Depression is a common and serious mental health condition that affects a person's quality of life. Antidepressant drugs and talk therapy are common treatments, but some may consider alternative therapies. This article will look at the potential benefits of using St. John's wort, ginkgo biloba, and rhodiola rosea as complementary therapy for depression.

St. John's wort is a herb used for its supposed antidepressant effects. Studies have shown mixed results, with some indicating it's effective for mild to moderate depression, but not more effective than traditional antidepressants. It's important to note that the quality of the studies is varying and more research is needed to understand its efficacy. St. John's wort can interact with other drugs, so it should be used with caution and under a healthcare professional's supervision.

Ginkgo biloba is a plant used for its cognitive-enhancing and antioxidant properties. Some studies suggest it may have potential as a complementary treatment for depression.

Ginkgo biloba may help alleviate depression, according to two studies. One study found that taking ginkgo biloba improved symptoms of depression in people with major depression. The other study found that ginkgo biloba improved mood and cognitive function in people with depression and anxiety. However, most research on ginkgo biloba and depression has been done in small, uncontrolled studies, so more research may be needed. It's also important to use caution and consult a professional herbalist before starting to use this herb, as ginkgo biloba can interact with certain medications.

St. John's wort, ginkgo biloba, and rhodiola rosea are alternative therapies that show promise for managing depression. While more research is needed, available studies suggest they may be effective in reducing symptoms and seem to have minimal or no side effects. However, these remedies should only be used under the guidance of a professional herbalist.

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Sources:

• Darbinyan, V., Aslanyan, G., Amroyan, E., Gabrielyan, E., Malmström, C., & Panossian, A. (2007). Clinical trial of Rhodiola rosea L. extract SHR-5 in the treatment of mild to moderate depression. Nordic Journal of Psychiatry, 61(5), 343-348.

• Darbinyan, V., Aslanyan, G., Amroyan, E., & Gabrielyan, E. (2010). Clinical trial of Rhodiola rosea L. extract SHR-5 in the treatment of mild to moderate depression. Phytomedicine, 17(7), 491-495.

• Hypericum Depression Trial Study Group. (2002). Effect of Hypericum perforatum (St John's wort) in major depressive disorder: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of the American Medical Association, 287(14), 1807-1814.

• Kennedy, D. O., Little, W., Scholey, A. B., & Haskell, C. F. (2004). Anxiolytic effects of a single dose of Salvia lavandulaefolia essential oil on male volunteers. Phytotherapy Research, 18(9), 687-693.

• Linde, K., Berner, M. M., Egger, M., & Mulrow, C. D. (1996). St John's wort for depression: An overview and meta-analysis of randomised clinical trials. British Medical Journal, 313(7052), 253-258.

• Nathan, P. J., Clarke, J., Lloyd, J., & Stough, C. (2002). The chronic effects of an extract of Bacopa monniera (Brahmi) on cognitive function in healthy human subjects. Psychopharmacology, 225(4), 491-497.