Herbal Care for Depression

Many women in my family, and friends I know have been dealing with seasonal or chronic depression for some time. Most people are familiar with St Johns Wort as a supreme herbal treatment for depression. AltMedicine on About.com says studies show the plant works better than a placebo. My friend recently stated St Johns Wort is off limits to her because it can't mix with her pharmaceutical meds. So I was like, I'm gonna look into that. This website talks a little about those potential complications: http://www.herbal-supplement-resource.com/herbs-for-depression.html (though it doesn't say exactly why, however, this website lists these side-effects: increased sensitivity to sunlight, dryness of mouth, dizziness, gastrointestinal symptoms, fatigue, headache, confusion and sedation.)
Of course there are so many products available in herb stores. But consider concocting your own tea based on these herbs (satisfy your unique composition of tastes and smells!) - listed on herbal-supplement-resource

• False Unicorn - (Chamaelirium luteum)
• Thyme - (Thymus vulgaris)
• Mugwort - (Artemisia vulgaris)
• Fennel - (Foeniculum vulgare)
• Yerba Mate - (Ilex paraguariensis)
• Yellow Dock - (Rumex crispus)
• Vervain - (vervain-herbs.html)
• Wormwood - (Artemisia absinthium)
• Self Heal - (Prunella vulgaris)
• Borage - (Borago officinalis)
• Sweet Orange - (Citrus sinensis)
• Sweet Basil - (Ocimum basilicum)
• Blessed Thistle - (Cnicus benedictus)
• Bergamot - (Citrus bergamia)
• Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata)
• Valerian Root (Valeriana officinalis)
• Skullcap (Scutilaria lateriflora)

Many of those herbs are also available in essential oil form, which is a strong way to infuse yourself in your bedroom. Some herbs are pricey-er than others. Thyme or Sweet Orange are relatively budget-friendly. Grow Thyme, Fennel and Borage in your garden!!! (We have some volunteer Borage plants in the community center garden right now)

Other websites recently sent my way:
http://www.livestrong.com/article/30604-care-loved-ones-anxiety-/
http://www.helpguide.org/mental/living_depressed_person.htm
http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/depression/MH00016/NSECTIONGROUP=2
http://psychcentral.com/lib/2006/how-to-help-a-stressed-or-depressed-loved-one/