Natural Treatments for Depression
Natural treatments for depression can help you on the road to recovery.
If you are interested in treating depression using natural methods, effective natural remedies for depression may improve mood and alleviate troubling symptoms.
Deficiencies in the brain and nervous system can be factors in depressed mood. Natural depression treatments provide the brain with critical nutrients needed for cognitive functioning and emotional well-being.
Natural Treatments for Depression
- Ginkgo Biloba is beneficial in treating cognitive decline and depression and can help with mental clarity and concentration-processes that are sometimes aggravated by depression.
- Valerian is thought to have hypotensive properties. It is used for treating insomnia, restlessness, anxiety-induced sleep disorders, and depression.
- St. John’s Wort is used in some European countries to treat mild to moderate depression, nervousness and anxiety, and sleep disorders. Research shows that St. John’s Wort counteracts uptake of serotonin by brain neurons. Hypericin, pseudohypericin, and other mechanisms of action contribute to the antidepressive properties of the extract. Over 20 clinical trials suggest that St. John’s Wort is as effective as antidepressant drugs and is one of the good natural remedies for depression.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids are needed for good brain function. Unfortunately, Western eating habits do not appear to include the necessary amount of omega-3s. Fish oil capsules are a safe, chemical-free source of omega-3s.
- SAM-e is believed to increase levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine and serotonin. SAM-e is available as an over-the-counter, enteric-coated supplement in North American health food stores.
- B-6 has been used to successfully treat depression in subjects who were deficient in the vitamin. B6 is a cofactor for enzymes that convert L-tryptophan to serotonin and L-tyrosine to norepinephrine. A typical dose is 50 mg daily.
- B-12 deficiency can manifest as depression.
- Folic Acid deficiency is common and can contribute to low mood. Taking a folic acid supplement can improve the effectiveness of antidepressant medications.
- Vitamin C may be helpful for people whose depression is aggravated by low levels of serotonin.
- Magnesium deficiency may be at the root of some cases of depression. A supplement that contains 200-400 mg/day may combat depressed mood. Magnesium is needed for serotonin production.
Other Natural Depression Treatments
Talk Therapy
Sometimes just talking about your feelings can be a release. Knowing that you don’t have to go it alone may help to reduce anxiety levels. Cognitive restructuring can help you to adopt different thinking patterns. This can make a difference in how you feel because thoughts actually alter brain chemistry.
Exercise
Exercise has been shown to help in reducing mild to moderate depression. It may be helpful to join a neighborhood walking group. Group activities help with motivation levels and offer a sense of community.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture may help to alleviate depressive feelings.
Meditation
Meditation can ease anxiety and reduce tension, helping individuals to feel more peaceful.
Good Life Management
Depression can sometimes be a signal that something is out of kilter-a still, small voice alerting us that something is wrong. Pay attention to areas of your life that are causing trouble and take steps to change what you can.
Self Nurturing
Nurture yourself by being your own best friend. People often have harsh or unrealistic expectations that drive them to be harder on themselves that they would ever be to a friend. You are your best own best friend. Treat yourself accordingly.
Self Care
Give yourself permission to take time to recharge your batteries. You are worth it. At times, we are programmed by messages from childhood that make us feel guilty or lazy if we take time off-and this can lead to exhaustion.
Take Action
- It may be helpful to talk to a nutritional or naturopathic practitioner if you are interested in pursuing natural treatments for depression
- If depression is severe, it is always advisable to talk to a medical professional who is trained in the treatment of clinical depression. Severe depressive illness requires medical evaluation and a different and, at times, comprehensive treatment strategy.
If you are grappling with depression, remember that help and hope are available.
Liked it
Chris | May 24, 2008 | Reply
Some useful remedies in there. A person might have to try one or two things to find what is best but taking an active role in managing one’s depression is no bad thing.
Athlyn Green | May 24, 2008 | Reply
Hi Chris,
Thank you for your comments. Yes, thankfully, there are a number of different approaches when seeking to alleviate symptoms of depression. It’s always a good idea to seek out advice from health professionals because, while generally safer, even herbal preparations can interact with other medications.
Survivor | May 24, 2008 | Reply
Plan and carry out an activity you enjoy – just for yoursef, every day and an ‘achievement’ activity every day – (it doesn’t have to be anything major).
I was advised this and it has been very effective for depression.
