
Best Herbal Remedies for Depression
- February 08, 2025
- by
- Shanaya
What are the best herbal remedies for depression? We’ll check them out in our topic today.
According to the Cambridge dictionary, depression is a mental illness in which a person is very unhappy and anxious for long periods and cannot have a normal life during these periods. In common, depression is a negative feeling (or mood disorder) that might cause a loss of interest in activities at work, school, or home. It can cause serious emotional and physical problems; gradually, it might become a life-threatening factor in case we ignore it.
In addition to western medicines and psychological treatments, we can combine with herbs. The following are the best herbal remedies for depression that we can consider.
1. Ginseng
One of the best herbal remedies for depression is ginseng. This herb has been used in treatment for cancer, chronic fatigue, heart attack, and high blood pressure (hypertension). It is also proven that it’s effective to ease anxiety and depression. Ginseng helps prevent mental disorders, slow heart rate down, and increase mental excitement and interest in various positive activities. Ginseng is considered an adaptogen, relieving stress and depression effectively.
You can boil 100 ml of water and 1 to 1.5 grams of ginseng within 10 minutes and enjoy it. In another way, drinking ginseng tea (in a ready-to-use tea bag) saves much time for you.
Attention:
- Take Ginseng only in the morning or afternoon to avoid losing sleep at night.
- Should not eat seafood or radish after Ginseng.
2. Mint
Among the best herbal remedies for depression, mint is considered an amazing treatment for the nervous system thanks to its essential oil and menthol. Indeed, mint has been used for menstrual cramps, anti-insomnia, deep relaxation of nerves, and management of heart rates. Furthermore, mint is beneficial to calm and relieve stress and depression.
You can boil 4 to 8 grams of mint leaves with water to drink every day. Or you can drink mint tea. Menthol in mint will bring us a good sleep at night and release stress for better mood.
Attention:
- People with high blood pressure, constipation, or under-2-year-old children should not consume mint.
3. Lingzhi (reishi) mushroom
Lingzhi or Reishi mushroom is among the best herbal remedies for depression. It is beneficial to the heart, releases headaches, relaxes the entire body, lowers blood sugar levels, reduces fatigue, and promotes blood circulation.
You can cook Lingzhi mushrooms to eat with rice or boil them with water to drink as tea.
Attention:
- Those who have allergies to mushrooms should not consume them.
4. Chrysanthemum tea
Chrysanthemum supports reducing anger, stress, and depression. However, it helps relieve headaches and dizziness. Chrysanthemum tea is helpful in treating anxiety and depression through relaxation and anti-insomnia.
You can boil water, add 3 to 6 organic dried chrysanthemum flowers, and enjoy your tea. You can add some honey to your cup of tea.
Attention:
- Chrysanthemum will never go along with warfarin.
5. Green tea
Some studies have shown that green tea can be one of the best herbal remedies for depression. L-theanine in green tea is an amino acid that might help us fight off anxiety and depression. It helps us calm and relax.
You can boil water and fresh, clean green tea, or take tea bags. One cup of tea can be consumed per day.
Attention:
- Never drink green tea that is left overnight.
- Do not drink green tea at night to avoid insomnia.
- Should not drink green tea with an empty stomach to prevent inducing gastric mucosa.
Best herbal remedies for depression: Do’s and Don’ts
- Do’s:
- Always talk with your doctor or herbalist before taking any medicine or herbs.
- Use organic herbs for safety and hygiene.
- Wash herbs carefully before consumption, especially fresh green leaves or roots.
- Don’ts:
- Overconsume any herbs.
- Take any of those herbs if you have an allergy to them.
Read Natural foods for stress relief for better stress and depression management.