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9 Natural Depression Remedies

By Operation-Meditation

Around 20 million adults in the United States are suffering with depression today. Most of these people do not seek treatment. Depression is a mood condition in which feelings of sadness, loss, anger, or frustration hinder everyday living. Depression can be mild, moderate, or severe, and many find that it is a chronic problem. If you are battling the blues, find out if one of these 9 natural depression remedies is right for you.

1. St. John’s Wort

St. John’s Wort is the herb Hypericum perforatum. It has been used for years in folk medicine for worry, nervousness, sadness, and insomnia. Research studies found that St. John’s Wort works as well as antidepressants for the treatment of mild to moderate depression. This herb has the added benefit of having few side effects. You need to take this supplement for at least one full month to get the full effects.

2. SAM-e

Pronounced “Sammy”, SAM-e is short for S-adenosyl-L-methionine. This is a chemical that occurs naturally in the body. SAM-e is thought to increase levels of the neurotransmitters serotonin and dopamine. Researchers report that SAM-e is more effective than a placebo in clinical trials. You can find SAM-e over-the-counter in health food stores, online, or in some drug stores. The side effects are minimal and include constipation and nausea.

3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Researchers have found a connection between depression to low intake of omega-3 fatty acids, a type of good fat necessary for natural brain function. The human body does not make these substances, so we have to get them from our food. Japan and Taiwan have low rates of depression because of the high fish consumption among the citizens. Cold water fish such as sardines, anchovies, and salmon have the most omega-3 fatty acids. You could also buy capsules at the health food store or online.

4. 5-HTP

5-HTP is short for 5-hydroxytryptophan, a substance produced in the body used to make the neurotransmitter serotonin. 5-HTP should not be taken combined with antidepressants, however. Experts recommend taking 250 mg of 5-HTP on an empty stomach once or twice a day. Since this natural remedy relieves insomnia, many prefer to take it an hour before bedtime. Excess typtophan is converted to melatonin, which leads to drowsiness.

5. Folic Acid

One of the B vitamins, that is a vital component of our diet, is folic acid, or folate. Depressed people often have low levels of this element in their bodies. You can increase your levels by eating fruit, leafy green vegetables, beans, and fortified grains. Researchers of Harvard University found that depressed individuals with low folic acid levels did not respond as well to antidepressants. Also, they found that taking a supplement of folic acid improved the depression of the study’s participants.

6. Meditation

One of the most effective natural depression remedies is meditation. This practice has been used as a relaxation method to relieve anxiety and stress. You simply sit in a quiet environment for around 20 minutes each day. During this time, you concentrate your feelings and thoughts on peaceful, serene areas. Researchers have found that meditation boosts serotonin production and eliminates depression.

7. Diet

To rid yourself of the blues, there are some dietary considerations. First of all, reduce your intake of sweets. While sweets may give you a blood sugar boost initially, they worsen your mood when these levels later plummet. Also, avoid alcohol and caffeine. Both of these substances dampen the mood. Alcohol may temporarily relax your body, but the effects are short-lived. Caffeine is a stimulant and your body experiences withdrawals and side effects from this drug. Finally, get more magnesium in your diet. Good sources include nuts, legumes, and green vegetables. Stress depletes your body’s magnesium stores and this depletion leaves you feeling fatigued and stressed.

8. Schisandra

Dubbed as “Chinese Prozac”, Schisandra is the perfect herb for the depressed. Holistic practitioners claim that the berries of Schisandra chinensis break up anxiety and improve the mood. You can find this supplement at health food stores, and two 500 mg capsules should be taken twice daily. Many feel that Schisandra is one of the safest natural depression remedies available.

9. Passionflower

Passionflower is a gentle nerve relaxant herb that helps with depression. Passiflora incarnata has been used for centuries with good results for the depressed person who has panic attacks and phobias. Passionflower was discovered by Spanish explorers in 1569 in Peru. This herb has been used for promoting calmness and relaxation ever since its discovery.

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