This document discusses herbal and supplement approaches for treating depression. It notes that depression can be situational or clinical. Meditation, yoga, exercise, acupuncture, and nutrition are recommended integrative approaches. Specific supplements discussed are St. John's Wort, SAMe, vitamins B12, B6, and folate, and ashwagandha. The document provides dosage and effectiveness information for each supplement and warns that medical advice should always be consulted before using any therapeutic approach for depression.

1. Herbal Relief
Using CAM, Herbs, and Supplements
to Relieve Depression

2. Disclaimer
• The information presented in this is for
informational, reference and educational purposes
only and should not be interpreted as a substitute
for diagnosis and treatment by a health care
professional. Although, the information presented
herein is based on material provided by researchers
and sources deemed reliable, we do not presume to
give medical advice.
• Anyone wishing to use this information should
share it with his or her health care provider before
embarking on any therapeutic program.

3. What is Depression
• Situational Depression- normal reaction to a
situation, such as a loss or external source.
• Clinical Depression- 5 or more symptoms
described by the American Psychiatric
Association.
• Affects 25% of women & 10% of men
• Affects 340 million people worldwide and only
have are diagnosed.

4. Intergrative Approaches
• The Buddhist philosophy describes depression as the
inevitable consequence of seeking stimulation.
• Mediation is the best way to get to the root of the
depression. This is a long term practice that should be done
daily.
• Use yoga and breathing exercises with meditation.
• Exercise
• Acupuncture (Recognized by WHO as
an effective practice for mild/moderate
depression.
• Nutrition and Herbs

5. Vitamins
• Effect production of chemicals in brain
controlling mood and other brain function.
• B12, B6 and Folate helps treat depression and
increases efficiency of anti depressant
medication.
• Nutrition- fish, lean meat, poultry, eggs, and
low-fat/fat-free milk.

6. St. John’s Wort
Hypericum perforatum
• Effective for mild to moderate
Depression
• Acts as an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake
Inhibitor) and additional neurotransmitters
• May cause Serotonin syndrome (overload )when
combined with other SSI’s/mood altering
medications.
• Recommended dosage 300 mg daily.
• Takes 2mos. to work effectively
**always consult your doctor when adding any supplements to your regimen**

7. SAMe
• Natural occurring molecule found in adrenal glands, brain, and liver.
• Involved with the formation, activation, or breakdown of other chemicals in the body,
including hormones, proteins, phospholipids, and certain drugs.
• Useful for those who suffer from pain with depression.
• Recommended dosage 400-1600mg. Splitting up dosages twice daily on an empty
stomach.
• Can be used in conjunction with anti-depressants.
• Takes 4 weeks to become effective

8. Sleep and Depression
• Depression can cause sleep problems and sleep problems can cause depression
• Insomnia, unrestful sleep, trouble falling asleep, and difficulty staying asleep are
common problems.
• Insomnia can cause many significant negative health effects, such a high blood
pressure, weakened immune system and a frayed nervous system.
• Using herbs, white noise machine, meditation, and yoga can help with insomnia

9. Ashwaganda
Withania somnifera
• Ayurvedic herb from the root of Withania
Somnifera
• Assist with the body dealing with stress and
insomnia
• Natural way to boost energy
• Used for pain relief, diabetes, GI issues,
Rheumatoid Arthritis, and epilepsy
• 500mg of extract standardized to 2.5-5%

10. References
• MayoClinic.com (2014), Depression (major depressive disorder) retrieved from
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/expert-
answers/clinical-depression/faq-20057770
• WebMD.com (2016), SAMe, retrieved from http://www.webmd.com/vitamins-
supplements/ingredientmono-786-
same.aspx?activeingredientid=786&activeingredientname=same
• Weil, A. (2016), St. John’s Wort, retrieved from
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/REM00017/St-Johns-Wort-Dr-Weils-Herbal-
Remedies.html#_ga=1.13913207.1364125570.1466636281
• Weil, A. (2016), Natural Depression Therapy, retrieved from
http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/ART00696/depression-
treatment#_ga=1.84356953.1364125570.1466636281