How Effective Is Ginseng for Depression?

Taking ginseng for depression has been shown to treat symptoms and improve mood. Taking ginseng to treat depression is thought to work by balancing serotonin and dopamine, which are neurotransmitters that regulate the mood. There are four types of ginseng, which are American, Korean, Siberian, and Chinese. Each type of ginseng has antidepressant properties, though the Siberian version is thought to be the mildest and produce the least side effects.

In addition to balancing the "feel good" chemicals in the brain, ginseng may also be effective because it might also help strengthen the immune system and prevent people from getting sick, resulting in less depression. People also take ginseng to improve symptoms of attention deficit disorder, arthritis, and chronic fatigue syndrome.

Although typically well tolerated by most people, taking ginseng for depression may cause side effects such as palpitations, muscle spasms, anxiety, and high blood pressure. The health care provider should be consulted before taking ginseng because it can interact negatively with medications and it may not be safe to take when certain medical conditions are present.

Combining ginseng with alcohol can intensify drowsiness and cause confusion, dizziness, and lightheadedness. Ginseng may not be safe to take with certain cardiac medications or with medications that are metabolized by the liver. Taking ginseng for depression should not be a substitute for getting treated by an experienced mental health professional. Some people prefer to self treat their symptoms of depression rather than seek professional help, but this is not recommended.

Depression afflicts millions of people worldwide, and many of those people needlessly suffer in silence. Many available treatment options are typically covered under most medical insurance plans. Even when an patient does not have medical insurance, many medical providers will work with the patient to come up with a viable payment plan so that he can begin treatment.

Prior to taking ginseng for depression, the health care provider should be consulted and a physical examination may also be warranted. A basic blood chemistry profile should be taken to determine if the liver and kidneys are functioning well. Many times, after a physical examination rules out significant diseases or medical conditions, the health care provider may be more inclined to recommended ginseng for his patients suffering from depression.