Depression Home Remedies

Depression can be naturally treated with herbs like kava kava, lemon balm, st john's wort and ginkgo biloba. Depression is a clinical condition in which there is a constant feeling of sadness for two weeks or longer, often accompanied by a loss of interest in life, a sense of hopelessness, and decreased energy. Depression can affect one's ability to perform the usual tasks and activities of daily life. A major depressive episode is diagnosed when a patient suffers from a combination of psychological and physical symptoms that are a significant change from the person's previous level of functioning.

Depression is more prevalent in patients suffering from Parkinson's disease, stroke, arthritis, thyroid disorders and cancer. Sometimes, it is difficult to diagnose if the individual is depressed because he is sick or if the illness triggered debilitating chemical changes in the brain and caused depression. Depression can also happen as a side effect of other medications like beta blockers prescribed for hypertension, dioxin and other drugs for heart disease, indomethacin and other painkillers, oral contraceptives and antihistamines.

Depression Symptoms

A depressed person may have one or more of the following symptoms: a feeling of apathy, worthlessness, helplessness, hopelessness, irritability or guilt; sleep issues - too much or not enough; appetite fluctuations and craving for the wrong type of food; unexplained fatigue; inability to enjoy things, mood swings, at times characterized by unexpected anger or tears; headaches, backaches and digestive complaints; increased anxiety; decreased sex drive; wanting social isolation and suicidal thoughts.

Depression Lifestyle Choices

• Exercise is one of the best drug free therapies for depression. Exercise produces endorphins, a natural mood elevating chemical.
• Depression can be triggered by inadequate nutrition. A sound diet creates a more harmonious brain chemistry, ensure you are eating a well balanced diet.

Depression Diet

• Be sure to include complex carbohydrates in the diet as it contains serotonin. A deficiency of this chemical can cause depression and insomnia.
• Beans, soy, poultry, eggs and nuts are excellent sources of protein. They will boost your energy levels, have a couple of servings of these every day.
• Many depressed individuals have hidden food allergies. Watch out for which foods cause an aggravation in your condition. Any food could be suspect, but wheat is often linked with depression.
• Avoid caffeine and refined sugars. They may give you a temporary high, but eventually make you more exhausted and irritable. They also deplete vital nutrients from the body.
• Alcohol is a depressant, so eliminate wine, beer, liquor or any other substance containing alcohol. Being depressed and developing a dependency for alcohol creates a second illness - alcoholism.

Depression Herbal Remedies

• St. John's Wort Depression Remedy

  In clinical studies, St. John's Wort has been shown to be effective against mild to moderate short-term depression. It also helps treat depression side-effects like insomnia, anxiety and general unrest. St. John's Wort contains hypericin which inhibits the chemicals associated with depression.

• Lemon Balm For Depression

  From an aromatherapy perspective, lemon balm provides a good remedy for depression and anxiety. Fresh or dried lemon balm can be added to tea or use lemon balm essential oil to improve mood and dispel anxiety.

• Kava Kava Alleviates Depression

  Kava Kava, a herb from the western Pacific, helps the person become slightly euphoric and feel a general sense of well being. A decoction of Kava Kava root is pleasant tasting, a safe alternative for alcohol and helps with insomnia, anxiety and back aches. It is contra-indicated for liver patients and needs to be consulted with the doctor.

• Ginkgo Biloba Treats Depression

  Ginkgo Biloba improves blood circulation in the brain and enhances neuro transmitter activity. Ginkgo, one of the oldest living tree species, contain flavonoids and terpenoids that have potent antioxidant properties. They also contains compounds called ginkgolides which provide anti-inflammatory properties. Ginkgo relieves depression, especially in those that have reduced blood flow to the brain and those that suffer from vascular insufficiency.

Depression, Healing With Supplements

• Vitamin B6

  A healthy intake of B vitamins is important to beat depression. Thiamine, B6 and folate seem to have significant impact on our emotional stability. Thiamine supplements seem to improve sleep, appetite and mood while folate and B6 supplements improve many of the depression symptoms. More on Vitamins B6.

• Vitamin C

  Depressed people tend to have weakened immunities and benefit with a supplement of vitamin C. Vitamin C