Depression is a mental health condition that affects more than 17 million adults in the United States alone. However, the actual number is thought to be much higher, considering that many people with depression don’t seek treatment for various reasons.

Depressive disorders can be treated with medication and psychotherapy. In addition, lifestyle modifications, such as making dietary changes and taking certain supplements, may help people recover and reduce the chance of relapse.

However, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional before trying any new supplement to ensure that the supplement is safe and appropriate for your needs.

These products and herbal remedies may help manage some symptoms, but they are NOT a treatment for depression. Be wary of any products that claim to be a cure.
If you or someone you know has a mental health emergency, call the Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988.

Below, we share our picks of the best herbal treatments for depression that may help manage some symptoms.

NOTE: Supplements are not FDA-approved or regulated

Supplements and vitamins are not regulated by the FDA. Check with a healthcare professional before starting or stopping any supplement or medication.

There are a ton of dietary supplements on the market, but not all of them are safe and effective or widely studied.

For this article, we chose supplements based on the following criteria:

  • Evidence-based: The supplements on this list have research supporting their use in depression.
  • Testing: We chose brands whose products are tested regularly throughout the manufacturing process, ideally by a third-party organization.
  • Ingredients: We selected products from brands that prioritize the use of high quality ingredients and easily absorbed forms of vitamins and minerals.
  • Price: While the supplements included vary in price, they provide a good value.
  • Vetting: All brands and products listed below have been vetted and approved by our team of experts, who evaluate companies based on medical credibility and business practices.

If you have depression and want to try one or more supplements to see whether they improve your symptoms, it’s important to ask a healthcare professional for advice before adding any new supplement to your diet.

Even though some supplements may be helpful for reducing depressive symptoms in some people, they’re not appropriate or safe for everyone.

After you’ve discussed your options with a healthcare professional and have identified one or more appropriate supplement ingredients, it’s essential to choose high quality products from trusted companies, such as those listed in this article.

It’s also important to consider the following when shopping for supplements:

  • Potential drug interactions: Some supplements may interact with medications, including antidepressant medications. This is one reason it’s important to discuss any new supplements with a healthcare professional.
  • Form and dosage: Some supplement forms, such as softgels, are easier to swallow. If you have trouble remembering to take supplements or are taking other vitamins or medications, you may consider a product that you need to take only once per day.
  • Ingredients: Be sure to read supplement labels carefully, especially if you have dietary preferences or needs, such as food allergies. Some people may also prefer to avoid supplements that contain additives such as artificial colors and preservatives.
  • Cost: Supplements can vary in price, so it’s important to compare product cost, especially if you’re on a budget.

Everyone feels low from time to time. However, depression is completely different from a low mood. Depression causes a persistent feeling of sadness and causes you to lose interest in things you once enjoyed.

If you’re experiencing depression, it’s critical to get the right help.

If you’re not sure where to find the help you need, talk with a trusted healthcare professional, such as a primary care physician or a therapist, so they can perform a thorough assessment and identify the best treatment for you.

If you or someone you know is considering suicide or self-harm, please seek support:

While you wait for help to arrive, stay with someone and remove any weapons or substances that can cause harm. You are not alone.

Studies show that certain dietary supplements, including omega-3s, vitamin D, rhodiola, B12, and saffron, may be helpful for reducing depressive symptoms in some people.

However, these supplements may not be appropriate or effective for everyone.

Be sure to clear any new dietary supplement with a healthcare professional before taking it. This is especially important if you’re taking antidepressants or other medications.

A healthcare professional can help you decide which supplements may be the most appropriate based on factors like your medical history, medications, and laboratory values.

There is no one best supplement for people with depression. Although some supplements have been shown to benefit certain populations with depression, not everyone will benefit from the same supplements.

Every person with depression has different needs and should work with a healthcare professional to create an individualized care plan, which may or may not involve dietary supplements.

While some herbs, such as rhodiola and chamomile, may be helpful for reducing or managing symptoms in some individuals, there is no best herb for treating anxiety or depression (41).

Furthermore, even if you find that taking an herbal supplement is helpful, it shouldn’t be used in place of a prescribed antidepressant medication.

Depression is a mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. Although depression is typically treated with medication and therapy, some people may want to try other safe methods, such as dietary modifications or supplements, to reduce their symptoms.

The supplements in this article have been studied for their potential to reduce depressive symptoms and may be appropriate for some people with depression.

However, medical experts need to do more research before they will be able to draw robust conclusions about these supplements’ effects on depression.

It’s essential to discuss any new supplement with a healthcare professional to ensure that it’s safe for you and fits your needs. Note that the products in this article, along with other vitamins and supplements, are not FDA-approved or regulated.