Athlyn Green | May 24, 2008 | Reply
Hi Survivor,
I couldn’t agree more. Often, just changing the way we treat ourselves can make a difference.
Athlyn Green | May 24, 2008 | Reply
That sounds interesting, Jessemat.
Fragrances can definitely enhance atmosphere and when meditating, this would add to the experience.
edw | May 24, 2008 | Reply
tried many of these…for moderate to major depression, many of these just not work…sorry….
Athlyn Green | May 24, 2008 | Reply
Hi Edw,
Herbal remedies can be effective for mild to moderate depression; however, as I mentioned in the article, deeper depression may need stronger measures.
Additionally, some people respond better to herbal preparations while others do better on medication. Each person’s chemistry is different.
The benefit of herbal remedies is that in most cases side effects are less severe.
IcyCucky | May 24, 2008 | Reply
Great resources for treatment of depression..
valli | May 24, 2008 | Reply
Very useful information.
Devin Aldine | May 25, 2008 | Reply
Thank you for this information. I bookmarked your article because I know so many people who suffer from depression and would like to go about it naturally that I need to tell them about this, as medication has very unfortunate and sometimes very painful side-effects of putting harsh chemicals into the body.
I found it interesting that vitamin deficiencies cause depression. It might be one reason why many people I know are depressed, since regular (and high) vitamin supplement intake actually helps their moods significantly.
Once again, thank you for this information. I’ll recommend the article and pass it on.
Athlyn Green | May 25, 2008 | Reply
Thank you, Icycucky and Valli
Athlyn Green | May 25, 2008 | Reply
Hi Devin,
One has to wonder about the effects of soil depletion on brain function. Humans aren’t getting the range of nutrients when vegetables are grown on depleted soils.
As, well, Western diets don’t generally include enough omega-3s. Fast food, as everyone knows, is laden with the wrong fats and salt.
Oils that are heated to high temperatures can be carcinogenic.
Is it any wonder that we are seeing heart disease, cancer, and depression striking humans at earlier ages?
Moses Ingram | May 25, 2008 | Reply
This is very useful information, as natural treatments are always best.
Athlyn Green | May 25, 2008 | Reply
Hi Moses,
Yes, natural treatments are an attractive alternative to chemical preparations. Many herbs contain healthful medicinal properties.
Ronald Marbles | May 26, 2008 | Reply
Well written article and keeps you interested until the very last line. I did not try a lot of those things but I can assure you that exercise (especially walking) and St.John’s Wort really help. Even for people that are not suffering from any kind of depression the Wort can make you feel real good, like pushing all the bad thoughts on the side.
Athlyn Green | May 26, 2008 | Reply
Hi Chan,
I’ll read your article about depression-fighting foods, since I also write nutritional/holistic articles.
Athlyn Green | May 26, 2008 | Reply
Hi Ron,
Thank you for your comments. Yes, I agree about St. John’s wort. I knew someone who, after taking it, showed marked improvement. What was so interesting is that a change was noticeable after about 20 minutes–which, I believe is rare. I guess this person’s chemistry was somewhat different.
He would go from being withdrawn and tense to whistling and talking. I asked him if he felt any different. He said he didn’t notice anything, he still felt like himself; however, I could see such a change in his personality.
Another friend of mine joined a walking group and she commented that it really helped her.
Ronald Marbles | May 26, 2008 | Reply
With the wort there is an almost instant change. Personally I can feel the change and at first I used to think that it was all in my mind so I stopped taking them for a while and started again and felt good. I don’t know what makes it like that but I am glad it does.
Athlyn Green | May 26, 2008 | Reply
Hi Ron,
I’m glad that it helped you and that you’ve shared your experience with readers. It’s nice to know that there are substances available that make a difference.
http://www.socyberty.com/Sexuality/Top-10-Orgasmic-Foods-to-Spice-Up-Your-Love-Life.130121 | May 27, 2008 | Reply
This piece is excellent also.
AJ Garcia | May 27, 2008 | Reply
very good compilation! ill take vitamins and try meditation. Godbless
Athlyn Green | May 27, 2008 | Reply
Thanks, AJ,
All the best.
Paul Corvus | Jun 12, 2008 | Reply
This is a very helpful and well written article. I already knew most of this, but its great to have all the information in one place.
Athlyn Green | Jun 12, 2008 | Reply
Hi Paul, thank you for your comments.