Homeopathy for depression
In homeopathy there are numerous globules that are said to have a positive effect in the treatment of symptoms that can occur in the context of depression. Depending on which symptoms are in the foreground, for example nux vomica (nux vomica), ambergris (amber), Acidum phosphoricum (phosphoric acid), Pulsatilla pratensis (meadow cow pellet), Lycopodium (club marmoset), Cimicifuga (grape silver candle) and Ignatia amara are used. However, St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) probably has the greatest popularity for homeopathic treatment of depressive episodes.
The effect of St. John’s wort is said to be superior to placebo, although it is still not entirely clear through which mechanism of action St. John’s wort develops its effect. The efficacy of St. John’s wort is limited to mild, and in some cases probably moderate, depressive episodes. Its use in severe depressive episodes is not sufficient.
St. John’s wort is freely available in pharmacies and drugstores, but has side effects that should not be underestimated: Headache, agitation, increased sensitivity to light. In addition, St. John’s wort can lead to a weakening of certain drug levels in the blood. For example, the effective level of the “pill” can be reduced when St. John’s wort is taken at the same time.
Pregnancies have been described under a combination therapy of the “pill” and St. John’s wort. Other medications such as immunosuppressants and blood thinners can also be weakened by St. John’s wort, so it is important to inform the attending physician about taking them. St. John’s wort is an approximately 60 cm high plant with golden yellow flowers.
It grows naturally in Europe, West Asia and North Africa and is cultivated agriculturally, for example in Germany. St. John’s wort is used in medicine as a medicinal plant and antidepressant. Its active ingredient Hypericum, which is present in the petals and buds of the plant, is administered in the form of tablets for mild to moderate depressive phases as well as for internal restlessness.
During a depression, fewer chemical compounds, so-called neurotransmitters, are active in the brain. The result is a sinking mood and the sad character of the disease. St. John’s wort causes the neurotransmitters in the brain to work longer and thus the mood becomes more stable and possibly better.
The medicinal plant has hardly any direct side effects on the human body and is generally considered to be very well tolerated. Only rarely are there reports of gastrointestinal complaints, agitation or an allergic reaction to St. John’s wort. The very rarely occurring light sensitivity (photosensitization) can be counteracted by avoiding excessive exposure to sunlight.
St. John’s wort inhibits enzymes in the liver (isoenzyme CYP3A4). These are responsible for the breakdown and activation of some drugs. If the patient takes such drugs, their effectiveness decreases as a result.
This can become a problem with important drugs.St. John’s wort should not be combined with the following medications: After stopping the treatment with St. John’s wort, there may be an increase in the effect of various medications, which must be observed by the treating physician. It has been discussed for a long time whether the medicinal plant St. John’s wort has a scientifically proven effect against depression at all.
In the field of mild to moderate depression, experts now agree that this is the case. In the case of severe depression, however, no actual effect of the plant on the course of the disease has yet been proven. Further uncertainties exist with regard to the dosage and individual effect of the available drugs on patients.
In addition, pregnant women must be advised against taking it.
- Various drugs with an effect on the psyche have
- Drugs that suppress the immune system (immune suppressants)
- The asthma drug theophylline
- Special HIV or AIDS drugs
- Blood thinners or anticoagulants (anticoagulants)
- Birth control pill
A depression can develop over the course of several weeks, months or even relatively suddenly. It is often triggered by events that traumatize the patient, such as separation from the partner, loss of employment or the death of a close person.
The personality structure of the patient plays a major role in this process. Women are often more concerned with their feelings than men and therefore more often seek psychological or psychiatric treatment for their depression. The mood during a depression takes the form of a wave or interval.
After the onset of the disease, the symptoms of depression slowly increase, and the patient reacts by rapidly deteriorating mood. At the low point of the interval, suicidal thoughts often occur. If such thoughts occur, a reference person or medical staff should be contacted immediately.
Through successful therapy and support of the patient, the symptoms of depression can be alleviated and overcome. In addition, the mood improves during recovery until it usually returns to its original level. For some depression patients, however, this is not the end of the disease.
About half of all patients develop depression again after about 4 years. On average, patients go through 4 depressive intervals in their lives. The chance to fall ill again increases with each interval.
