known exactly how or why St John’s Wort works but it is thought that the active ingredient hypericin helps to prolong the action of the brain neurotransmitter serotonin – a deficiency of which is implicated in triggering depression.
People should always consult their doctor, pharmacist or medical herbalist before taking this herb as it can (like most medicines) interact with a variety of prescribed and non-prescribed drugs which means that it can change the way some other medicines work. Also, always check that the product label bears a THR logo or number – proof that it has been registered under the Traditional Herbal Registration Scheme and meets specific standards of safety and quality based on traditional usage. Find out more about registered medicines containing St John’s Wort.
Products carrying the THR logo are registered under the Traditional Herbal Registration Scheme and meet specific standards of safety and quality based on traditional usage
Rhodiola
If someone is overly stressed, tired and generally running on “empty”, Rhodiola may be the herb for them. Like St John’s Wort it helps to increase levels of serotonin in the brain, which in turn helps to improve mood and increase feelings of wellbeing. It has also been shown in clinical trials to help reduce fatigue and exhaustion and help with the mental and physical symptoms of stress. When buying Rhodiola always check that the product label bears a THR logo or number – proof that it has been registered under the Traditional Herbal Registration Scheme and meets specific standards of safety and quality based on traditional usage. Find out more about registered medicines containing Rhodiola.
Ginseng
This herb belongs to a group of herbs known as adaptogens, which are thought to help strengthen the adrenals and balance the system generally. Siberian ginseng is especially good for boosting vitality and energy, both of which are generally at low levels if your mood is less than sunny.
Passionflower
If anxious thoughts are getting someone down a herbal relaxant such as passionflower does just that – it aids relaxation and help to reduce the physical effects of stress, such as tense muscles and digestive problems. When buying passionflower tablets always check that the product label bears a THR logo or number – proof that it has been registered under the Traditional Herbal Registration Scheme and meets specific standards of safety and quality based on traditional usage. Find out more about registered medicines containing passionflower.
Valerian
If persistent low mood is also affecting sleeping patterns another herbal relaxant, Valerian, may be worth trying. For maximum benefit, Valerian must be taken daily for two to four weeks. When buying Valerian tablets always check that the product label bears a THR logo or number – proof that it has been registered under the Traditional Herbal Registration Scheme and meets specific standards of safety and quality based on traditional usage. Find out more about registered medicines containing Valerian.
