Depression Days

Not everyone likes the ideas of taking prescription medication and thankfully there are some natural treatments that may be able to help you with your depression.

Herbal Treatments

The main herbal treatment for depression would be St John’s Wort, also known as hypericum, Klamath weed or goat weed. St. John’s wort is quite commonly used to treat depression, anxiety and also sleep disorders. However, St. John’s wort is not as effective on severe depression, and is only recommended for mild depression.

St Johns wort is usually supplied in tablet form but can also be used as a herbal tea. St Johns wort has less side effects than prescription anti depressants.

Side Effects

Side effects can include dizziness, dry mouth, sensitivity to sunlight, fatigue.

St. Johns wort can also interact with other drugs, you cannot use both St. Johns wort and anti depressant medications as the St Johns wort will effect the result of the anti depressant. You should always seek medical advice before taking St Johns wort if you are taking other medications.

Other medications that it can interact with include:

• Indinavir and possibly other drugs used to control HIV infection
• Irinotecan and possibly other drugs used to treat cancer
• Cyclosporine, which prevents the body from rejecting transplanted organs
• Digoxin, which strengthens heart muscle contractions
• Warfarin and related anticoagulants
• Birth control pills

Other herbs that can be used to help treat mild depression are:

• Ginseng
• Oats
• Rosemary
• Bach Flowers
• Gentian
• Gorse
• Mustard
• Olive

Aromatherapy

• Jasmine
• Rose

Exercise

Our bodies were designed for movement. in todays modern world thought, too many of us don’t get enough exercise and movement. Unfortunately this lack of movement is leading to more illnesses including depression and stress related conditions. There is also an increase in obesity amongst children who aren’t getting enough exercise and spend too much time in front of the TV.

There is no doubt that exercise can make you feel better and gives you more energy. Regular exercise can help in the battle to treat depression.

People with depression and/or high stress levels have very high levels of adrenalin and cortisol. Exercise helps to keep these hormones in balance and as such helps to improve mood and ability to cope.

Relaxation Tips

1. Have a hot soothing bath with bath salts and/or aromatherapy oils burning. Oils such as lavender or camomile are very relaxing. Have a candle lit room with soothing music playing.

2. Have a complete body massage, with aromatherapy oils burning and relaxing music.

3. When you start to feel tense do some deep breathing; inhaling and exhaling through the nose and concentrating on the breath.

4. Go for a walk through a park or to the beach. If this is not possible, go to a quiet room, close your eyes and imagine you are in a park or beach or whatever your favourite place is. Breath deeply as you imagine breathing the fresh air.

Sometimes it can be hard to do these things when you are feeling down, but these natural treatments really can make a big difference to your depression if you really give them a go.

2 Responses to “Natural Treatments For Depression”