DiseasesHerbs for depression instead of antidepressants — what do herbalists and doctors recommend?
Sources: 12 · Article: 14 492 characters
Henryk Różański describes St John's wort as a plant that improves well-being and helps people regain their zest for life.
- He also mentions Chinese magnolia vine, California poppy, corydalis, griffonia, and wormwood as plants discussed in connection with depression.
- For sleep problems, neurosis, and anxiety, he recommends a mixture of lavender, valerian, hops, betony, and St John's wort.
- Jan Jaśkowski considers the effectiveness of SSRI medicines limited and points to possible side effects, including problems with libido and sleep and an increased risk of suicide.
What the authors write
Henryk Różański
Among the plants described as antidepressants, Henryk Różański mentions California poppy, corydalis, griffonia, and wormwood.
„Plants with antidepressant properties include:
1. Eschscholzia californica Chamisso – California poppy; from the Papaveraceae family, grown in gardens.
2. Corydalis cava (Linne) Schweigg. & Körte and Corydalis solida (L.) Swartz – hollow corydalis and solid corydalis; from the Papaveraceae family, grow wild in Poland, flower in spring, and are sometimes grown as ornamental plants.”Do roślin przeciwdepresyjnych należą:
1. Eschscholzia californica Chamisso – maczek kalifornijski; z rodziny Papaveraceae, uprawiana w ogrodach.
2. Corydalis cava (Linne) Schweigg. & Körte et Corydalis solida (L.) Swartz – kokorycz pusta i kokorycz pełna; z rodziny Papaveraceae, dziko występuje w Polsce, kwitnie wiosną, czasem uprawiana jako roślina ozdobna.
Henryk Różański
Alcohol extracts and dry extracts of St John's wort are described as antidepressant and calming, with their effects said to be noticeable after longer, regular use.
„The effects become noticeable after taking St John's wort preparations for a longer period and regularly. Hypericin is a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor.
St John's wort also has an antidepressant effect by inhibiting the reuptake of dopamine, serotonin, gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), glutamate, and noradrenaline.”Działanie jest odczuwalne po dłuższym i regularnym zażywaniu preparatów dziurawca. Hiperycyna jest inhibitorem monoaminooksydazy (MAO).
Dziurawiec działa przeciwdepresyjnie również poprzez hamowanie wchłaniania zwrotnego dopaminy, serotoniny, kwasu gamma-aminomasłowego GABA, glutaminianu i noradrenaliny.
Henryk Różański
Henryk Różański describes St John's wort as a plant that improves well-being, strengthens the body, and helps people regain their zest for life.
„Alcohol extracts and dry extracts of St John's wort containing hypericin, xanthones, and phloroglucinols have antidepressant and calming effects. They improve well-being, strengthen the body, increase resistance to stress, and have adaptogenic effects. They improve learning, memory, and the recall of information.”Wyciągi alkoholowe i ekstrakty suche z dziurawca zawierające hiperycynę, ksantony i floroglucyny działają przeciwdepresyjnie i uspokajająco. Poprawiają samopoczucie, wzmacniają, uodparniają na stres, działają adaptogennie. Uprawniają procesy uczenia się i zapamiętywania oraz odtwarzania informacji.
Henryk Różański
Henryk Różański describes Chinese magnolia vine as a plant that relieves depression and fatigue and stimulates activity.
„It relieves depression and fatigue and stimulates activity in life. It has an anti-atherosclerotic effect. It is excellent for recovery after debilitating illnesses. The fruit is used to make sour dishes and drinks (refreshing compotes and juices), liqueurs, and tea blends (I recommend combining it with hawthorn, rose hips, chokeberry, elderberry, cornelian cherry, and hibiscus).”Znosi stany depresji, znużenia i pobudza do aktywności życiowej. Wywiera wpływ przeciwmiażdżycowy. Doskonały do rekonwalescencji po przebytych chorobach wyniszczających.Owoce są używane do produkcji: kwaśnych potraw i napojów (orzeźwiających kompotów, soków), nalewek oraz mieszanek herbacianych (polecam łączyć z: głogiem, dziką różą, aronią, bzem czarnym, dereniem, hibiskusem).
