The Alternative Health Gazette

Depression: Natural Treatments

Because of all the publicity of the harsh even deadly effects of some drugs prescribed for depression, many more people than ever before are searching for natural alternatives to this health condition.

And there are plenty of options from which to choose. Many of those selections are in the form of herbs. If you decide to go this route though you need to keep in that you should not augment your prescription medication with herbal supplements that treat the same condition. For example, mixing St. John’s Wort with prescription antidepressants can be hazardous.

In fact, it’s a great idea before embarking on any alternative treatment program to check with your personal care physician and a professional herbalist. Please keep each informed to all of your medications even those not related to your depression.

Herbal treatment, is indeed, many find, a kinder, gentler way to help your body move past the sluggishness and fog as well as the black veil of moodiness that envelopes those suffering from depression. One of the most popular herbs, individuals use is St. John’s Wort.

Used as an antidepressant, its effectiveness has withstood the scrutiny of many clinical trials and double blind studies. This legendary herb seems to work better on alleviating the symptoms of depression, than many high quality prescription drugs on the market today.

Another potent antidepressant is licorice. Don’t let the name fool you. It may sound like the candy you gobbled down as a kid. The herb, used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, is an amazing source of the femail hormone, estrogen. Believe it or not, both women and men are in need of this to stay healthy. But more than that, licorice stimulates and regulates the body’s adrenal glands. And as an added bonus, it’s also a powerful aid to the heart and circulatory system.

Ginseng is also the first choice of many people suffering from depression. It’s well known for balancing the hormonal state of the system while building a remarkable level of resistance against the ravages of stress. It’s also an energy-building supplement and extra energy is something many individuals suffering from depression need desperately.

When searching for natural herbal remedies for depression, don’t overlook gota kola. A stimulator of the brain, this helpful herb combats the symptoms of “brain fog” that many experience during bouts of depression. Gota kola also normalizes the hormonal and nervous systems of the body. It’s an astonishingly effective “pick-me-up” when it’s combined with ginseng and cayenne.

Fish Oils are said to have mild, mood balancing effects. These also contribute to vitamin and mineral deficiencies in your body, which can be a cause of depression as well.

In addition to using herbal remedies and supplements for treating depression, there are several natural ways to treat it as well. Meditation, Yoga, and Exercise are the three that give best results. Exercise particularly will increase your endorphins, and give you a bit of a “high”. Meditation will help calm your nerves and relieve stress, while Yoga accomplishes both exercise and a form of meditation at the same time.

Other Alternative Health Topics...
Arthritis Candida Colon Health Constipation Depression Diabetes Fungus hemmeroids hemmoroids hemoroids Hemorrhoids hemroids Herbal Basics Herbs Insomnia Joints Kidney Health Liver Health Menopause Metabolism piles Skin Care Womens Health Yeast Yeast Infections