Depression has taken an epidemic form today. Living with depression is hard in a world that doesn’t allow you time to relax. Though there are a number of FDA-approved medicines for depression, it is always better to look for natural treatments. There are various natural remedies and herbs available that can give you some relief from symptoms of depression.
Research in this field has tracked many herbs that can be beneficial in depression and can uplift your mood. Here we will discuss a few natural ways to help you deal with depression.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
One of the healthiest types of fats that is usually found in fish, Omega-3 fatty acids are very helpful in depression. Omega-3 is available in the form of supplements also, commonly known as fish oil capsules.
According to researchers at the Mayo Clinic, people who had low levels of brain chemicals that are found in fish oil are at a higher risk of developing depression. It is recommended that you eat fish or take omega-3 supplements to fight depression.
Saffron
Saffron is a flower in the iris family that is derived a dried portion of a crocus. A study in Alternative Medicine Review suggests that consumption of saffron stigma is very beneficial in treating mild to moderate depression.
Zinc
One of the nutrients linked to mental function, zinc affects learning and behavior. An analysis in Biological Psychiatry suggests that low levels of zinc in blood are linked to depression.
Depression can be controlled by taking 25mg of zinc supplement daily for a period of 12 weeks, as suggested by Nutrition Neuroscience.
Sam-e
Short for S-adenosylmethionine, Sam-e is a supplement that acts like body’s natural mood-boosting chemicals. FDA doesn’t consider it a medication and Mayo Clinic also calls it a supplement.
However, it should always be taken under medical supervision and shouldn’t be consumed without consulting your doctor.
St. John’s Wort
Though FDA hasn’t yet approved this herb to treat depression, Europeans commonly take St. John’s Wart to treat the condition. This plant is found in Europe, western Asia, and Northern Africa.
Consumption of St. John’s Wart is linked to increase in serotonin levels in the body. Serotonin, also known as the happy hormone, is a feel-good chemical produced by the brain. Levels of serotonin are often low in people suffering from depression.
Meditation and Yoga
Meditation and Yoga are long known to help people with mental illness. Depression can be very easily treated with meditation if done on regular basis. Similarly, yoga is a unique technique that brings health to the body and mind treating all the illnesses. People who do meditation and/or yoga daily are less likely to suffer from depression and are also able to deal with the depressing situation better than the people who don’t meditate or do yoga.
Music Therapy
Music is known for its healing power. Listening to good music uplifts the moods and makes you feel relaxed. Listening to music promotes positivity and singing can also take away your blues.
Exercising
A research at Duke University has suggested that moderate exercise for about 30 minutes a day at least three times a week is very effective in relieving depression symptoms. It was also found that the people who continued to exercise had very fewer chances of suffering from depression again.