Henryk Różański
The leaves and leafy shoots of Chinese magnolia vine are listed as being used for depression and stress.
„The leaves and leafy shoots also contain vitamin C, lignans, and essential oil, so they have been used to treat liver problems, depression, stress, cognitive disorders, and degenerative diseases of the nervous system. Chinese magnolia vine is a plant every geriatrician should know about and use in daily practice.”Liście i pędy ulistnione również zawierają: witaminę C, lignany i olejek eteryczny, dlatego znalazły zastosowanie w leczeniu: wątroby, depresji, stanów stresowych, zaburzeń kognitywnych i chorób zanikowych (degeneracyjnych) układu nerwowego. Cytryniec to roślina, którą powinien znać każdy geriatra i stosować w codziennej praktyce.
Henryk Różański
Chinese magnolia vine is also mentioned for depression and reduced activity.
„Uses: memory and concentration problems, stress, learning difficulties in children and older adults, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease (and other degenerative, atrophic, and dementing diseases of the nervous system), multiple sclerosis, autism, Lyme disease, cancer, anemia, depression and reduced activity; as an aid in infectious diseases, for example.”Wskazania: zaburzenia pamięci i koncentracji, stany stresowe, trudności w uczeniu się u dzieci i osób starszych, miażdżyca, choroba Alzheimera (i inne choroby zwyrodnieniowe, zanikowe i otępienne układu nerwowego), stwardnienie rozsiane, autyzm; borelioza; choroba nowotworowa, niedokrwistość, stany depresji i spadku aktywności; pomocniczo w chorobach zakaźnych, np.
Henryk Różański
For sleep problems, neurosis, and anxiety, Henryk Różański recommends a mixture of lavender, valerian, hops, betony, and St John's wort.
„Gerhard Madaus's mixture:
Flor. Lavandulae (lavender flower)
Rhiz. Valerianae (valerian rhizome)
Strob. Lupuli (hop cone)
Hb. Betonicae (betony herb)
Hb. Hyperici (St John's wort herb)
Mix the herbs in equal proportions, for example, 20 g of each.
Steep 2 teaspoons of the mixture in a glass of water and drink warm before bed.”Gerharda Madausa:
Flor. Lavandulae (kwiat lawendy)
Rhiz. Valerianae (kłącze kozłka)
Strob. Lupuli (szyszka chmielu)
Hb. Betonicae (ziele bukwicy)
Hb. Hyperici (ziele dziurawca)
Zioła zmieszać w równych proporcjach, np. po 20 g.
2 łyżeczki od herbaty mieszanki zaparzyć w szklance wody, wypić ciepłe przed snem.
Henryk Różański
Betony is described as a plant that makes it easier to fall asleep and relieves neurosis.
„Betony makes it easier to fall asleep, relieves neurosis, and reduces diarrhea and painful cramps associated with inflammation of the stomach and intestines. It is helpful in treating inflammation of the respiratory tract and relieves inflammation of the mucous membranes of the mouth and throat.
When applied to mucous membranes and skin, it has astringent, antibacterial, healing, and anti-inflammatory effects.”Bukwica ułatwia zasypianie, znosi nerwice, hamuje biegunki i bolesne skurcze towarzyszące nieżytom żołądka i jelit. Jest pomocna w terapii nieżytu układu oddechowego, likwiduje stany zapalne błon śluzowych jamy ustnej i gardła.
Przy zastosowaniu na błony śluzowe i skórę wpływa ściągająco, przeciwbakteryjnie, gojąco i przeciwzapalnie.
Henryk Różański
Henryk Różański says that St John's wort can be added to a calming herbal honey to give it an antidepressant effect.
„Take 1–4 times a day (as needed), one tablespoon at a time, for neurosis, anxiety, stress, restlessness, insomnia, the period after menopause and during menopause, and nervousness. To give the product an antidepressant effect, an extract (juice) of St John's wort, a tincture (juice) of ginseng, or eleuthero (Eleutherococcus) can be added.”Zażywać 1-4 razy dziennie (zależnie od potrzeby) po łyżce w nerwicach, lęku, stresie, niepokoju, bezsenności, okresie po- i przekwitania, w stanach zdenerwowania. Aby nadać produktowi działanie przeciwdepresyjne dodać można intrakt (sok) z dziurawca, nalewkę (sok) z żeń-szenia (i) lub eleuterokokka (eleutherococcus).
