Plants for the soul - medicinal plants in depressive moods

Plants for the soul - medicinal plants in depressive moods

in a world in which stress and depressive moods are omnipresent, many people have an alternative path: medicinal plants. But how exactly can these green power packages restore the mental balance? More and more studies and experts show that the connection between nature and psychiatry is not just a trend, but can actually have healing effects. In this article we take a look at the role of medicinal plants in modern psychiatry and explain how vegetable antidepressants can work and be used. We shed light on the psychological and physiological mechanisms on which the healing power of the plants is based. Curious? Let us dive into the fascinating world of herbal medicine and we discover how it can help us drive out the clouds of sadness.

The role of medicinal plants in modern psychiatry

medicinal plants have a long tradition in the treatment of mental illnesses. In modern psychiatry, they are increasingly being used as supplementary or alternative therapies. These plants can be taken in the form of teas, extracts and capsules to relieve the symptoms of depression, anxiety and other mental disorders. The use of plants such as St. John's wort, valerian and passion flower has proven to be advantageous in numerous studies.

An important aspect of the role of medicinal plants in psychiatry is their basis in phytotherapy. This is the use of plants for the treatment of diseases, whereby vegetable active ingredients are able to act on the central nervous system. St. John's wort, for example, contains hypericin and hyperforin, which can have a positive effect on the mood. In the case of chemically caused disorders, the use of such plants can often help to reduce the need for synthetic antidepressants.

Studies have shown that vegetable means are able to increase the effectiveness of traditional therapeutic approaches. An investigation found that in addition to their conventional medication in St. John's wort, patients achieved significantly better results than those who only trusted chemical antidepressants. The side effects are also lower in many cases, which is another advantage.

Research has also recognized the growing trend towards using medicinal herbs in mental health. Clinical studies show that the integration of medicinal plants in therapy concepts can be advantageous for many patients. Your use is often used in combination with other therapies, such as psychotherapy or drug treatment to achieve the best results. However, well -founded advice from specialists is necessary.

In order to support the use of medicinal plants in modern psychiatry, training programs for doctors and therapists are also developed. These programs aim to impart a sound knowledge about the effects and applications of medicinal plants. The networking of conventional medicine and alternative healing methods is considered sensible to improve the chances of recovery for patients.

effect and application of vegetable antidepressants

vegetable antidepressants are becoming increasingly important in modern psychiatry. They often offer an alternative or supplement to classic chemical antidepressants, especially for patients who suffer from side effects or do not want to consider pharmaceutical options. Typical representatives are St. John's wort, valerian and passion flower.

St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) is one of the most frequently used vegetable antidepressants. Studies show that it has a spectrum of effects similar to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIS). A meta-analysis has shown that St. John's wort has a significant positive effect in light to moderate depression.

Here are some of the main components and their possible effects:

valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is often used to relieve anxiety and to promote sleep. While it is not directly classified as an antidepressant, it can contribute to improving the mood in combination with other vegetable remedies.

The passion flower (passiflora incarnata) is characterized by its calming effect and can be advantageous in anxiety and sleep disorders. Like valerian, it is often used as part of a holistic therapy approach.

Overall, many studies indicate that vegetable antidepressants have fewer side effects than conventional drugs, whereby the compatibility and long -term application often put in the foreground. Nevertheless, it remains important to consult a doctor before use, since vegetable preparations may have interactions with other medication and are not suitable for every patient.

psychological and physiological mechanisms behind the healing by plants

Healing through plants acts on several levels and can activate both psychological and physiological mechanisms. The psychological aspects include the changes in the emotional state, which are caused by certain chemical compounds in plants. Many medicinal plants, such as St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) and valerian (Valeriana Officinalis), contain bioactive substances that positively influence the mood. For example, it is assumed that hypericin and hyperforin in St. John's wort lead to an increase in serotonin levels in the brain, which can alleviate depressive symptoms.

from physiologically, vegetable remedies influence the biochemical processes in the body. These substances interact with neurotransmitters, especially serotonin, noradrenaline and dopamine. The mechanism through which these plants work can often be modeled on the classic drugs used in conventional medicine. There is a common effect in the inhibition of their dismantling or by blocking receptors in the central nervous system.

| Plant | Main components | Effect |
| ——————- | ————————— | ————————- |
| St. John's wort | Hypericin, Hyperforin | Atmosphere, antidepressant |
| Baldrian | Valerenic acid, Valepotriate | Soothing, fear -solving |
| Passion flower | Passiflorin | Relaxing, sleep -promoting |

In addition, the psychosocial environment plays a crucial role. Consuming plant remedies can strengthen the feeling of control and self -efficacy. Many people feel that taking natural products is less stigmatized than using antidepressant medication, which can lead to an improved psychological condition. This is particularly important in integrative psychiatry, where the patient's well -being is in the foreground.

The effects of these plants are often not to be considered in isolation. Stress and lifestyle also have an enormous impact on mental health. The simultaneous use of vegetable therapy and lifestyle changes such as dietary changes or regular movement can potentially increase the positive effects. This is also reflected in the growing number of studies that examine the synergies between plant and psychosocial interventions.

Overall, the analysis of the role of medicinal plants in the treatment of depressive moods shows that these natural means can be a valuable addition to modern psychiatry. The effectiveness of vegetable antidepressants, supported by empirical research, can be viewed not only as an alternative, but also as a complementary strategy in order to address mental illnesses. The psychological and physiological mechanisms that are based on the healing effects of plants open up new perspectives for the treatment of depression by expanding the understanding of the complex interactions between body and mind. Future research approaches should further investigate the molecular foundations and the long -term effects of these medicinal plants in order to ensure evidence -based benefits and to sustainably promote the integration of these natural resources into psychotherapeutic practice.

sources and further literature

references

• Schmidt, U. (ed.). (2017). medicinal plants in psychiatry . Elsevier, Urban & Fischer.
• Wölfling, K., & Müller, R. (2019). vegetable medication in the treatment of depression . German pharmacist newspaper.

Studies

• Vogt, T., & Möller, H. J. (2013). The effectiveness of St. John's wort in light to moderate depression: a meta -analysis . Psychopharmacology.
• Jani, M., et al. (2020). effects of St. John’s Word on Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis . Neuropharmacology.

further literature

• Schäfer, R., & Vögtle, W. (2018). textbook of phytotherapy . Teubner Verlag.
• Ulrich-painich, G., & Hönscheid, A. (2021). herbal medicine: therapeutic possibilities and applications . Springer.