Herbal Remedies For Depression

Depression is a mood disorder that influences every aspect of daily life. However, there is hope. Herbal remedies for depression are available and proper treatment can relieve symptoms and enable sufferers to lead more satisfying and productive lives.

The reality is that if you are not suffering from depression yourself, than someone in your family or someone you know is. No one segment of society is safe from this illness. It is found in every age group and in every socio-economic group.

This powerful disease controls the body, mind, behavior, emotional state and can even determine the ability to maintain relationships. Profound sadness, irritability, rapid weight gain or loss or inability to lose weight, indecisiveness, insomnia or constant fatigue, memory loss, and feelings of worthlessness can plague the sufferer who often times can not explain "why". If left untreated, symptoms can endure for weeks, months, or years.

Depression is one of the most commonly misdiagnosed illnesses. Obvious symptoms of depression are treated, such as loss of appetite, sleeplessness, and headaches, but the root of the problem is commonly not addressed.

Contrary to popular belief, depressive disorders have biochemical origins that, in most cases, readily respond to clinically proven natural herbal health products and natural health remedies. Many depression sufferers are able to significantly reduce or eliminate symptoms through natural and more cost effective means.

Depression Facts

• 10 million Americans are struck by depression each year.

• One out of five women and out of 15 men will battle major depression at some time in his/her life.

• If major depression hits, there is a 50% chance you'll have a recurrence of depression at least once or twice a year.

• Millions of people go undiagnosed or treated for depression.

• Without treatment, major depression may linger for 6 months to a year, with increased frequency and severity.

Symptoms of depression range from the obvious low mood to the seemingly unrelated tell tale sign of memory loss. The severity and types of symptoms vary with individuals and vary over time.

Since depression manifests itself with such a wide array of experiences, it may be difficult to diagnose and often goes untreated. Recognizing the symptoms, however, is the most important step in successful treatment of depression. These symptoms include:

• Restlessness

• Irritability

• Memory loss

• Feelings of pessimism

• Decreased interest in sex

• Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping

• Feelings of guilt

• Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment, such as headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain

• Persistent sad or "empty" mood

• Feelings of worthlessness

• Unexplained weight loss or weight gain

• Feelings of hopelessness

• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities once enjoyed

• Anxiety

• Unexplained crying

• Fatigue or unexplained loss of energy

• Loss of enthusiasm

• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

• Feelings of being in "slow motion"

• Feelings of helplessness

• Thoughts of death or suicide or attempted suicide

Herbal Remedies for Depression

Lifestyle changes and stress-management techniques can address environmental causes of depression, whereas herbal and natural remedies offer more options for physiological treatment of depression symptoms.

All natural health supplements are easily accessible and provide fast relief with little or no side effects. By addressing specific causes and deficiencies, depression treatment can be easily tailored to fit the individual's needs. Ultimately, depression sufferers have several effective treatment options readily available through herbal and natural depression remedies.

We highly recommend three excellent products made by Native Remedies.

MindSoothe supports a balanced mood, emotional health, and sense of well-being. Triple Complex Mood Tonic naturally promotes balanced mood and on-going emotional health in all ages. These two products combined are quite an effective pair for long-term mental well-being.

For individuals dealing with the grieving process, temporary relief of grief, sadness and sorrow can be found using Melancholy Lift. It is an excellent choice for short-term usage.

St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum)

While many herbal remedies have been used traditionally to treat depression, the most substantial amount of scientific research has involved the following herb St. John’s Wort. It has been used for centuries to treat depression, anxiety and sleep disorders and is traditionally used as a restoring tonic for the nervous system and to lift the spirits. In some countries like Germany, the sale of St. John's Wort has outstripped many of the major prescription anti-depressants.

Fish Oil (Omega-3)

Several clinical studies have shown that those with depression do indeed have lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids in the blood. Fish oil supplementation has been proven to contribute to better overall health and well-being.

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo Biloba is a powerful antidepressant and antioxidant that increases blood flow to the brain and other parts of the body. This improved blood circulation increases memory, promotes cardiovascular health, corrects impotency caused by arterial insufficiency and alleviates symptoms of Alzheimer's patients. Asthma sufferers may also benefit due to its high flavonoid content.

Siberian Ginseng

Ginseng in its various varieties is referred to as an adaptogen, a substance that assists the body to adapt to external physical stresses such as exposure to extreme heat / cold, biological hazards, trauma, illness or lack of sleep. Siberian Ginseng is believed to stimulate the immune system, enhance abstract thinking and improve aerobic capacity. By regulating blood sugar levels, Ginseng may also benefit people with diabetes.

Valerian Root (Valerian officinalis)

Not as much scientific reason has been done on this herb but the results thus far are promising. Valerian Root has been shown to improve symptoms of insomnia associated with depression.

Damiana (Turnera diffusa)

As with the above mentioned herb, limited research has been done so far but results have shown Damiana may reduce sexual dysfunction associated with many antidepressant medications.

Is There Anything Else I Can Do To Help Myself?

In conjuction with an herbal remedy, to further alleviate your symptoms or maintain those improvements, you might want to consider one or more of the following:

• Consider therapy with a Licensed Counselor to help you to make the changes that you need.

• Hypnosis - we have several clients who had marvelous success with this program in particular.

• Regular exercise (at least three times a week)

• Healthy diet (sufficient Vitamin B6 and B12, magnesium, iron, zinc and omega 3 and 6 fatty acids)

• Eating certain foods will also help to raise serotonin levels. Good examples are oats, turkey, milk, pasta and other carbohydrate-rich foods.

• Regular detox periods are very helpful to clear the system of pollutants and certain metals that are absorbed from the atmosphere and may contribute to the symptoms of depression.

• Acupunture

• Take a well-rounded moderate/high dosage multivitamin and mineral supplement.

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