Herbs for DepressionHerbs for depression include spices such as saffron, sage, cardamom and chilies. These all have specific anti-depressant effects while other culinary herbs and spices work indirectly by improving the general health of the individual.
Saffron
Recent clinical trials have shown that the yellow spice, saffron works as well as or even better than commonly used antidepressants such as Prozac. Saffron's traditional use as an antidepressant have been confirmed by scientists working at Tehran's University of Medical Sciences.Saffron, a well known spice, is used to give a unique flavor and a vivid yellow color to many dishes has been used for centuries in traditional medical systems to treat depression and other illnesses. Recently a number of clinical trials have shown that this spice is as effective as fluoxetine (Prozac) and imipramine in the treatment of mild to moderate depression. The spice saffron is a yellow powder derived from the stigmata (styles) of the flowering bulb Crocus sativa. It is cultivated on a commercial basis primarily in Iran and to a lesser extent in India, Spain and a few other countries. Prior to the advent of cheaper, synthetic food colorings, saffron was also grown in other European countries including England. Although several other spices have demonstrated the potential to prevent and treat several neurological diseases saffron is the first to be tested as a treatment of depression in clinical trials. The recent clinical studies on patients with depression were conducted by doctors at the Tehran University of Medical Sciences. The double-blind, placebo controlled trials compared the effects of 30 mg per day of saffron powder to those of normal doses of two common anti-depressant drugs, fluoxetine and imipramine. In all three clinical trials they found that saffron was at least as effective as these two commonly used anti-depressant drugs in combating mild to moderate depression. This latest research shows that we have yet another spice that can help with a neurological illness - in this case, depression. Depression affects all age groups but increases in incidence with age. In other words we can include it with other diseases associated with the aging process; such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, cancer and others. Sage
A double blind placebo controlled trial has shown that http://www.medicinal-herbs-and-spices.com/sage-benefits.html reduces anxiety and elevates mood. It has been known for several years that compounds in this spice work by inhibiting cholinesterase, an enzyme that is intimately involved in the transmission of signals across nerve synapses.Sage has the added benefit of improving memory. Chilies
Herbs for depression include chilies that also have mood elevating effects. They work by stimulating a specific type of pain receptor (called TRPV1) on sensory nerve endings. When these nerves are stimulated they signal the brain to release chemicals called endorphins. Endorphins, in turn, stimulate the release of the brain chemical, dopamine which in turn acts as a mood elevator and relieves depression. Many modern antidepressant drugs, such as Prozac, also work by increasing levels of dopamine in the brain. Cardamom
Herbs for depression include the spice, cardamom that has been used by traditional Ayurvedic practitioners to treat depression in India for thousands of years. Although there are no clinical trials to back up the use of this spice to treat depression there are sound biochemical reasons that give an indication as to why it is effective.
General effects of spicesSpices have the highest antioxidant activity of all food types including fruit and vegetables (American Journal of Clinical Nutrition 2006). Antioxidants are very important in countering free radical damage which can in turn aggravate or cause many degenerative diseases.All chronic degenerative diseases are associated with free radical damage and an increased incidence of depression. Therefore preventing or treating them by eating antioxidant-rich foods like spices, will also help to reduce the incidence of depression. Herbs for depression should include as many culinary herbs and spices as possible. Not only do some of them have specific anti-depressant effects but they all contribute to overall health in a substantial manner. If we add more spices such as saffron to our meals we will not only be happier with the enhanced flavor but the compounds in these tasty additives should also put more zest into our day and help us to avoid a visit to the psychotherapist. FREE eBOOK!CLICK HERE to buy the hardcopy or download a FREE pdf version of Medicinal Seasonings, The Healing Power Of SpicesSpice supplementVitaSpice capsules contain 21 of the most important medicinal spices
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