The Effects on Depression Using Natural Herbs - Research Paper Example

Natural herbs and Depression Number Introduction Fan, Xuefen, Yinger, Jue, Runju, Burrows and Hefeng (2009) sought to investigate the effects of GengNianLe (GNL) herbal medicine on depression. The medicine, also referred to as Perimenopausal antidepressant formula, is a certain kind of Chinese natural medicine used to control the symptoms of perimenopausal depression in the local women. The researchers carried out a four year research completed in April 2008, in which 47 Chinese were sampled into a GNL set and a control set. The samples were given tibolone in a random manner. The rate of depression was measured with the 24-value Hamilton Depression Scale. The researchers measured concentration of follicle stimulating hormone, estradiol (E-2) and luteinizing hormone prior to and after administering the herbal formula on the women. After four months of treatment, the Depression Scale scores in both sets of samples declined substantially (p 0.05) with very minimal variation between them. However, the concentration of follicle stimulating hormone declined significantly, triggering a commensurate rise in estradiol levels in both sets even as more changes were recorded among members of the control group. The researchers registered no side-effect of administering the drug in either group in the course of the treatment. As such, they concluded that the Chinese herbal medicine (GNL) is effective in controlling symptoms of Perimenopausal depression. They recommended more research on the topic, especially on expanding the use of the medicine among a wider segment of the population. Similarly, in a 2013 research, Arkowitz and Lilienfeld sought to investigate how therapies are disproportionately popular in the United States. Their research was based on 2008 figures released by the National Center for Health Statistics, indicated that an estimated one-fifth of American people had consumed herbal medicinal formula between 2007 and 2008. They also cited the findings of Harvard Medical School establishing that the use of herbal medicine for control of psychological and health problems had increased almost four times during the last decade of the 20th century. Arkowitz and Lilienfeld attributed the mad rush for herbal formula to: a) expensive prescription medicines; b) the increased risk of side effects of synthetic on a significant percentage of the population, and; c) and a rejuvenated interest in natural, herbal cures. In addition, many people mistakenly believe that natural stuffs are generally safer than artificial medications. However, irrespective of the public psychological flaws, the researchers narrowed down their focus on the effectiveness of St. Johns wort to treating depression. Also known as Hypericum perforatum, the herb has been in use for many centuries to exorcise evil spirits. It is one of the commonest of the herbal medicinal formulae for depression. As such, the researchers cited a 2009 study by Munich Technical University in which physician Klaus Linde and his co-researchers assessed more than two dozen research studies on the medicinal value of St. Johns wort and established that when taken as a pill to control minor depression, the impacts were more positive than a placebo. The medicine was found to match the effectiveness of Prozac antidepressant, with minimal side effects on the users. Depression: Dependent Variable Depression is one of the most challenging psychological and physiological illnesses characterized by lack of oomph, sadness, sleeplessness, and incapacity to take part in one’s activities or enjoy social life (Miller, 2002). Although depression is prevalent across gender and age segments, clinical depression extends to over a week. Before the use of herbal antidepressant medications became popular towards the end of the 20th, modern artificial medicine had been the only effective remedy for depression since around 1950s. The introduction of antidepressants was triggered by the discovery that depression had more to do with the physiological aspect of the body. The process was arguably triggered by instabilities of the brain neurotransmitters (Rakel, 2012). Before the new discovery, depression was believed to be triggered by purely psychological triggers. The new discovery prompted many scientists to embark on different research studies aimed at developing medical remedies to right these biological imbalances using synthetic and herbal remedies. At any given time, an estimated 20 million of American adults have depression. A majority of them do not seek cures despite the fact that there are proven treatment options in place (Lake, 2011). The inaction may be attributed partly to ignorance of the devastating effects of depressions, and partly to the fear of the side effects of artificial, prescribed drugs. The two reasons have conspired to send many affected citizens seeking natural herbs because the folk remedies have limited side effects and some of them have been proved by science as effective cures (Meletis, & Barker, 2004). Proposal This paper will explore the effectiveness of herbal antidepressants (independent variable) and therapy (independent variable) in the treatment of depression (dependent variable). The study will also explore various outcomes of recent scientific research on whether herbal formulas are effective in limiting the side effects antidepressants on the patient. Independent Variable: Herbal Antidepressants Several of preliminary researches indicate that certain herbal cures usually offer positive impacts on health. Regardless, victims of depression should refrain from self-treatments of the condition even when using herbal remedies because they may be delaying optimum care and thus exposing their health to dangers (Rakel, 2012). St. Johns Wort, for example, can inhibit the effectiveness of artificial, prescribed medications and others that patients may use as self-treatment of depression, antiretroviral drugs and medicines administered to improve organ fusion for transplant victims and oral birth-control pills. These reservations do not, however, prevent St. Johns Wort from being used by pregnant or sick women, children, or victims of bipolar disorder, kidney or liver complications. St. John’s Wort is a herbal remedy for depression that is proven as having the same remedying effect as artificial drugs, especially when it is administered singly. 