Depression is a severe medical condition, one that is brought about by a chemical imbalance in the brain that leads a patient to feel extreme lows and highs. When the low points hit, the patient is unable to take joy from anything, and often lacks the energy to participate in any of the activities they once enjoyed. There are many prescriptions now available through your doctor to combat this serious condition, but some people may want to try alternative measures that are closer to nature and more affordable. Here are some herbal remedies that some people claim work to combat depression, but keep in mind that the author of this article is by no means clinically qualified to ascertain their effectiveness, nor should this advice be taken to refute that of a qualified professional.

St. John's Wort: This plant has been used for millennia to remedy a plethora of conditions, of which depression is just the latest. It is the most commonly applied herbal treatment for depression. This plant is native to Germany, where it has been used for over 40 years to treat depression. The plant is native to Europe, and is plain in appearance with little yellow flowers. It is these flowers, when properly dried and prepared, that are used for the various applications of St. John's Wort. It has been known to be prescribed more than twenty times as frequently as Valium or Prozac.

SAMe: S-Adenosyl Methionine is an amino acid. It occurs naturally in our bodies and is known as the mechanism by which healthy neurotransmitter processes are carried to our brains. Increasing the amount of SAMe helps to increase the amount of serotonin, dopamine, and phosphatides and to improve the receptive abilities of the site.

5HTP: This amino acid is important to our bodies as it is transformed into serotonin, one of the strongest neurotransmitters in the brain. As clinically depressed patients are low in serotonin, a boost in 5HTP is known to be effective in combating depression symptoms.

Gingko Biloba: Gingko Biloba is an antioxidant, that is effective due to its ability to increase blood flow throughout the body and to the brain. The increased blood flow leads to increased neural responses, which includes the elimination of the lethargy that accompanies feelings of depression.

Ginseng: Ginseng is another herb that has been used for centuries to combat an array of afflictions. Ginseng use originated in Asia, and the market for this plant there remains strong to this day. This herb is called an adaptogen, which means that its qualities help adapt the body to various conditions.

There are various herbs and natural remedies that can assist a person in overcoming their feelings of anxiety and depression. Because this condition is such a serious one, however, it is always best to take these alternatives after consulting your doctor about their viability and appropriateness to your particular case.