Natural Treatments for Depression

There are many natural treatments for depression. I have listed my favorites below, I hope you find them useful.

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-htp)

5-htp is one of the best natural remedies for depression as it helps to increase serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a chemical that creates a feeling of happiness and well being. It can be obtained from the certain foods or brought as a supplement. Before you decide to take it as a supplement please check with your doctor if you are pregnant or taking any other medication.

Fish Oil and Depression

Fish oil and depression may sound like a strange association! But when looking for natural remedies for depression omega 3 fatty acids must be considered. They are a unique component of fish and fish oils that have been shown to help increase serotonin levels in the brain. Studies have shown that we are not getting enough omega 3 in our diets and that too little omega 3 can be a contributing factor to depression. If you don’t like fish or can’t eat it on a regular basis then omega 3 can be brought as a supplement.

St Johns Wart

natural treatments for depression,natural remedies for depression,fish oil and depression St Johns wart can be brought as a supplement and was traditionally used to treat wounds and pain but is now becoming better known as an anti-depressant and is one of the best known natural treatments for depression. It has also been used successfully as a treatment for seasonal adjustment disorder (SAD) and to help with the symptoms of menopause.

St Johns wart has a history dating back over two thousand years and is the number one prescribed anti-depressant in Germany and most of Europe. Like most treatments for depression it can take a while to work and should be tried for four to six weeks, if no improvement is found then try something different.

St Johns wart has been known to react with other medications so please check with your doctor before use.

Kava-Kava

Kava-kava is well known as one of the natural remedies for depression due to its excellent ability for promoting feelings of well-being, improving mental functioning and alleviating anxiety that depression can often cause. This can be brought as a suplement.

Conclusion

Depression at whatever level can be a life changing condition which can not only effect the individual but also family and friends. There are no magic natural treatments for depression. Each individual case should be treated as such. Although I strongly believe in the treatments described on this page I also must insist that if you suspect you have depression that you visit your doctor for professional advice as they will be able to set you on the right track to recovery. Please don't suffer in silence. People do get over depression with the right treatment and support.

We hope you find the natural remedies and natural cures for depression helpful.