Herbal remedies for depression have been used for a very long time. They have also been proven to be very effective too. Most of the focus is on St. John’s Wort which has proven to be just as effective as prescription antidepressants without the side effects. However, St. John’s Wort should not be taken with any other antidepressants or indinivir (a protease inhibitor used for HIV), oral contraceptives, theophylline, warfarin, digoxin, reserpine, cyclosporine, and loperamide.

It has been found that depressed people usually lack vitamin B which is also called Folic acid. Folate is found in green leafy vegetables, other vegetables, fruit, beans, and fortified grains. There are many factors that can lead to a vitamin B deficiency such as a poor diet, certain conditions, and some medications. Besides food, folic acid is also available as a supplement or as part of a B-complex vitamin. People who have a low folate level will likely have a difficult time having a positive response to antidepressants.

Most people do not get enough magnesium in their diets. Good sources of magnesium are legumes, nuts, whole grains and green vegetables. Like vitamin B6, magnesium is needed for serotonin production. Stress depletes magnesium; therefore you need to replace that magnesium from another source.