There are natural antidepressants that can help and that work in most cases when taken correctly
Do not store avocado like this: it is dangerous Depression is one of the typical evils of our time, many people suffer from it in different periods of their life more or less deeply. However, there are natural antidepressants that can help and that work in most cases (the less serious ones) if taken correctly and with the help of an expert.Synthetic antidepressants report in the leaflets, a bit like many other categories of drugs, a series of possible side effects. In some cases, at the suggestion of a doctor, you may choose to opt for natural solutions which, however, may have contraindications but undoubtedly minor.
Read also: DEPRESSION: SYMPTOMS, CAUSES AND HOW TO GET HELP
So let's find out what they are the most effective natural antidepressants.
Index
St. John's Wort - St. John's Wort
St. John's wort alone or in combination with other natural remedies (valerian, passionflower, griffin, etc.) can treat depression. To get the first results you need to take an extract of this plant for at least two weeks and then continue the treatment for about two or three months, depending on the situation. The antidepressant action of this plant is due to its ability to increase serotonin levels(and other neurotransmitters that act on sleep and mood) and to regulate the production of melatonin (therefore also useful against insomnia). This plant is very powerful and can conflict with different medicines, increasing their effectiveness or, on the contrary, canceling them. Do it yourself therefore not recommended, always talk about it first with an expert.
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Griffonia
The seeds of this plant contain 5-hydroxy-tryptophan (5-HTP), an essential amino acid precursor of serotonin, the so-called good mood hormone. Using this natural remedy it is therefore possible to increase the levels of the hormone within our body and this can become a decisive help in case of depression (mild or moderate), sadness that appears during the change of seasons but also sleep problems and anxiety states. There griffonia is available in the form of capsules or tablets in drugstores or herbalists.
Read also: GRIFFONIA: PROPERTIES, CONTRAINDICATIONS AND HOW TO TAKE THE NATURAL ANTIDEPRESSANT
Rhodiola
Rhodiola is a plant also used in the past not only to strengthen the body but also for stabilize mood. Given its effect on the nervous system and acting on serotonin it is particularly appreciated as natural anti-stress remedy also able to solve anxiety problems or mild depression. In particular, we use the roots from which a dry or liquid extract is obtained or to be used as they are to prepare an infusion. The daily dose is variable according to specific needs and must be calibrated by an expert.
Read also: RHODIOLA: PROPERTIES, USES, CONTRAINDICATIONS AND WHERE TO FIND IT
Turmeric
Research conducted at the Medical College of Bhavnagar in India and published in the journal "Phytotherapy Research" found that turmeric is able to treat depression better than Prozac. The team from the Pharmacology department wanted to compare the effects, but also the safety, of a turmeric extract (1000 mg) and Prozac (fluoxetine 20 mg) used together and individually for 6 weeks on 60 patients diagnosed with MDD, or major depressive disorder. We are obviously talking about high doses of curcumin (to be taken as a supplement) and not of a food consumption of the spice.
Read also: TURMERIC: BETTER THAN PROZAC AGAINST DEPRESSION
Magnesium
Even some mineral salts can be useful in case of nervous system problems such as depression, among these magnesium stands out, essential for various functions of our body including the production of serotonin. This mineral it helps stabilize the mood and can also be useful in case of anxiety. In some cases, depression (whether mild or moderate) can even result from a magnesium deficiency.
Read also: MAGNESIUM: THE MOST COMMON SYMPTOMS OF A DEFICIENCY
Cashews
Cashews are an excellent source of tryptophan, an amino acid precursor of serotonin and there are those who believe that a right dose of cashews can worthily replace Prozac or other antidepressants with similar action, as these drugs also act on serotonin levels but they do it in a chemical way. This is the opinion of Dr. Andrew Saul, clinical nutritionist and molecular medicine expert, who has repeatedly expressed his opinion regarding the use of synthetic chemicals when, on the contrary, there would be the possibility of using natural products, equally effective. and without side effects. Cashews also act positively against depression as they contain: vitamin B6, magnesium and good fats. Of course, in the most serious cases, a cure done on your own using only cashews cannot be enough, it is instead necessary to rely on expert professionals.
Read also: CASHEWS: NATURAL ANTIDEPRESSANTS
Essential oils
Even essential oils can help treat depression perhaps combined with other remedies. When the mood is not the best you can, for example, use essences like that of cinnamon, of bergamot or basil to be inhaled directly from the bottle, to be spread at home (1 drop per square meter of room) or to be massaged after diluting a few drops in a teaspoon of vegetable oil (such as sweet almond oil) in the space between the two eyes. They will help calm the nervous system, banish negative thoughts and instill optimism.
Read also: ESSENTIAL OILS: THE MOST SUITABLE FOR RELAXING, PURIFYING THE ENVIRONMENT, IMPROVING MOOD AND BREATHING
Bach Flowers
Some Bach flowers can also help with depression. But it is important that it be a flower therapy expert to choose the most suitable flower or flowers situation by situation. Generally in the floral blend appear: sweet chestnut, gorse, gentian, wilde rose or mustard.
Read also: BACH FLOWERS: HISTORY, VARIETIES AND PROPERTIES OF BACH FLOWER REMEDIES
Homeopathy
There are several homeopathic remedies useful for depression. Also in this case it must be a physician expert in homeopathy to evaluate case by case which can be the most suitable remedy and dilution with respect to the constitution of the person and the type of depression. Among the remedies often reported are Aconitum, Gelsemium, Ignatia amara, Arsenicum, Sepia and many others.
Meditation
30 minutes a day of meditation are enough to help fight anxiety and depression with effects superior to those that a placebo could give and in some cases comparable to those of antidepressant drugs. This is what was revealed by a study conducted by a group of researchers at Hopkins University School Of Medicine who proved how meditation sessions of 30-40 minutes a day are effective starting from 8 weeks of practice. The improvements were also noted 6 months after the first meditation session.
Read also: MEDITATION: THE BEST NATURAL REMEDY AGAINST ANXIETY AND DEPRESSION
Other useful tips against depression they are undoubtedly spending more time outdoors sunbathing, walking or doing any physical activity you like, surrounding yourself with people you love and keeping a positive thought. Obviously, a personalized psychotherapy program is also excellent.