Jan Jaśkowski
Jan Jaśkowski describes the effectiveness of the most commonly used SSRI medicines as limited.
„The most commonly used group of antidepressants is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Unfortunately, a growing body of evidence indicates that their effectiveness is limited.
In 2022, an analysis was published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry. It concluded that “the main areas of serotonin research do not provide consistent evidence of an association between serotonin and depression, nor support the hypothesis that depression is caused by reduced serotonin activity or concentration.””Najczęściej stosowaną grupą leków przeciwdepresyjnych są inhibitory wychwytu zwrotnego serotoniny (SSRI). Niestety, coraz więcej danych wskazuje, że ich skuteczność jest ograniczona.
W 2022 roku w czasopiśmie Molecular Psychiatry opublikowano analizę, z której wynika, że „główne obszary badań nad serotoniną nie dostarczają spójnych dowodów na istnienie związku między serotoniną a depresją, ani nie wspierają hipotezy, że depresja jest spowodowana obniżoną aktywnością lub stężeniem serotoniny”.
Jan Jaśkowski
Jan Jaśkowski points to possible side effects of SSRIs, including problems with libido and sleep and an increased risk of suicide.
„In 2014, he wrote: “Analyses of published and unpublished data reveal that most (if not all) of the benefits of taking SSRIs are due to the placebo effect.”
In addition, using these medicines to treat depression is associated with numerous side effects—from problems with libido and sleep to an increased risk of suicide.”W 2014 roku napisał: „Analizy opublikowanych i nieopublikowanych danych ujawniają, że większość korzyści ze stosowania SSRI (jeśli nie wszystkie) wynika z efektu placebo.”
Dodatkowo stosowanie tych leków w leczeniu depresji wiąże się z licznymi skutkami ubocznymi – od problemów z libido i snem, aż po zwiększone ryzyko samobójstw.
Research from PubMed · Europe PMC
We selected 4 studies with the best, positive results. This is a selection, not a full review of all research.
Total number of studies on this topic in PubMed: 2 082.
A meta-analysis found that St John's wort had response and remission rates similar to those of SSRIs and was associated with fewer treatment discontinuations.
Aim of the study: St John's wort is a popular herbal remedy recommended by Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practitioners and licensed and widely prescribed for depression in many European countries. However, conflicting data regarding its benefits and risks exist, and the last large meta-analysis on St John's wort use for depression was done in 2008, with no updated meta-analysis available.
Results: 27 clinical trials with a total of 3808 patients were reviewed, comparing the use of St John's wort and SSRI. In patients with depression, St John's wort demonstrated comparable response (pooled RR 0.983, 95% CI 0.924-1.042, p<0.001) and remission (pooled RR 1.013, 95% CI 0.892-1.134, p<0.001) rate, and significantly lower discontinuation/dropout (pooled OR 0.587, 95% CI 0.478-0.697, p<0.001) rate compared to standard SSRIs. The pooled SMD from baseline HAM-D scores (pooled SMD -0.068, 95% CI -0.127 to 0.021, p<0.001) also support its significant clinical efficacy in ameliorating depressive symptoms. For patients with mild-to-moderate depression, St John's wort has comparable efficacy and safety when compared to SSRIs. Follow-up studies carried out over a longer duration should be planned to ascertain its benefits.
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studycombined analysis of many studies (meta-analysis)
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
An umbrella review points to possible antidepressant benefits from several preparations, but emphasizes that the findings are inconsistent and uncertain.
Aim of the study: Depression remains a major global health burden, and conventional antidepressants, although effective, are limited by side effects and withdrawal symptoms. To map umbrella-level evidence on single-agent nutraceutical and herbal interventions for clinically diagnosed depression in adults.
