St. John's wort has shown promise as an affordable herbal treatment for depression, being compared to tricyclic antidepressants and SSRIs, particularly with less severe forms of the disorder. However, it is also known to interact with several other drugs.

St. John's Wort

A key family of polyunsaturated fats. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), and Alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) are all beneficial in hindering the progressive of degenerative disorders, and have shown some evidence of being useful in treating mental illnesses such as mood disorders. 

Omega-3 Fatty Acids

S-adenosyl methionine has shown some promise in treating depression comparably to tricyclic antidepressants, especially in cases of unipolar depression or comorbid depression with other illnesses. It has been found to be well-tolerated and safe to use in conjunction with other drug treatments.

S-Adenosyl Methionine (SAMe)

Valerian is used as a natural treatment for sleep issues, having sedative and hypnotic qualities that some studies have shown to be comparable to benzodiazepines. Although generally well-tolerated, some cases of severe adverse reactions have been documented.

Valerian

Ginkgo biloba is used in traditional Chinese medicine as a treatment for symptoms of dementia and for its supposed nootropic effects. Although research supporting its positive effect on cognitive function is limited and unclear, the supplement is generally well-tolerated and safe to use in most populations, barring those with bleeding disorders. 

Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba)

Melatonin is a hormone that is used to treat insomnia due to its hypnotic and sedative effects. Although findings regarding its efficacy in different populations have been mixed, it is generally well-tolerated, barring some rare adverse reactions especially among immunocompromised individuals.

Melatonin in Alternative Medicine

- St. John's Wort
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids
- S-Adenosyl Methionine
- Valerian
- Melatonin
- Ginkgo Biloba

Kalamazoo College

- Brainspotting
- Hypnosis
- Alternative Medicine
- Ecotherapy/ Nature Therapy
- Aromatherapy

Types of Alternative Therapy Practices

Mischoulon D. (2018). Popular herbal and natural remedies used in psychiatry. Focus (American Psychiatric Publishing), 16(1), 2–11. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.focus.20170041

Popular Herbal and Natural Remedies Used in Psychiatry

A relatively new therapy technique devised by Dr. David Grand. This type of therapy works to target areas of emotional trauma or pain through the manipulation of a patient's field of vision. It is based on the idea that there are specific locations at which one can look at in order to attune with a negative thought or idea.

Brainspotting

Examples of Alternative Medicines

- Wilderness/ Adventure Therapy
- Forest Bathing
- Park Prescriptions
- Outdoor Meditation and Yoga
- Community Gardening / Farming
- Animal-Assisted Therapy

Types of Ecotherapy

In a therapeutic context, hypnosis is a technique where a trained clinician utilizes relaxation and suggestion to guide a consenting patient toward altering their thoughts and perceptions, often as part of an ongoing treatment plan.

Hypnosis in Therapy

Behere, P. B., Das, A., Yadav, R., & Behere, A. P. (2013). Ayurvedic concepts related to psychotherapy. Indian journal of psychiatry, 55(Suppl 2), S310–S314. https://doi.org/10.4103/0019-5545.105556

References of Ayurvedic Concepts Related to Psychotherapy

Mental imbalances occur when ‘Doshas of mind’ (Ramas and Rajas) are vitiated result in logical disturbances. Unhealthy conditions including negative emotional feelings can accumulate as toxins that give rise to mental disorders. If ignored it turns to permanent disorders.

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