Are there any effective, natural treatments for depression?

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   slackermomposted 11 years ago

   Are there any effective, natural treatments for depression?

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   fpherj48posted 11 years ago

   There are SEVERAL....but each person should take the time to research each one.....Off the top, I'd say you might want to read up on "Sam E"........there is also Valerian, which is very good for the anxiety that often accompanies clinical depression.......Oh  also........."rajan"  writes on natural and homeopathic remedies....here on HP..  He's very knowledgeable.  Look him up and check out his list of hubs.  There may just be one on this very topic....or you could ask him for his opinion too!!  Hope I helped.  Good Luck!!

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   crazyhorsesghostposted 11 years ago

   The best one is St Johns Wart. I have used it for years and it works great.

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   heatherleexposted 11 years ago

   Yep--sunshine and exercise, or just being in nature and walking around barefoot in grass!  Also, having a proper diet.  Sticking with this type of "treatment" daily could be very effective on depression.  Maybe throw in some yoga, or tai chi, to relax your body and mind.
   
   One other thing is finding new hobbies that you truly enjoy; busying your mind makes it difficult to be "stuck" in depression. Eventually your mood will lighten, but maybe not quite as quickly as it would by taking a supplement/medication. Although, it depends--if you have a deficiency in a vitamin, then you may require some of said vitamin to make things "right".
   
   Avoid caffeine and other stimulants (decrease sugar intake as well) because some people crash and feel somewhat depressed during that time.  If anything, drink some green tea, or take L-theanine.

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   artist101posted 11 years ago

   The answer to this question depends on the type of depression. There are so many sub categories, such as OCD, ADHD, panic disorder, bi polar, uni depression, high histamine, low histamine, anxiety disorder. I am not a doctor. I can only recommend what worked for me.
   Depression can be, and has been linked to an omega fatty acid deficency, an imbalance of hormones, an imbalance of amino acids, food allergies, an underlying infection, zinc and B6 deficincy, as well as low thyroid function..
   These underlying conditions must be addressed before healing can begin.
   The three main amino acids used in natural medicine include. Trytophan for nervous depression. Phenylalamine, and Tyrosine, used for low energy depression. GABA for anxiety, and panic attacks.
   Innositol, and lithonate, lithium for bi polar disorder.
   ADHD, omega 3 fatty acids.
   For more information see my articles http://artist101.hubpages.com
   based on Dr. Carl Pfieffers research.
   As well as my article http://artist101.hubpages.com/hub/menap … e-meltdown

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      artist101posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      I saw no benefit in 5http, or saint johns wort.

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   ThompsonPenposted 11 years ago

   Niacin, or Vitamin B3, is said to do good things for depression. The documentary, Food Matters, speaks of a a woman who was so depressed she couldn't even function in her family, she just sat in a corner all day. She finally got loaded up with a bunch of B3 and it made all the difference, she was her former self.
   I've put it to use a time or too, and it has definitely helped me regulate my moods, though I didn't come anywhere near taking the doses this lady was taking - especially since I was self-medicating with the Niacin.

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   Rebecca2904posted 11 years ago

   St John's wart is supposed to be quite good, though I've never tried it. For me, I think exercise, getting some fresh air and talking about your problems are all really great - I think you'd be surprised by just how helpful they can be! More than that I think you just need to take one day at a time, and try to get just a little bit better everyday. Time is the best healer, after all!
   
   I have a few Hubs that focus on tackling depression, which you can by all means feel free to read (though you don't have to, of course! haha

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   Easy Exerciseposted 11 years ago

   Manage your life, don't let the world manage you. From vitamins such as vitamin B3 as ThopmpsonPen so aptly stated to daily exercise to managing your resting your heart rate.
   
   Just as we can sculpt our body with exercise, so too, we can create the mental outlook we deserve - the very best!
   
   Set your sails to happiness, don't let the chaotic winds of life wear you down.

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   MargaritaEdenposted 11 years ago

   Best clinically tested remedy is St. John's Wort, but it has many contraindications if you are talking any other medications. Lemon balm is another good one, and of course exercise.

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