Results: Nine umbrella reviews met inclusion criteria, covering omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, probiotics, saffron, St John's wort, zinc, and folate. Umbrella reviews generally reported potential antidepressant benefits and acceptable safety profiles for several interventions, although trial overlap and heterogeneity limited certainty. Evidence indicates promising but inconsistent efficacy across several nutraceutical and herbal agents. Standardized reporting, consideration of baseline nutrient status, and economic evaluation are needed to clarify their role in depression care.
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studyreview of many studies
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
A review describes saffron as a possible option for mild to moderate depression, but points to the need for longer studies and caution with therapeutic doses.
Aim of the study: Depression is a significant mental health challenge globally. While traditional antidepressants are effective, they often have unwanted side effects.
Results: While saffron is safe in terms of its culinary value, higher therapeutic doses require careful monitoring for drug interactions and side effects. In summary, saffron represents a promising direction in depression treatment, with benefits potentially matching those of standard treatments and a better safety profile. However, further research is necessary to establish clear guidelines for its use, optimize dosing, and assess long-term outcomes. Saffron offers a natural treatment path for depression, but its use must be controlled and supported by scientific evidence.
Money for the studynot stated
Do the authors have ties to companies?not stated
Did a manufacturer help with the study?unknown
Type of studydiscussion of other studies
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
The review found no significant difference between herbs and antidepressants when used as an add-on to antipsychotic medicines in people with schizophrenia and depression.
Aim of the study: Depression affects approximately 28.6% of patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD). Although herbal medicine (HM) has been proposed as a therapeutic option, its comparative effectiveness relative to antidepressants remains uncertain. This systematic review compared HM with antidepressants as adjuncts to antipsychotics in patients with SSD and comorbid depression.
Results: Seven RCTs comprising 505 participants were included. Meta-analysis demonstrated no significant difference between HM and antidepressants in depressive symptoms (SMD -0.19, 95% CI [-0.54, 0.15]; very low-certainty evidence), response rates (RR 1.00, 95% CI [0.96, 1.04]; low-certainty evidence), or overall psychiatric symptoms (SMD -0.06, 95% CI [-0.84, 0.73]; low-certainty evidence). Adverse event rates showed a nonsignificant trend favoring HM (RR 0.56, 95% CI [0.06, 5.26]; low-certainty evidence). Very low- to low-certainty evidence suggests no significant difference in effectiveness between HM and antidepressants as adjuncts to antipsychotics for depression in SSD. Although HM may serve as an alternative, high-quality, large-scale trials are required to establish definitive conclusions.
Money for the studygovernment, public institutions · Korea Health Technology R&D Project, Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI), Ministry of Health & Welfare, Republic of Korea
Do the authors have ties to companies?no — the authors say so
Did a manufacturer help with the study?NO
Type of studycombined analysis of many studies (meta-analysis)
Participants505
“Not stated” does not mean nobody paid — the database does not always record it.
Perspectives and opinion materials
The content below presents the authors’ opinions, interpretations and hypotheses. It is not treated as equal to scientific studies and systematic reviews.
Orthomolecular Medicine News Service Opinion material
„Prescriptions for anti-anxiety medications such as Klonopin and Ativan jumped 10.2% from 8.8 million in March 2019 to 9.7 million in March 2020, according to a Wall Street Journal analysis of data from health-research firm IQVIA, and prescriptions for antidepressants like Lexapro and Prozac rose 9.2% from 27.2 million to 29.7 million in the same window. [10] Depression is a common mental disorder and is a leading cause of disability worldwide and is a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease. Globally, it is estimated that ~5% of adults suffer from depression.”prescriptions for anti-anxiety medications such as Klonopin and Ativan jumped 10.2% from 8.8 million in March 2019 to 9.7 million in March 2020, according to a Wall Street Journal analysis of data from health-research firm IQVIA, and prescriptions for antidepressants like Lexapro and Prozac rose 9.2% from 27.2 million to 29.7 million in the same window. [10] Depression is a common mental disorder and is a leading cause of disability worldwide and is a major contributor to the overall global burden of disease. Globally, it is estimated that ~5% of adults suffer from depression.
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