Depression is one of the most common illnesses around the world.  Almost 150 million people suffer from this mental illness. The standard method of treating depression is by medication and therapy. But there are several effective home remedies to treat this also. Changing lifestyle, diet and exercising are a few natural remedies.

Also essential oils like lavender oil, vitamin supplements helps a lot. Few spices like cardamom, nutmeg and also saffron work wonders as cure. Fish oil is another wonderful home remedy for treating depression. Also communication with others, seeking help from friends and family are best ways to treat depression.

21 Natural Remedies for Depression

The best home remedies for depression are given below:

Lifestyle changes

Depression can affect the daily life of a person severely. Working out a daily routine will definitely help in keeping depression at bay. Ian Cook, director of the Depression Research and Clinic Program at UCLA, is of the opinion that daily routine cures depression.  A routine life can make a person feel in control. This will keep depression at bay.

Getting enough sleep

Lack of sleep is quite common in depression. But lack of sleep also makes depression even worse. So it is necessary to manage enough sleep to naturally lessen depression. Maintain a fixed time of going to sleep and waking up. A proper amount of sleep is necessary to treat depression.

Exercise

Regular exercise work wonders for depression. It is the best home remedy for depression. Research proves that exercising even 21 minutes daily can curb depression. Doing cardio, yoga and other form of exercises can prove effective. Also daily running and even deep breathing can give positive results.

Fish oil

Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. A research published in the journal Biological Psychiatry claimed that taking omega-3 fatty acid curbed depression successfully. A study done in 2012 established that 1000 mg of omega-3 fatty acid is a wonderful cure of depression. Also consuming oily fishes like sardines and salmons can cure depression.

St John’s Wort

A 2005 Harvard research showed that St. John’s Wort, which is made from a wild plant, is effective in curing depression. This herb produces more feel good hormones in the body that can fight depression. It works as good as standard anti-depressants. Also St. John’s Wort has lesser side effects than depression medications.

Vitamin D3

Vitamin D is useful in treating depression according to research. This vitamin works similar to anti-depressants. Vitamin D is essential in sufficient quantity in the body. Vitamin D can be taken as supplements. But consult a doctor before taking any supplements.

Vitamin B complex

There are 8 different kinds of Vitamin B known as Vitamin B complex. Vitamin B complex ensures proper brain function. Among these, Vitamin B12 and Vitamin B9 are especially effective to fight depression. Consult your doctor before taking Vitamin B supplements.

Magnesium

Lack of magnesium in the body can cause severe depression, according to a study published in the Medical Hypothesis in 2006 by Eby and Eby. Magnesium supplements are known to cure depression. But it is important to consult a doctor before taking the supplements.

Kava

A natural herbal supplement, Kava is an effective home remedy for depression. It fights anxiety and depression. Kava can be taken as capsules. It is recommended to take 60-120 mg of Kava supplements for 3 months. Kava root can also be made as herbal tea.

Passion flower

Passion flower has been popularly used as a natural remedy for depression. It has been used for centuries by Native Americans and Europeans. This herb has no side effects like other depression medications.  Passion flower can be taken as herbal tea, pills and liquid form.

Green tea

One of the amino acids found in green tea leaves helps cure depression. It also makes the mind calm and reduces stress. This amino acid increases the level of feel good hormones that fights depression. Green tea is an excellent natural remedy for depression.

Lemon balm

Lemon balm is an herb used for treating mental disorders. It was popular among Greeks. Lemon balm can be consumed as whole leaves, herbal tea and as oil. 2-3 tablespoons of dried lemon balm leaves can be taken regularly. Lemon balm tea can be made with 4-5 leaves boiled in water.

Chamomile

Chamomile herb is an excellent home remedy for depression. It is known to cure stress, anxiety and depression. Chamomile can be taken as herbal tea. Chamomile essential oil is also equally effective.

Turkey

Not many know that turkey can cure depression. This bird meat contains tryptophan that produces a brain chemical serotonin. So the more turkey you consume, the more your body produces serotonin. This brain chemical is effective in curing depression according to research.

Carrots

Carrots are rich in beta-carotene. This nutrient cures depression effectively. Though it is not proven yet that beta-carotene can prevent depression. Other vegetables like spinach, sweet potato and pumpkin are also full of this nutrient.

Leafy green vegetables

Leafy greens are full of folate or Vitamin B9.  Folate is an effective remedy of depression. If you cannot take Vitamin supplements, the most natural way is through leafy greens. It is an excellent home remedy for depression.

Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is an herb that can cure mental disorders. It is a healing herb that keeps the nervous system relaxed. Ashwagandha keeps the hormones of your body balanced and reduces depression. It has no side effect.

Rhodiola

Rhodiola is another healing herb. This herb is an effective home remedy for curing depression. Rhodiola increases the release of brain chemicals that uplifts the mood. It is a natural cure and has no side effects.

Lavender oil

Lavender essential oil is effective in curing mental disorders. It escalates the release of dopamine that can keep you happy. Lavender oil can be added to bath water and also be used as massage oil. Lavender tea can also be consumed to naturally cure depression.

Probiotics

Probiotics can be a natural remedy for depression according to research. They prevent drop in blood sugar and keeps the gut healthy. This in turn keeps the mind happy. Taking probiotics can reduce your depression.

Protein

Eating lean protein can improve brain function. Proteins can also improve your mood. Include more protein in your diet like chicken, eggs, black beans and yoghurt.  It can effectively reduce depression.

Conclusion

Depression is a serious mental illness. It should not be ignored. Depression is not only curable by medications. There are several safe home remedies to treat depression. But always consult a doctor before following any home remedy. If the situation still does not improve, notify your doctor.

References

https://draxe.com/natural-remedies-depression/

http://journals.lww.com/co-psychiatry/Abstract/2008/01000/Complementary_and_alternative_medicine_in_the.8.aspx