Synopsis

Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1

Black Hellebore (Helleborus niger) has a long history of use in traditional medicine, particularly in ancient Greek and Roman times. It was reputedly used by Hippocrates and others to treat various mental disturbances, including what might now be described as depression or melancholia. The plant was regarded as a potent purgative and was believed to “cleanse” the body of black bile, which ancient humoral theory associated with depression. Despite these historical uses, modern scientific evidence supporting Black Hellebore’s efficacy or safety in treating depression is lacking. The plant contains toxic compounds such as helleborin and hellebrin, and its use can cause serious adverse effects, including cardiac disturbances, gastrointestinal symptoms, and even death. No clinical trials or robust pharmacological studies support its use for depression. Today, Black Hellebore is generally considered unsafe and is not recommended for medicinal use. The evidence for its application in depression is thus rooted in historical tradition rather than contemporary science, and its risks far outweigh any potential benefits suggested by ancient sources.

More about Black Hellebore
More about Depression

Other ingredients used for Depression

Other health conditions supported by Black Hellebore

Products containing Black Hellebore