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is also another proven herbal remedy for depression. St. John’s Wort St. John’s Wort is a reputable natural medicine cultivated by European farmers for many centuries, and throughout history, traditional healers have administered it on victims of melancholia, a condition having symptoms which are similar to those of clinical depression (Miller, 2002). The medicine was first used in classical Greece. Since modern times, Germany has been using St. John’s Wort to remedy less serious cases of depression for all age groups. Some research findings have determined that the folk medicine may be as operational in the control of less serious cases of depression as contemporary artificial antidepressants, with far less serious side effects. According to Rakel (2012), the herb’s chemical content is believed to control symptoms of depression in the same way as artificial antidepressant medications, by hindering the reabsorption of serotonin by body nerves, thus increasing the concentration of serotonin for use by the brain. In light of this, St. John’s Wort should be used singly since mixing it with other artificial antidepressants could raise its concentration levels and might trigger health risks. As such, St. Johns Wort improves mood, corrects anxiety, nervousness, and insomnia when the brain has enough serotonin. However, clinical trials indicate that that St. Johns Wort is not as effective in the treatment of major depression. Regardless, the herb may take about five weeks to yield full recovery for medium depression cases (Meletis, & Barker, 2004). Most of its side effects may encompass vertigo, dry mouth, constipation and fatigue. In addition, St. Johns Wort raises photosensitivity in the victims, so the skin and eyes should be safeguarded from direct sunlight. Other side effects associated with the herbal formula include skin rashes, restlessness, headache and disorientation among users. More serious side effect is its association with cases of infertility in women (though, this has been registered in minimal cases); it may aggravate dementia or increase the prevalence of psychosis in susceptible individuals (Lake, 2011). Yet, if the herb is administered alongside natural antidepressants, St. Johns wort may increase the chances of manic episode among bipolar disorder cases. The formula may react negatively with other chemical supplements by limiting their effectiveness or enhancing their lethality. 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) According to Meletis and Barker (2004), 5-Hydroxytryptophan is another antidepressant whose use has been occasionally subject of controversy because it does not always work for everyone. Clinicians and patients who have used the medicine have varied experiences, so the average citizen cannot know where the truth lies. Miller (2002) noted that 5-HTP is rich in amino acids, and it is part and parcel of the natural chemicals in the body triggering the secretion of serotonin whose primary role is to influence the mood. The better an individual’s serotonin concentration is, the happier he or she is likely to become. The use of 5-HTP has been inspired by its multiple roles in treating depression. Its fibromyalgia chemical content can relieve the ache and distress of fibromyalgia. Secondly, melatonin content raises the levels of melatonin concentration in the body and thus fights sleeplessness in depressed victims (Rakel, 2012). Thirdly, the supplement reduces unnecessary weight gain by victims of depression. Lack of serotonin normally causes individuals to take more food than their body needs and they face the risk of overweight, but after administering the supplement, weight loss would be achievable quite seamlessly, especially for those who consume lots of food when they are high in moods. Fourth, depression and anxiety can be effectively under the control of 5-HTP in which case, its administering would remedy feelings of anxiety or depression. Lake (2011) noted that 5-HTP can be derived from natural herbs growing in Africa. The natural formula enhances the inclination of the contemporary drug users towards the natural herbs due to the minimal side effects associated with them as compared to synthetic supplements for treating depression. Lake (2011) suggested that despite the high level of preferences for the herbal formula for the treatment of depression, it is imperative to also factor in the negative implications that 5-HTP is likely to trigger among its users. While there are no presently grave side effects from the administration of the chemical supplement in depression patients, more researches should be conducted to clearly reveal whether or not the drug has lasting side effects on the users. Regardless, some of the users currently experience dizziness after administering the supplement. In serious cases, victims have reported feelings of more depressive episodes than they had initially (Rakel, 2012). As such, it is advisable to consult a doctor before introducing the drug supplement to one’s diet just to be certain about whether there are milder or no side effects of the chemical reactions in the body, especially when it is used alone or alongside other medications. Some findings have indicated the herb is an effective remedy for depression and can work the same way as artificial, prescription medications (Lake, 2011). Other researches have shown the herb is most effective in helping victims of depression with controlling their eating habits and weight gain. The studies have also associated the medicine with the effective control of fibromyalgia, migraines, and insomnia, all of which are directly related to depression. By being a remedy for the former conditions, the supplement has many functions, which Meletis and Barker (2004) advises for use to control of depression if effective controls are in place. Effects of using natural herbs on depression Herbal antidepressant formulas, recommended by a specialist in mental health could effectively relieve mild depression episodes. But, like artificial antidepressants, the herbs come with certain side effects and health risks. Meletis and Barker (2004) noted that recent research findings have raised issues about their value. Generally, the herbal medication alone normally is not enough; the victims should be admitted for therapy sessions and lifestyle modifications. Literature review Most psychology experts agree that for cases of severe depression episodes which affect the ability of the victim to carry out his or her daily operations, herbal medication can be as effective as synthetic supplements in saving the victim’s life (Rakel, 2012). Nonetheless, research indicates that depression remedies do not function in all victims. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, as many as one-half of individuals retain some depression symptoms, even after using more than one remedies. In addition, a significant number of those who do not get relief from the medication they take immediately exhibit depression symptoms, regardless of whether they continue taking the medicine (Miller, 2002). Other findings suggest that the positive impacts of depression remedies have been overstated, with some studies concluding that in less serious cases of depression, herbal antidepressants are just slightly above placebos in terms of effectiveness. Results Independent Variable: Benefits of therapy In light of these mixed results, herbal medical formulas may be the most appropriate option for depression if the episodes are disrupting the ability of the individual to carry out his or her chores and or attending important social facilities including job, school, or relationships (Meletis, & Barker, 2004). It is also advisable to take the medicines if it is worth the prevalent, but milder side effects of herbal antidepressants such as loss of libido and weight gain (Lake, 2011). Therapy options including body exercise, healthier eating habits and other active lifestyle changes can be just as effective or work better if used alone in milder cases. This is especially true considering that working oneself up with exercises could boost moods of depressed individuals. Unlike herbal remedies, therapies usually improve the victim’s situation without triggering any negative side effects, especially for milder cases that can summon the body energy and morale to engage in these activities. Fortunately, most mild cases of depression are mild. Owing to the fact that therapy have nothing to do with increasing the quantity of serotonin through supplements, activating the chemical substances may not be as direct as using the supplements. As such, body reaction to enjoyable mood boosting will take several weeks to be felt, but have lasting, healthier and more sustainable outcomes (Rakel, 2012). As such, the victims of depression are advised to exploit that opportunity to discover self-help therapy interventions, such as body exercise, that can improve secretion of serotonin and reduce reuptake of the chemical by the body for faster effective improvement. Alternatively, for those who do not have the energy, participation in therapy activities that one enjoys can immensely enable the victim to appreciate the underlying factors of their condition and thus find adequate solutions (Meletis, & Barker, 2004). Discussion According to Miller (2002), the concept of chemical imbalance posits that low concentrations of the serotonin is associated with depression episodes and herbal medical formulas work the same way or even better than synthetic antidepressants in restoring the chemical concentration. By contrast, that only deals with the medical aspect of depression, since the triggers of depression are emotional while others a lot more difficult to understand than mere balancing of serotonin concentration or other neurotransmitters in the body (Rakel, 2012). Owing to the lack of accurate mechanisms to measure the level of the chemical in the brain of a living individual, it is arguably hard to detect fluctuations of serotonin or how an increase or decrease of the mood chemicals can remedy depression with the help of medication. By contrast therapy is known to have immense positive impacts on depression with no side effects on the victims due to its natural, psychological approach to treatment. Conclusion Herbal remedies for depression as just as effective as synthetic drugs used to treat the condition. This is especially true for herbs which are rich in serotonin activating chemicals present in St John’s Wort and 5-HTP. Low serotonin in the human brain is usually associated with low mood, especially in depression cases. The drugs therefore boost the moods by enhancing the concentration of the chemicals in the brain. The use of the herbs should be limited to prescription by a mental health specialist in order to avoid the impacts of its negative reactions to other drugs used by the patient. Critical opinion, however, states that measuring serotonin levels in the brain is very difficult, especially in living human beings. And even if it the tools were accurate, treating depression, a largely mental disorder caused by complex factors by balancing just balancing brain chemicals defeats logic. Regardless, a combination of any or two of the antidepressants with body exercise and healthy eating is attributed to positive outcomes. References Arkowitz, H., & Lilienfeld, S.O., (2013). Can Herbs Ease Anxiety and Depression? Scientific American Mindm, 24(3), 72-73. Fan, Q., Xuefen, C., Yinger, G., Jue, Z., Runju, Z., Burrows, E., & Hefeng, H., (2009). Chinese Medicinal Herbs in Relieving Perimenopausal Depression: A Randomized, Controlled Trial. Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine, 15(1), 93-100. Lake, J.H., (2011). Textbook of Integrative Mental Health Care. New York: Thieme. Meletis, C.D., & Barker, J.E., (2004). Herbs and Nutrients for the Mind: A Guide to Natural Brain Enhancers. Washington, DC: Greenwood Publishing Group. Miller, M.C., (2002). Anxiety and depression: Natural mood remedies. Newsweek, 140(23), 70. Rakel, D., (2012). Integrative Medicine. New York: Elsevier Health Sciences. Read More