12 Natural Remedies For Depression

It is more and more common with all generations. It is much more serious than just simple mood swings or feeling down. 

Depression is a feeling that doesn't go away and seriously impacts your daily life.

It is a disorder in your brain function. The cause can be genetic, environmental, psychological or biochemical. It is much more common with women, who can also suffer from postpartum depression. 

There is also a type of depression that many are familiar with called seasonal depression or more technically seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

Conventional depression treatment includes SSRIs, Zoloft, Prozac, and such medications. 

These medications are not long-term cures for depression, instead, they merely mask the symptoms. 

They can even cause suicidal thoughts and severe chemical changes in the brain. So, contrary to that, let's look at some natural remedies for depression with much less (if any) side effects.

1. St. John's Wort

Photo by Harry Rose on Flickr (CC BY 2.0)

St. John's Wort is the world's most popular herbal remedy for depression. It has been used since ancient times. Just looking at its star-like yellow flowers can make you feel better and more peaceful.

It contains hypericin which, unlike prescribed farmaceutical antidepressants, does not cause nearly as many side-effects and has an even stronger effect. 

St. John's Wort increases levels of serotonin in the brain, thus increasing the mood and feeling of happiness. To make a tea, take 2 teaspoons of dry herb, put it in a cup of hot water, and leave for around 10min. Drink 2 cups a day during a period of 4-6 weeks.  

To buy top-quality St. John's Wort products, click here.

2. Omega-3 fatty acids

Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids can improve symptoms of depression. 

The proper function of our brain greatly depends on fatty acids, 1/3 of which belonging to the omega-3 family. Salmon, herring, sardines, egg yolks, walnuts, fish oil, all rich with omega-3 fatty acids should enter your daily diet if you suffer from depression. 

You can also buy fish oil capsules as a supplement, but also consider eating more fish like salmon, tuna or sardines on a weekly basis to increase the amount of omega-3 fatty acids in your system.  

To buy fish oil capsules, click here.

3. Chamomile

Chamomile is a well-known herb for relaxation and stress reliever. You can drink it in tea form, buy chamomile scented candles or make a bath with a couple of drops of essential oil.

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4. Lavender oil

Lavender oil has properties similar to that of chamomile. It can act as a sedative and a full relaxer. It relieves stress, helps you sleep, acts as an antioxidant, and all those things help with depression.

Click here to buy top lavender essential oil.

5. Purslane

Purslane is rich with magnesium and potassium, calcium, folate, lithium, and tryptophan. In fact, the whole plant contains 16% of antidepressive compounds!

Eating purslane in a form of salad can be a delicious antidepressive treat!

6. Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha, a popular Indian herb is a great stress reliever, therefore it can reduce depression. It is also an adaptogen and can reduce levels of cortisol in your system, which is a stress hormone that can cause depression.

Click here to buy Ashwagandha in capsule form.

7. Ginkgo biloba

Ginkgo has been proven by research to reduce depression symptoms and one way it does that is by increasing blood flow to the brain, which can also benefit older people in the case of memory loss and lowered concentration abilities. 

Ginkgo is another herb which increases levels of serotonin and dopamine, and as an adaptogen reduces cortisol, a stress hormone.

For a top ginkgo product on Amazon, click here.

8. Arctic root

Photo by Tero Laakso on Flickr (CC BY-SA 2.0)

This highly valued adaptogen, or a substance which makes you more resilient to stress, makes for a great natural antidepressant. 

It also increases levels of serotonin and dopamine which makes you feel better. 

Ancient Greeks have been using it thousands of years ago to increase their vitality and health, both physically and mentally.

These tablets are the most recommended arctic root product as it already helped many people to reduce stress levels, get rid of depression and increase overall cognitive abilities.

9. Asparagus

Asparagus root is regarded as highly beneficial in treating depression. Containing lots of folic acids, asparagus can enhance your mood and decrease depression symptoms. 

Consuming 1-2g of powder from crushed asparagus root per day can basically alleviate depression in its entirety.  

10. Camu Camu

This tree with round red fruits has great capabilities in aiding mental health.

It contains valine, serine, leucine and other similar compounds which affect the brain in a therapeutic way. It improves mental health and increases the brain's serotonin levels which greatly reduces depression and anxiety levels.

There are 2 choices for product purchase, powder or capsules. For powder, click here, and for capsules, click here. 

11. Saffron

Saffron is a culinary spice, but a very expensive one, because it is made from the stigmas of the purple crocus. Nonetheless, it is a great depression remedy, very much like certain pharmaceutical medications. 

It's hard to find good quality saffron at a good price, especially if you buy online. That's why the research has been done for you. Just click here to buy top quality saffron for a good price that got the best reviews.

12. Turmeric

Turmeric contains an active ingredient called curcumin. Studies found that curcumin can have beneficial effects regarding depression, similar to the effect of Prozac. 

Prozac, just like any medically prescribed treatment, can have severe side-effects. Turmeric, on the other hand, doesn't, and is, therefore, a safe natural depression remedy.

Click here for top quality capsules, and here for top quality powder.

Other ways to reduce depression symptoms:

1. Change the things in your life which make you depressed. Even though depression can be caused by many things, tracing the cause of your feelings and dealing with it could greatly benefit you in resolving any stressful situation that might be causing you to feel depressed.

2. Exercise. It has been proven countless times that exercise can benefit us in so many ways. In the case of depression, exercise produces positive hormones in our brain, increases blood circulation, gives us energy, improves our sleep, all those things which make us feel good and happy, which depression stays away from. Go for a run, a bike ride, hiking, engage in some sport or just take a half hour walk each day. Enjoy all that you do. Depression is bound to subside.

3. Proper diet. Stay away from processed food and fast food. Our body craves these types of foods when we feel down because they release serotonin in the brain and make us feel better. But they have a longer negative effect than positive, which is actually just a short mood booster. Instead eat fish, beans, natural dairy products like yogurt or kefir, walnuts, olive oil, and different types of berries to help balance out all the nutrient deficiencies which can be causing you to feel down.

4. Friendship and support. Because depression is often a consequence of emotional problems, having a supportive and loving environment can help in a large way. There is a greater chance of depression if you have poor social quality and no one, or very few people to support you. So get friends, build relationships and watch as depression subsides.

5. Speak to a therapist. It is no shame to talk to a professional if you need to. They are trained and licensed medical doctors who can help you overcome any emotional trauma or problem that may be causing you to be depressed. So talk to them about your problems and let them help you.