How to treat depression with alternative medicine?

If you have depression, you may want to use alternative medicines to treat depression. Alternative treatments include mind/body treatments and various supplements; you need to understand their benefits and risks before you try them. Above all, don't substitute these treatments for your doctor's care. Here are some of the most common ways to treat depression with alternative medicine.

Herbal Supplements

There are a few herbal remedies that have been used to treat depression, such as:

St. John's wort. It's an herb that has been used to treat various illnesses besides depression over the centuries. While sold on a prescription basis in Europe, it's not FDA approved to treat depression in the United States. However, it is classed as a dietary supplement that may be beneficial in treating mild depression.

SAM-e is a synthetic equivalent of a naturally-occuring bodily chemical. This isn't approved by the FDA for the treatment of depression (again, classified as a dietary supplement). It's sold by prescription in Europe.

Omega-3 acids. Eating foods rich in these, or taking a supplement may help to minimize depression and it also has a host of other benefits. Omega-3s are found in flax seeds and oil, walnuts, some fish, and other foods.

You should remember that dietary supplements aren't regulated by the US FDA in the same manner that drugs are. Just because it's sold in a store doesn't necessarily mean that it's safe, and some supplements can cause dangerous interactions when combined with traditional medicines. Before taking a supplement, discuss the benefits and risks with your doctor.

The mind/body connection has been known for many years. Practitioners of alternative and complementary medicines believe that body and mind have to be in harmony in order to ensure good health. Some of the techniques used to treat depression are meditation, yoga, acupuncture, massage therapy and guided imagery. As is the case with supplements, use these treatments with care. They are less risky than the supplements, but they are not a substitute for a doctor's care.