Treating Depression Naturally: St. John’s Wort & Licorice

Depression’s Hidden Toll

From “feeling blue” to clinical despair—appetite loss, isolation, job risk, suicide risk. Shame keeps many silent.

Drug Side Effects vs. Herbal Promise

SSRIs cause drowsiness, brain fog, libido loss. Two herbs offer relief with fewer issues:

St. John’s Wort

• Active: hyperforin. Inhibits serotonin reuptake (like SSRIs).
• Dose: 900–1800 mg/day, 3% standardized. Adjust per severity with naturopath.
• Toxic to some animals’ CNS—safe for humans at therapeutic doses.
• Many prefer natural origin; clinical results support efficacy.

Licorice

• 8 MAO inhibitors = natural antidepressant.
• Capsule or tea.
• Caution: High/long doses → hypertension, headaches, lethargy. Offset with potassium + water. Use only under practitioner guidance.

Integrate, Don’t Isolate

Herbs + therapy + nutrition + lifestyle = sustainable recovery. Never self‑medicate severe depression without professional oversight.