Along with traditional medical treatment, there are many natural remedies for depression, which affects almost 20 million people in just the United States alone. With proper treatment, sufferers of depression can find relief from its debilitating symptoms. Natural remedies for depression include exercise, meditation, herbal and vitamin supplements, dietary improvements, massage therapy, and acupuncture.
Two of the most commonly known natural remedies for depression are exercise and meditation. Regular 30-minute exercise and meditation sessions at least three times a week have been shown to dramatically improve the mood and general feelings of well being in people suffering from depression. Exercise releases mood-enhancing chemicals called endorphins and serotonins into the bloodstream. Meditation very gently reduces stress so that these chemicals can then begin to work on the person from the inside out.
Other common types of natural remedies for depression patients are herbal supplements. Herbs such as St. John’s wort, lavender, and chamomile are known to relax the body and mind, which helps to reduce feelings of depression and anxiety. There are also more complex herbal supplements on the market such as SAM-e and HTP-5, which combine several naturally occurring chemicals and herbs into one formulation. It’s important to note that herbal remedies should not be used without the guidance of a medical doctor, as they can have negative side effects.
Eating a healthy diet of organic foods, taking vitamins, and drinking plenty of water can also be considered natural remedies for depression. A balanced diet can have a positive effect on the body, which then translates to a more stable mind. People who suffer from depression often have vitamin and mineral deficiencies, such as a lack of enough iron or magnesium. Vitamin supplements that include B-6 can help to synthesize the good ingredients in food and medications to support better mental health.
Alternative natural remedies for depression include acupuncture and massage therapy. A skilled massage professional can work on areas where tension and stress linger, such as the back and neck, which helps to release toxins from the body. Acupuncture is used to directly stimulate the areas that contribute to this stress. In addition, being touched gently in a warm and relaxing environment can be very therapeutic for those who suffer from bouts of depression.
