The best thing about using an herb in place of a prescribed anti depressant is perhaps that the side effects are fewer in number and definitely in severity. You can't take St. John's Wort in conjunction with another anti depressant or with certain other medications, so make sure you consult your doctor if you're taking anything else before you add this treatment to the mix.

The NCCAM (National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine) is helping consumers get educated about the use of this remedy to treat depression. They believe it is best used to treat mild to moderate (but not severe) forms of depression.

What is not yet known is exactly how it works in order to treat depression. It's believed that it may possibly prevent nerve cells from reabsorbing serotonin, which is the chemical messenger in the body.

It's been used and studied by scientists in treating mental disorders for many centuries, but it still remains somewhat of a mystery, even though its effectiveness in treating symptoms of depression such as mood swings is unprecidented, loss of appetite and often a loss of energy, and sadness has been largely documented.

The reason consumers are turning to herbal remedies such as St. John's Wort is because synthetic drugs have a high incidence of side effects, such as dry mouth, headaches, sexual dysfunction and insomnia. It's also a less costly treatment than high-priced prescription medications.

You can buy this remedy in capsule form, as a tea, or as an extract. You have to be careful about the quantities you use when taking St. John's Wort, because high level doses can potentially impede the treatment process by causing dizziness, upset stomach, and a sensitivity to sunlight.

St. John's Wort is not the only herb being used to treat depression however. Damiana, Ginseng, and Valerian root are also used to improve depression symptoms such as insomnia and stress.

Regardless of which herbal remedy you wish to try in treatment for your depression symptoms, it is important to get the guidance of a doctor skilled in herbal remedies to ensure you are ingesting the correct amount and type of herb for your personal needs.