Depression and anxiety are among the most common health ailments within the modern world, according to the Mayo Clinic. Effective treatment methods often include utilizing synthetic medications to balance the chemicals within the brain that can cause depression and anxiety. While these treatments provide relief, there are alternative treatments, such as herbal supplements, that can help treat depression and anxiety. However, never begin an herbal supplement program without speaking with your physician, especially if you are on antidepressant medications.
St. John's Wort
St. John's wort, or hypericum perforatum, is used to treat various mental disorders as well as to calm nerve pain Throughout history, this herb has been used as a topical balm to treat insect bites and wounds as well as a sedative for pain associated with malaria. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), St. John's wort has shown to be an effective herbal treatment for mild to moderate cases of depression. However, those who experience severe depression will not find this herb helpful for treatment.
St. John's wort is available in tea and capsule form. If you desire to make a tea, you can purchase dried flowers at any herbal shop. To make a tea, boil 1 cup of water and add 1 cup of dried St. John's wort flowers. Cover and allow the tea to steep for three minutes before straining the flowers out of the liquid and consuming. For taste, you can add 1 to 2 tsp. of pure agave nectar to the tea. Drink one to three times per day. If you are consuming this herb in capsule form, take 300 milligrams of the herb three times per day, making the total daily dosage 900 milligrams. Always consume the capsules with at least 8 oz. of water.
Ginkgo Biloba
The properties of Ginkgo biloba are mainly used to treat circulatory complications as well as to increase memory functions. According to the UMMC, this herb increases the blood circulation throughout the body by dilating the blood vessels. Ginkgo contains a high level of flavonoids and terpenoids, which are both forms of antioxidants. These powerful antioxidants will reduce the amount of free radicals within the system, which are linked to cancer, heart disease and even dementia.
Because Ginkgo increases the amount of blood flow to the cerebral part of the brain, it can help those who are experiencing depression as well as anxiety, especially in the elderly. For those with mild to moderate depression, consuming 120 milligrams of Ginkgo per day will begin to ease the symptoms of this condition. If you are experiencing severe depression, and even forms of dementia, consume 240 milligrams of Ginkgo per day. It will take anywhere between four to six weeks for the effects to become visible, however, after this initial time frame the effects will begin to strengthen.
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