Herbs for Depression

Mother nature provides us a lovely range of herbs for depression, which are a real natural cure for depression.

HERBS for Depression

St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a good depression cure. It can help to ease mild depression, nervous fatigue, negativity and sleeping difficulties. Take three times a day, with meals, a 300mg capsule of standardized extract that contains 0.3% hypericin and 5% hyperforin. Allow 6 weeks for the herb to begin working. Caution:Do not take St John's wort during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or with other medicines without first consulting your doctor. The herb can cause sensitivity to sunlight, try to stay out of the sun as much as possible while you are taking it.

Rhodiola (Rhodiola rosea) is a very effective natural remedy for depression. It is good for improving mood and alleviating depression, reducing fatigue and improving both physical and mental performance. Rhodiola has been used for centuries in Scandinavia and Russia fighting fatigue, boosting brain power, easing depression, enhancing immunity and sexual stamina. So it is nearly a superherb!
Mainly used in capsules with 100mg of standardized amount of 3% rosavins and 08-1% salidroside. Take one or two capsules daily in the morning and early afternoon, since it can interfere with sleep. Caution: if you become overly activated or even agitated cut down the dose!

Further Herbs for Depression:

Panax ginseng, Damiana (Turnera diffusa), Gotu Kola (Hydrocotyle asiatica), Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) and Basil (Ocimum basilicum) also have antidepressant, mood brightening and energizing properties. They all have the power of treating depression.

Learn about the symptoms and causes of depression

Essential oils for depression

Several aromatic oils have the power to uplift your mood and are useful natural cure for depression, but select carefully.

Antidepressant and sedative oils are: Camomile, Clary Sage, Lavender, Sandalwood and Ylang-Ylang. Use them if you feel restless, irritable and have sleeping problems.
Antidepressant oils without sedative effect: Bergamot, Geranium, Melissa and Rose. They help to lift your mood without calming down.
When anxiety is associated with depression: Neroli and Jasmin are the best choice. Both are able to increase confidence, in one's self and in the likelihood of overcoming difficult circumstances.

You may use them for treating depression as a full bath or foot bath, or putting a few drops on a handkerchief and inhale the scent several times a day, or using for foot massage, dropping 1-2 drops in olive oil. Foot bath or foot massage can be so calming and uplifting.

Read about self help advices and diet tips

Vitamins, Trace Elements and Supplements for Depression Cure

Take 1 vitamin B-complex supplement each morning with your breakfast. Low levels of B vitamins, especially vitamin B-6, have been linked with depression and fatigue. Caution: the maximum recommended dose for B-6 in long term use is 10mg a day!
Look for a brand with 50mg of different B vitamins, with added biotin and folic acid.

The mineral magnesium is very important for restoring and maintaining healthy nerve function. Magnesium is a key component in the production and function of serotonin. Supplements may help to alleviate anxiety and depression. Take 150mg of magnesium, preferably as magnesium citrate twice a day. If you take magnesium supplements, be sure to take calcium supplements as well.

Take regularly zinc supplements, which include copper. 15mg daily helps you keeping the balance.

Omega3 Fatty Acids in fish oil are essential to normal brain function, and have a beneficial effect on serotonin production. They can improve mental health and brighten your mood if taken regularly in a daily dose of 3000mg to 5000mg. They lower the blood pressure a bit, so it is better to take them in the evening, before going to bed.

If your natural cure for depression remained unsuccessful please visit a doctor or Ask the Expert.

Related pages to Depression help in this site:

Symptom of Depression
More and more people right across the world are reporting to suffer from the symptom of depression. More and more people are seeking for information on depression.

Magnesium for Depression
Magnesium for depression? Yes, and magnesium for anxiety, forgetfulness and fatigue, as well. Learn more about magnesium.

Vitamins for Depression
Maybe it sounds odd taking vitamins for depression, but it helps very often. There are a wide range of mental symptoms caused by deficiency of different vitamins.

Fish Oil for Depression
It may sound weird, but there is a strong connection between the daily fish consumption and depression.

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