Have You Tried Natural Remedies For Depression?

Tips To Treat Depression Naturally

There are lots of alternative therapies and natural remedies for depression. You do not have to resort to medications, as most people assume. As soon as anxiety or depression treatments are mentioned, people often jump to the conclusion that drugs are the only answer.

Natural Remedies for Depression

Yes, living with depression is a debilitating problem for many people, but treating it with depression medications can quite often cause more harm than good.

So before resorting to chemical solutions, why not try a natural approach instead.

Natural Remedies for Depression

Here are simple natural remedies for depression, however there are many more!

  • Diet – The Right Mood Foods

Diet alone will not cure depression, but eating a healthy diet is the foundation of a healthy body. If you regularly consume highly processed foods you are contributing to the toxic buildup in your body.

This buildup leads to a variety of problems, including depression. Eat foods high in tryptophan to raise your serotonin levels.

Nutritional deficiencies can trigger depressive symptoms in some people. People deficient in one or more of the B-Vitamins, Calcium, Magnesium, and Vitamin D may be especially vulnerable to depression.

Eliminate sugars and high fructose corn syrup, controversial ingredients included in many processed foods and drinks these days. Eating too much sugar can cause highs immediately after eating, followed by a crash.

This can make you feel worse than you did before you ate.

  • Folic Acid and Omega 3

It’s believed that adding more folic acid and omega-3 fatty acids can also help combat depression. You can find omega-3s in fatty fish such as sardines, salmon and tuna. Avocados, green leafy vegetables and seeds are good sources of folic acid.

  • Exercise – Boost Your Endorphins

Moving your body can keep it healthy and can promote a chemical reaction in your brain that makes you feel good. Endorphins – the chemical responsible – are called the feel good chemical. Your body naturally produces endorphins when you exercise which diminish the perception of pain and act as a sedative. Exercise is a natural mood elevator.

You can start out small by just walking a for a little bit each day, even as much as 10 minutes will help boost your mood. The more you begin to move your body the better you will feel. In fact, you may find that you begin to crave the exercise for the feel good reaction.

  • Sleep and Valerian

Getting proper sleep is important to a healthy mind and body, but depression makes it hard to get a good night’s sleep. Even though you may feel like you’ve slept, it doesn’t mean you are getting quality sleep.

If you have trouble getting restful, deep sleep try some relaxation techniques before bed. Turn off all distractions an hour before bedtime, so you can wind down. This will help your mind to relax from those distractions before trying to sleep. Another would be reading a lighthearted book that promotes good feelings.

You can also try a cup of warm milk (not the added chocolate though), as it can be mildly sedative for some people.

You may also benefit from taking Valerian to help you relax and get better sleep.

  • Sunshine and Vitamin D

Sunlight is not only good for the soul it promotes the production of vitamin D in your body. Vitamin D helps boost your mood. So go outside as often as possible and soak up that healthy sunshine.

  • Herbal Depression Supplements

Supplements derived from the active components of various herbs have been used successfully to treat depression.

  • St. John’s wort is one of the most well-known herbs used in herbal supplements. Proponents say it can be as effective as pharmaceutical anti-depressants for treating mild depression. You can make tea from dry St. John’s wort, but the most common way to take it is in pill or liquid form.

St. John’s wort can be found in health food stores and as a natural ingredient in many depression supplements to help treat depression naturally. This is available without a prescription, but shouldn’t be used in combination with prescription anti-depressants.

  • Kava is an herbal therapy that can be used to reduce problems with anxiety and depression.

This treatment should be used under supervision of a healthcare provider and is best when used for short periods of time.

  • SAMe – this is an herbal supplement that can be used to treat depression, anxiety, and other issues. It naturally helps the body to increase serotonin levels, which is the chemical that creates positive mood.

This is available without a prescription, but like other herbal formulas, shouldn’t be used in combination with prescription anti-depressants.

  • ProVanax – another herbal supplement that contains all natural ingredients for relieving the symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress. You can read my ProVanax review for more details.

Alternative Therapies for Depression

Explore various mind-body connection practices. Yoga, Tai Chi, Meditation, Biofeedback, Aromatherapy, Acupuncture, and other alternative therapies offer relief from the symptoms of depression. They offer relief from fatigue, anxiety and scattered thinking.

  • Yoga

Yoga has been shown to help people experience relaxation and improved mood. This is a practice that combines stretching with breathing and meditation. You can take classes in person or use yoga videos and practice it in your own home.

  • Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a Chinese medicine approach to wellness. In acupuncture, small needles are placed in various points of the body to help remove blocks in energy flow that can lead to health problems. Many people experience positive results from acupuncture when used to treat anxiety and depression.

  • Massage Therapy

Massage therapy can be an effective treatment to lift depression and soothe anxiety. It can help to relax the muscles in the body and reduce the effects of stress that can often lead to depression.

In addition, if you’re suffering from depression related to chronic disease, massage therapy can help to give relief from symptoms and improve your mood. Massage may not completely eliminate depression, but can be a good supportive therapy.

Homeopathic and Naturopathic Medicine

You may also be able to get relief by visiting a homeopathic or naturopathic physician who is trained in whole body wellness. They can help to treat the underlying causes of anxiety and depression and help you to get relief.

Depression can be managed and in some cases completely alleviated. Early diagnosis and treatment of depression lessens the condition’s overall impact on a person’s physical health and relationships.

Depression treatments are often expensive and many have unpleasant side effects. Before resorting to chemical treatments, give these natural remedies for depression a try. You may find they elevate your moods, make you feel healthier and happier and combat depression in no time.

Affiliate Disclosure

My website contains affiliate links, which means if you purchase any products mentioned in my articles, I may receive a commission. If you do, thank you!

About Jennifer Johnson

I suffered with social anxiety and stress for years. I discovered what my triggers were and learned to control them. Hopefully some of the natural anxiety relief techniques I have tried, will also be your solution.

Speak Your Mind

*