Natural Medicine and Herbal Remedies For Depression
Dealing with
depression can be a sensitive subject, with many people trying to hide their
inner feelings. Winters and season changes are two most common triggers for
depression, but many people do suffer from anxiety and depression throughout
their life. There can be number of reasons for increasing depression, but the
remedies and treatments are often same. If you’re looking for natural medicines
or herbal remedies for depression, read on to explore your options for treating
depression.
In this
article, we’ll talk about some natural methods, herbs and supplements that will
help you get rid of your anxiety disorders and depression. All the natural
remedies mentioned below have been proven to deliver effective and lasting
results.
How To Treat Depression
Naturally
Eat Serotonin-enhancing
Food
Most of the OTC available antidepressants act by increasing the
production of serotonin in the body. Since imbalance of serotonin levels often
lead to depression, eating serotonin-enhancing diet will help you uplift your
mood naturally. Serotonin-enhancing foods can include: fruits and vegetable
rich in omega-3 fatty (wild salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines and anchovies).
If you have been pregnant, have cracked lips, dry lips and/or aching joints,
chances are that your body needs more Omega3.
5-Hydroxytryptophan
(5-HTP)
Without any doubt, 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) has been one of
the most commonly used natural supplements for depression. It is an amino-acid
that works as an intermediate step between serotonin and tryptophan. Many
people have started using it as an effective alternative for expensive and
risk-bearing traditional depression drugs. It is made from the extract of an
African plant’s seed. It helps boost serotonin levels that regulate mood, calm
anxiety and improve sleep.
B Vitamins
There is a lot that can be said about B vitamins as an
alternative for boosting moods. Including food items that provide your body
with B vitamin complex i.e B1, B2, B6, B12 and so on can help you get over the
depressing phase in an instant and keep your mind relaxed. Best sources of
B-complex are green leafy vegetables, organs (liver and kidney) of grass-fed
sources, and whole grain foods.
St. John’s Wort
One of the most preferred and commonly recommended herbs - St.
John’s Wort is an ultimate natural solution for depression. This herb has a
reputation of being one of the most effective treatments for anxiety and mood
swings. It is a mild-sedative and acts by reducing pain, stress, anxiety and
inflammation.
Stress Zapper/Buster
Teas
There are number of herbal teas available that are prepared by
using stress-busting herbs. When combined together with the goodness of tea,
this natural remedy can help fight depression, as well as anxiety disorders as
soon as you consume it. For anyone suffering with depression, cannot go wrong
with a couple of cups a day of a stress buster tea. These teas contain traces
of stress relieving herbs like St. John’s Wort, Siberian Ginseng and Ginkgo.
All of them help by eliminating the feeling of fatigue, and boost mental
alertness.
Other Useful Things to
Keep in Mind
Apart from proper diet, supplements and herbs, there are other
activities that you must perform when fighting with your depression.
Naturopathic physicians recommend performing any one of the below given
activities a day, to keep depression at bay.
●
Quality sleep is important as it puts you body and mind
at rest. After a hectic, stressful day, 7-8 hours of quality sleep can help you
keep anxieties and stress at bay.
●
Fresh air, sunshine and some refreshments is a good way
to feel close to the nature. Spending at least 15-20 minutes outside everyday
is a good way to maintain a healthy mind.
●
Even moderate exercises or leisurely brisk walks can
help increase circulation of feel good brain chemicals. Hence, improving the
overall quality of your life.
●
Caffeine and
aerated drinks not only dehydrate your body, but can also make your mind feel
more stressed and anxious at the same time. Try to limit your consumption of
caffeine and aerated drinks. A couple of coffee cups a day should help you
maintain a good balance.
These were
some of the most effective natural medicines and herbal remedies for
depression. If western medications and other alternative treatments doesn’t
seem to work, consulting expert and experienced naturopathic physicians can
prove to be your best choice. Natural medicine has been proven to treat
depressions successfully and provide lasting relief to patients. You should
also consider conducting an RBTI analyst to ensure that there are no underlying
problems.
