Natural Cures for Depression

In the eerily prophetic book Brave New World, Aldous Huxley foresees a future society “high” on mood-enhancing drugs. Cut to 2009–how right he was. Worldwide sales of antidepressants topped 30 billion dollars last year and while it’s clear this phenomenon isn’t going anywhere, there are a bunch of things we can try before trekking to the pharmacy.

Natural Cures for Depression

• St. John’s Wort This “miracle herb” is one of the most popular natural remedies on the market, simply because it works. Scientifically it’s been shown to have an impact on mild forms of depression and is commonly prescribed in Germany in place of chemical anti-depressants. “Overall, we’ve found that St. John’s wort extracts are as effective as standard antidepressants, with fewer side effects,” said Klaus Linde, lead researcher, for the Centre for Complementary Medicine in Munich, Germany in an article for Science Daily. The plant produces a number of different substances that may have anti-depressive properties, but the whole extract is considered to be more effective.

• Revamp Your Diet Too many refined carbohydrates and a diet low in omega3-fatty acids has been linked to depression. If you’ve been feeling blue try switching out some of your processed foods for whole food–this is food as close to its natural state as possible. To get those all-important omega3′s the answer is simple–fish. Salmon, tuna and herring all have high concentrations of omega3-fatty acids and just 3-4 servings a week will give you a much-needed boost. Try taking a fish oil supplement if eating fish regularly is not feasible. Check here for other foods that boost serotonin.

• Exercise It’s that dreaded word! Yes, we’ve all heard the rumor that exercise is a great depression minimizer but it’s fast becoming fact as study after study back it up. Not only does a regular routine boost your self-esteem, even with light exercise, your body releases endorphins that directly effect the level of pain you are able to perceive both mentally and physically.

• Meditation Get ready to Om. Just 15 minutes of daily meditation can work wonders if you’re in a funk. Learning the simple act of mindfullness helps put things into perspective and can calm a busy mind. 15 minutes of silence may sound daunting but there is no right (and therefore, no wrong) way to meditate. Anyone can practice meditation. It’s easy, free and doesn’t require any particular skill or training. Spiritual leader Deepak Chopra gives some easy meditation tips here.

By Veronica Peterson, Editor, Healthy & Green Living

Disclaimer: The views expressed above are solely those of the author and may not reflect those of
Care2, Inc., its employees or advertisers.

Janine H.

4:00AM PDT on Sep 1, 2011

Thank you very much for the information

send a green star

Jane W.

7:24PM PDT on May 27, 2011

Seems to me that I tried St. John's Wort several years ago, and I don't remember it working. Of course, that was when I was only able to afford to eat poorly, and also when I got no exercise to speak of.
I've found lately (with a much improved diet, and a modicum of exercise) that lack of sleep is a major cause of depression for me.

Pat C.

12:59PM PDT on May 22, 2011

Bookmarked you simple suggestions too. Thanks!

Kamryn M.

4:44PM PDT on May 18, 2011

thx.

Gerardo B.

10:39AM PDT on Mar 19, 2011

Danielle,
Theres quite a few herb supplers, one that is good for yourmoney is: Swanson vitamins.

Teresa W.

2:35AM PDT on Mar 19, 2011

'Go fish': herrings with vodka might work... especially the latter. :-)

Catsy D.

8:57PM PDT on Mar 17, 2011

I know i should exercise more. With a recent back injury, well, 6 months ago. Movement is agony sometimes. Sciatica often prevents movement as i can't even walk. then other days i will feel no pain at all, think im getting better, then the next day im in agony again. How can you not feel depressed?? You feel stupid cos damn, ur not in poverty, or flooded, or in a tsunami, or earth quake or anything, harden up you know, ur lucky in the world, how dare i/you be depressed, but god, agony, is the worst thing in the world, you cannot escape it:'( No drug can help with pain, it is still there, just a lesser degree.
Such is life i suppose. Look forward to the times im not in pain. and try n help the world. I obviously deserve to feel this, so i must work through it. Yay! :'(

Chavonne H.

4:51AM PDT on Mar 17, 2011

love natural cures :)

William F.

4:39PM PST on Jan 24, 2011

Will try...

Susan B.

5:30AM PST on Jan 24, 2011

TY.