Depression is a psychiatric disorder that interferes in the normal routine of life often resulting to poor life quality at home, work or school. Almost 20 million people in the US suffer from depression annually and majority of them don’t seek medical help, although most cases can be treated. There are many options on how to combat depression including clinical therapy with a psychologist or psychiatrist, counseling, taking prescription antidepressant, and going the natural way.
But are there effective ways to treating depression naturally? Yes, natural remedies to combat depression usually benefit people who have the occasional feeling of helplessness and anxiety. If you are among these people and have long been asking how to combat depression, here are some proven natural cures to help you.
Rose petals – add several rose petals in one cup boiling water. Put some honey or sugar according to your taste and drink this concoction whenever the blues set in.
Amla (gooseberry) juice with Nutmeg Powder – this herbal mixture is made by mixing 1 tablespoon of amla juice that has been freshly extracted with 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg powder. Drink this mixture three times daily to take away the depression swing.
Green cardamom seeds – get the seeds of two green cardamoms and turn into a powder form. Add the powdered seeds to one cup boiling water. Add honey or sugar to taste. Take this mixture 2 times daily.
Chamomile – put 1 tablespoon of chamomile into 1 cup of boiling water. Drink whenever feeling depressed.
Sage and Holy Basil – make a tea by mixing ½ teaspoon basil and ¼ teaspoon holy basil to 1 cup hot water. Take this tea 2 times daily.
Folic acid – is also known as folate (B vitamin) mostly found in fruits, fortified grains, and leafy green vegetables. A research from the Harvard University showed that folic acid supplement can improve the response of patients to antidepressants.
Vitamin B6 – this vitamin is needed to help the body in producing dopamine and serotonin, mood enhancing transmitters which are natural substance in the body on how to combat depression. Foods rich in vitamin B6 include tuna, calf liver, chicken, salmon, turkey, venison, potatoes, cod, sunflower seeds and halibut.
Magnesium – just like vitamin B6, magnesium is needed to produce serotonin in the body. Another natural remedy produced by the body on how to combat depression. Good sources of this mineral are dark green leafy vegetables, whole grains, brown rice, legumes, lentils, black beans, cashews, almonds, peanuts, soybeans, bananas, wheat bran, wheat flakes, dried figs, lean meats, crabs, sardines, and halibut. Hard tap drinking water can also be a good source of magnesium.
Almonds – soak 10 to 12 almonds in water for at least 12 hours. Remove the outer skins before eating these brain foods.
Knowing that there are natural remedies on how to combat depression will give relief to most people who have experienced the many side effects of prescription antidepressants. Natural treatments for depression may involve several factors such as lifestyle change, healthy health habits, and strong determination to make the treatment effective and more beneficial. The first thing to do is seek professional because depression is a serious condition that should not be left untreated or self-treated.