Natural Help for Depression

A warm welcome to our website page on Natural help for Depression.

Are you feeling down in the dumps today? You have a deep feeling of sadness and you really don't even feel like getting out of bed, let alone getting out of your pyjamas?

The chances are that you ARE suffering from depression.

The above sounds almost lighthearted which is not our intention, depression coupled with low self esteem and lack of self confidence is like falling into a big black hole that you have trouble getting out of.

What is Depression?

Depression is a common mental health problem which seems to affect more women than men.
It is a psychological state which can be triggered by physiological reasons, hormonal or lifestyle factors.

Before we go to the natural ways for helping depression here is a whopping list of possible Causes of Depression as well as some of the Symptoms of depression.

Causes of Depression

Shock
Hereditary
Repressing of feelings
Relationship problems
Acting as a care giver for a long time
Financial worries
Lack of sleep
Bereavement
Big life changes i.e. divorce, job loss
Alcoholism
Thyroid problems
Vitamin deficiency especially the B Vitamins
Emotional Stress
Certain medications
Unresolved conflicts
Low blood sugar
Lack of sunlight - SAD

A deep, deep sadness and feeling of low self esteem

Symptoms of Depression

Mood shifts
Crying
No motivation
Lack of self-worth
Low levels of energy
No interest in anything
A deep sadness
Insomnia
Lack of self esteem
Loss of appetite
Guilt
Anxiety
Morbid thoughts
Anxiety

In some people, depression can clear spontaneously after a few days, but in other cases it requires professional help and support.

Please see your Doctor or Health Care Provider if any of the above symptoms apply to you, and before you start any sort of self medication.

Now we are going to show you some "god-given stuff" to help in the most natural way possible.

Foods for natural help for Depression

Vitamin B6 helps maintain a healthy nervous system, and a lack of this vitamin can cause depression, so add these foods liberally to your diet:

Brewers yeast
Eggs
Chicken
Carrots
Fish
Liver
Kidneys
Peas
Spinach
Nuts
Bananas

Research shows that low levels of fatty acids may be a reason for depression, and this is the list of what you should be eating:

Sardines
Herring
Mackerel
Wild Salmon
Kippers

People who exercise regularly will testify as to how frequent exercising can be an enormous mood enhancer.

So give it a bash, but remember to get checked out by your Doctor first and then start the process of getting into regular exercising slowly.

Foods to avoid if you suffer from Depression

Wheat products
Alcohol
Caffeine
Processed foods
All forms of sugar
Foods high in unsaturated fats
Diet Sodas containing artificial sweeteners

Herbs as Natural Help for Depression

St John's Wort is used for relieving hangovers, sinus congestion and chronic coughing as well as been a natural anti-depressant and a natural help for depression.
It contains hyperforin and hypercin which it is believed will release neurotransmitters in the brain, one of them been serotonin, which as explained below is the one closely linked to moods.

Sage is useful for many ailments such as diarrhea, heartburn, flatulence, hot flashes and asthma, but it is also an excellent an a very light natural anti-depressant.
Add a few leaves daily to your salads, soups or whatever you are eating.

Licorice has anti-spasmodic properties, is used to treat low blood pressure, and is most useful as an expectorant in treating bronchial disorders.
On the depression side, there is a school of thought that believes the physical cause of depression lies in the liver, so take yourself off to the health shop and get some licorice tea because research has shown that licorice not only helps the liver neutralize toxins it also contains a neurotransmitter called serotonin which is one of the neurotransmitters closely linked to moods.
Low levels of serotonin can lead to depression, anxiety and sleep disorders.
When the bran produces serotonin, tension is eased.

Do not use licorice if you have high blood pressure, liver, kidney or heart disease and if you are pregnant or nursing.

Ginger is used for easing colds and flu as well as the symptoms of bronchitis, and also for headaches.

It contains caffeic acid, melatonin and quercetin which enhance the mood.

Chamomile can be used to help ease sore throats, colic and nausea and is good for insomnia.
It will also help to lift the spirits because of the two antidepressant compounds it contains i.e. caffeic acid and quercetin.

Oregano will help relieve aching muscles, bruising, tonsillitis and anxiety, and because it also contains caffeic acid and quercetin it may also help with depression.

Minerals as a Natural help for Depression

Zinc is often found to be deficient in people suffering from depression (see zinc deficiency).

Calcium is needed for the proper function of the nervous system (see calcium deficiency).

Magnesium and calcium work together as a team so rather combine them (see magnesium deficiency).

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"the art of healing comes from Nature and not from the Physician - therefore the Physician must start with nature with an open mind".

~Paracelsus~

Nature's Pharmacy

Site Map 1: Home Remedies A through to K .

Site Map 2 : Home Remedies L through to Z .

Site Map 3 : Herbal guide.

Warning:

Be careful of "self" diagnoses, always consult your Health Specialist.

Famous Quotes on Depression

"Every man has his secret sorrows which the world knows not; and often times we call a man cold when he is only sad"

~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow ~

"There are wounds that never show on the body that are deeper and more hurtful than anything that bleeds."

~ Laurell K. Hamilton ~

"I didn't want to wake up. I was having a much better time asleep. And that's really sad. It was almost like a reverse nightmare, like when you wake up from a nightmare you're so relieved. I woke up into a nightmare."

~ Ned Vizzini ~

"nobel deeds and hot baths are the best cures for depression."

~ Dodi Smith ~

"Don't try to solve serious matters in the middle of the night."

~ Philip K. Dick ~