5 Natural Remedies For Depression

The idea has spread that the only way to treat this terrible disease is to take pills, but can’t we count on the help of some natural remedies for depression?

Currently, we find traditional and alternative medicines that promise to immediately change the state of mind, generating well-being.

That’s not quite true. While some medications reduce symptoms, they don’t actually end the problem. In some cases they are a necessary short-term help. However, there are studies in which its long-term efficiency is questioned. There are suspicions that after five years the drugs end up transforming depression, which they once kept at bay, into a chronic condition.

Not to mention that this type of medication has negative side effects, sometimes very harmful. Even though it is sometimes necessary to resort to medication, the focus should be to eliminate the pills as soon as possible. At the same time, it is possible to use natural remedies for depression to improve our mood. Here are five alternatives.

Some Natural Remedies for Depression

1. Adequate nutrition

Through food, we incorporate a series of substances that improve or influence our mood. A person in a state of depression needs a diet rich in some vitamins and minerals. Thus, it is very positive to have a diet rich in the following elements:

• Vitamins C and D. They are found in citrus fruits, broccoli, green peppers, fish, eggs, milk, among other foods.
• Iron and zinc. They are found in red meat, fish, crustaceans, egg yolks, chocolate, peanuts, pumpkin, butter, among others.
• Folic acid. It can be found in vegetables, citrus fruits, pulses, cereals and milk.
• Omega 3. It is generally found in all shellfish.
• Selenium. In lentils, peas, peanuts, peanut butter, walnuts, among others.

The positive consequences of following a healthy diet usually go unnoticed the very next day; but, with a little patience, we will gradually notice. On the other hand, these elements by themselves do not cure depression, but contribute to producing a feeling of greater vitality.

2. The exercises

There are a lot of studies that prove that exercise has a decisive impact on the state of mind. In fact, there are those who claim that the effect of exercise can be as powerful as that of medication for depression.

Exercise increases the levels of dopamine and serotonin in the body. This fact results in a feeling of well-being, in addition to more tranquility, confidence and good mood. It is not necessary to dedicate body and soul to the practice of physical exercises, as the professionals do. The most important thing is to exercise regularly, so that our body gets used to the routine and can enjoy all its benefits.

3. An herb against depression

Hiperico, also known as St. John’s Wort, proved to be an excellent help. The best part is that, being one of the natural remedies for depression, it doesn’t have the side effects of drugs. On the other hand, its positive effects in the treatment of the disease have been proven by different doctors in Germany.

Its preparation method is simple: it is necessary to make a tea with the dried leaves of this plant. You can find these leaves at pharmacies or herbal and health food stores. The common dose for depression is half a cup, twice a day. It is necessary to consult a professional if you are already taking other medications, as the combination may have some associated risks.

4. Sunlight and nature

Sunlight has a great influence on health and mood. Firstly, thanks to the sun it is possible to fix vitamin D in the body. At the same time, there is evidence that darkness increases the production of melatonin, which causes a feeling of tiredness and a lower cognitive performance.

It has also been proven that the lack of sunlight inhibits the production of serotonin, a substance that directly affects the mood. Thus, a high production of melatonin and a low release of serotonin mean a reduction of defenses for our state of mind and, therefore, represents a danger for depression. In this way, sunlight is a free “natural antidepressant” that we would do well to take advantage of.

5. Massages

Massage is an ancient technique that is very present in the medical practices of oriental people, even more present than pharmacological treatment. In principle, a massage generates muscle relief and promotes a state of relaxation. This helps to improve mood and regain vitality, which is why it is also used as a complementary method to treat depression.

All these natural remedies for depression have proven effective. Its most positive point is that, in addition to reducing symptoms, it also improves the quality of life and protects our health. Best of all, they don’t have any negative side effects, and if we keep it steady, their benefits increase over time.