Fortunately, for those suffering from depression prescription drugs aren’t the only solution
Sufferers of depression will tell you that life isn’t simple. Being plagued with negative thoughts is debilitating and makes it almost impossible to lead a normal life. For many people some of the toxic prescription drugs many mental health professionals prescribe are even more debilitating and have adverse long term effects.
Thankfully, There are many natural remedies that can help significantly to relieve symptoms of depression
This is good news for many who take prescription drugs to deal with their depression. Generally the chemical stuff has a long list of side effects that renders many people docile and dependent on the drugs themselves. We hope this list will help you to make an informed choice when it comes to the other option, natural, herbal depression remedies.
1. St John’s Wort
This bright yellow flower grows commonly in many countries and has unique medicinal qualities. It contains a sticky red oil called hypericin. It has been used for years and is available in health food stores and drug stores. It is traditionally given to teens and those suffering from mild to major depression.
2. Passion Flower
Also know as “passiflora” with over 500 species this beautiful flower also has anti-depressant qualities. Especially good for treating the anxiety that is often associated with depression. Studies have shown that taking 45 drops per day of the extract from the passion flower are as effective as drugs such as Oxazepam and other similar valium based drugs.
3. Schisandra (Magnolia vine)
Native to East asia this vine thrives in any type of soil and prefers a shaded position. The berries from it are used in a variety of different natural treatments and are very widely used to treat depression and bipolar disorder. Nicknamed “Chinese prozac” and called “five flavor fruit” in Chinese as they have the 5 flavors associated with Chinese medicine. Spicy, sweet, sour, bitter and salty.
4. 5-HTP
5-Hydroxy Tryptophan also known as oxitripitan is a naturally occurring amino acid and helps the brain to produce serotonin. Sold over the counter as a dietary supplement it is used as an appetite suppressor, to aid sleep and as an effective anti-depressant. Although not cheap it is well worth it’s price and 100-250mg taken twice a day in capsule form will help greatly with various types of depression.
5. Omega-3 Oils
There is some debate between different schools of thought as to whether fish oils such as cod liver oil or flax oil is more effective. Either way both of these oils as well as good oily fish like salmon are packed with omega-3. As well as being great for things like inflamed joints, metabolism and cardiovascular disease many studies have shown that supplementing this into ones diet helps alleviate depression too.
6. Vitamin D
Vitamin D doesn’t necessarily need to be taken as a dietary supplement as it’s taken in automatically through sunlight to the skin. In colder countries and ones with less sunlight, especially during the winter months many people suffer from a vitamin D deficiency and need to take it daily in tablet or capsule form. Now considered to be a “pro-hormone” vitamin D plays an important role in the physiology of the body and helps to deal with the symptoms of depression.
