With approximately 20 million adults being diagnosed with depression this year, it is no wonder so many people seek natural remedies for depression. Most people benefit from drug therapy coupled with psychotherapy but they find that the side effects of the drugs are more than they can handle. Rather than treat this serious illness with chemicals, some people choose to visit homeopathic doctors who can treat them with natural cures for depression anxiety. Self treating is not advisable so it is important that you consult with a doctor before starting any treatment, even natural remedies for depression, because there can be other causes of depression symptoms such as anemia and hypothyroidism. You should always be diagnosed by a medical professional versed in depressive illnesses and consider all treatment options before starting any regimen.
Natural Remedies for Depression
There are six natural cures for depression anxiety that are widely used. These should be used under the care of a medical and mental health care professional to ensure that the results are improving your depression. Some natural remedies for depression can affect other medicines and interact with other herbs so you must be careful when using them.
St. John’s Wort – this can be found at any health food store in many forms. It has been found to work better than any placebo in treating mild to moderate depression symptoms. The herb takes about 4 to 6 weeks to begin showing effects and it is a long time staple of traditional medical treatments for depression. The side effects include dry mouth, fatigue, indigestion and dizziness. There have also been cases of increased photosensitivity which means you have to be extra careful when using St. John’s Wort and being exposed to sunlight.
With regard to interactions, it can cause problems with drugs used to treat depression, infections (such as HIV and AIDS), oral contraceptives and organ transplant medicines. Pregnant and nursing women, children and people who have kidney or liver diseases should not use St. John’s Wort. People who have bipolar disorder should also not use this natural remedy for depression.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids – this ‘good fat’ is found in many different types of food and cannot be made by our bodies. People who have low levels of these fatty acids have a higher rate of depression and it is believed that they can reduce the rate of depression when ingested in increased amounts. A diet rich in omega-3 fatty acids coupled with antidepressants are known to be a great combination for reduction of depression. You can find these fatty acids in cold water fish and fish oil.
Side effects of these natural remedies for depression are mainly from fish oil and include indigestion, fishy after taste and bleeding. Fish oil should not be consumed for 2 weeks prior to surgery. There is a risk that fish oil capsules will interact with blood thinning drugs so care must be taken when combining them.
SAM-e – this chemical is found in our bodies and work to increase the brain’s levels of serotonin and dopamine, key factors in improving depression. You can find SAM-e supplements in health food stores and some drug stores. Side effects include constipation and nausea.
Folic Acid – B vitamins are known to be deficient in people who suffer from depression and folic acid (folate) is one of the best natural remedies for depression. You can find folate in green leafy vegetables, grains, legumes and some fruits. Folic acid supplements are recommended for people who have a poor diet as well as people who take various chemical medicines that reduce the levels of B vitamins in the body. Folic Acid can also improve the effectiveness of chemical antidepressants.
5-HTP - 5-hydroxytryptophan is a chemical produced by our bodies that helps make serotonin which helps regulate mood. Though there is not much scientific proof about the effectiveness of 5-HTP, it is believed that an increase of the levels through supplements can improve depression. It is not recommended that 5-HTP be taken with antidepressants.
Light Therapy – when depression is caused by changes in the seasons, light therapy can be very effective. The exposure to additional light can improve the body’s internal clock and regulate the moods which can help avoid symptoms of depression. You can do light therapy by simply taking time out during the day to be outside or by purchasing special lights that simulate natural light indoors for 30 minutes per day during the winter months.
