The Best Vitamins, Minerals and Herbs to Fight Depression

Herbs that help fight depression 

Herbs have been used for centuries to treat various mental health conditions, including depression. However, it is important to note that while some herbs may have beneficial effects, they should not be used as a substitute for established treatments such as therapy, medication, or a combination of both. However, herbs can supercharge your resilience and help you fight the war against depression.  

Side Note: I will not discuss cannabis in this blog. My experience was negative (just made my symptoms worse). I prefer to discuss options that I found helpful. That said, I have a few friends that found cannabis helpful. As always, to each their own. Zero judgment.  

Here are some herbs that I found helpful and still take on a regular basis:

St. John’s Wort

St. John’s wort (sounds like a Skyrim herb) is an herbal supplement commonly used for depression. While some studies suggest that it may be helpful for mild to moderate depression, more research is needed to fully understand its effects and potential side effects. Personally, I had zero side effects, but lots of positive benefits.

Here is the St. John’s Wort I use:

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is an herbal remedy used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine to help manage stress and anxiety. Some preliminary research suggests it may also have potential as a treatment for depression. This one also helps with sleep.

Here is the Ashwagandha I use:

SAM-e

This herb was new to me, but I am so glad I found it! SAM-e (S-adenosylmethionine) is a naturally occurring molecule in the body involved in the synthesis of neurotransmitters, including serotonin and dopamine. Some studies suggest that supplementation with SAM-e may be effective in improving symptoms of depression, but more research is needed to confirm these findings. 

Here is the SAM-e I use:

Lavender

Ahh, good ole Lavendar, nature‘s chill herb. Lavender is an herb that is commonly used for its relaxing properties and its potential to help with anxiety and stress. Some preliminary research also suggests it may have potential as a treatment for depression, but more research is needed to confirm these findings. This one also helps with sleep.

Here is the Lavender I use:

It is important to keep in mind that herbal remedies can interact with other medications and may cause side effects, so it is always best to consult with a healthcare provider before taking any new supplement. I did not have any issues with any of the vitamins, minerals, or herbs on my list, but better safe than sorry. B12 is a no-brainer, just do it! Then, if you are nervous, ease into the other suggestions.  

Did I miss any? If you have found success with a vitamin, mineral, or herb that is not on my list, please leave your suggestions in the comments. I am sure there are more options, and I would love to find more natural ways to fight depression!  

As always, thank you for stopping by and I really hope you find success!