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 NATURAL DEPRESSION REMEDIES: WHAT WORKS





A recent review published by Frontiers (July 28, 2025) set out to clear some of the confusion around over-the-counter (OTC) supplements for depression. While plenty of products like St John’s Wort and omega-3s have been recommended for years, the real question is—how strong is the evidence for any of them? The research team analyzed over 200 clinical trials covering 64 different OTC products, and the results are both hopeful and sobering.

Which Supplements Have the Most Evidence?

Some products do stand out. St John’s Wort, saffron, probiotics, and vitamin D have the strongest track records, each supported by more than ten clinical trials. St John’s Wort and saffron, in particular, were often as effective as prescription antidepressants in reducing symptoms. Probiotics and vitamin D also showed clear benefits over placebo, while omega-3s had mixed results—some studies found positive effects, others found none.

What About Other Natural Products?

Eighteen products showed “emerging evidence”—meaning they’ve been the subject of two to nine trials each. Out of these, folic acid, lavender, zinc, tryptophan, rhodiola, and lemon balm looked the most promising. There were also small but encouraging results for bitter orange, Persian lavender, and chamomile tea. On the other hand, popular options like melatonin, magnesium, and curcumin had mixed or limited effects, suggesting more research is needed before we know if they help.

A large chunk—41 out of 64 products—were only tested in a single trial. While this is a start, one study usually isn’t enough to draw any firm conclusions.

Are These Supplements Safe?

The good news is that most products didn’t raise significant safety concerns, whether taken alone or alongside antidepressants. Still, the researchers highlight that only about two-thirds of the clinical trials fully reported on side effects. They recommend talking to a healthcare provider before starting any supplement, especially if you’re taking other medications, since interactions are always possible.

What’s Next for Research?

One gap the review found is that, while many studies tested supplements combined with antidepressants, very few looked at how supplements might work alongside talking therapies like counseling. Only one trial considered whether a supplement (folic acid) could save healthcare costs—it didn’t. The study also points out that some popular herbal remedies (like ginseng, ginkgo, lime flowers, orange blossom, and peppermint) haven’t been studied at all for depression, despite being widely used.

Bottom Line

Suppose you’re considering OTC supplements for depression. In that case, the evidence supports a handful of options—especially St John’s Wort, saffron, probiotics, and vitamin D. Other products may be helpful, but we need more studies to be sure. Most appear reasonably safe, but it’s always smart to check with a doctor or pharmacist first. As more research emerges, we hope to gain even more precise insights into which natural remedies can truly make a difference.

If you need more guidance on nutrition and health coaching, visit us at ProTime-Fitness.org.

(Source: Frontiers, 2025. For more details, see the full study summary at Frontiers.

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