Try these alternative and holistic, natural remedies for depression. Use holistic depression natural remedies to free yourself from depression, the natural way...
Whether you are taking conventional or natural remedies for depression, herbs for depression, or nothing at all, there are other holistic natural remedies which you can try.
In many ways, these holistic remedies are better and more accessible than the medicinal herbs for depression…
As these depression natural remedies are not actually taken internally, they can be taken at the same time as conventional antidepressant remedies, if necessary.
Many patients find that they do not need conventional antidepressants, if they try such depression natural remedies. Or they find that they can gradually decrease their dosages of conventional antidepressants, with their doctor’s approval.
Caution:
Even if you feel that your depression natural remedies are working very well, do not stop your antidepressants without consulting your doctor.
Watch these short video clips for more information about depression and depression natural remedies...
Simply click on an image to start the player...
Here are a few depression natural remedies that you can try:
Consult a qualified acupuncturist for the best results.
Acupuncture works by releasing blockages in the energy of the body, which build up to cause illnesses and disease.
It is thought that depression is caused by energy blockages in the liver. Practitioners will concentrate on points in the liver, gall bladder, spleen, stomach and heart.
Repeated visits will likely be necessary for ongoing and effective treatment.
Flower remedies work by using the ’essence’ of a flower or plant, to affect energies and emotions in the body.
As flower remedies particularly work on treating illnesses through emotions in the body, they are very suitable as depression natural remedies.
Flower remedies are particularly suited to self treatment. From a holistic point of view, a cure is better if it comes from within – with self participation and self awareness being in the cure.
Flower remedies are available in most health stores, together with information on choosing the best flower remedies to suit your situation.
As a general rule, do not pick more than 5 remedies to use together.
If you choose a single remedy, place 4 drops on the tongue (or in a glass of water, to be sipped at intervals). Do this at least 4 times a day. (Remedies can be used up to every 15 minutes, in acute situations.)
If you choose a mixture of remedies, mix 2 drops from each remedy into a small dropper bottle, together with mineral water (and a touch of brandy to preserve). Place 4 drops on the tongue (or in a glass of water) at least 4 times a day (as above).
The best thing about flower remedies is that they are completely harmless. You cannot overdose on flower remedies, and they will not interact with any other medications. If you accidentally choose the wrong medication, it can do you no harm.
Some flower remedies which might be helpful as depression natural remedies are:
Agrimony: for depression hidden behind a cheery face
Cherry Plum: for anxiety, depression, emotional outbursts and thoughts of suicide
Elm: for feelings of not coping with responsibilities
Gentian: for despondency and negative thoughts
Gorse: for real hopelessness and despair
Holly: for anger, frustration, jealousy, hatred, revenge and suspicion
Honeysuckle: for bereavement, or dwelling on the past
Hornbeam: for mental weariness, lethargy and a ‘Monday morning’ feeling
Mustard: for melancholy
Olive: for depression and exhaustion
Pine: for guilt and self reproach
Sweet Chestnut: for depression, despair and inner pain
Walnut: to help with any life changes
White Chestnut: for whirring or repeated thoughts, worries and feelings
Willow: for introspective feelings and self pity
I have used flower remedies regularly to help deal with many different emotions and feelings, and find that they work very well.
I tend to find that I naturally stop taking the remedy, when my body feels it doesn’t need it any more, and symptoms subside.
If you find it difficult to choose which flower remedy is best for you, consult a qualified practitioner...
...or try this easy reference book which I refer to all the time to help me with my choices.
(It is short and sweet - and very simple to find the information you need.)
Inversion treatments work as depression natural remedies, on the basis that increasing blood flow to the brain will improve the workings of the brain, and improve mood.
Inversion treatments just involve tipping the head below the level of the rest of the body, so that the blood flows to the brain.
This can easily be done on your own, or you might want to consult a qualified practitioner.
Do remember to lower your head gradually and gently, so as not to cause any sudden changes in blood pressure.
Hypnotherapy can be one of the best depression natural remedies.
Hypnotherapy works by suggesting different types of behaviours to the unconscious, at a time when you are relaxed, and receptive to such information.
I have used hypnotherapy extremely successfully to treat my insomnia, and for pain relief, so I think it would work very well as a depression natural remedy too.
You should consult a qualified practitioner, and may expect to make several visits.
I found very good results with self-hypnosis - using downloads which I then transferred to CD. The effect was quite gradual, and did take quite a few sessions over several weeks, but in the end I found it very effective and helpful.
Massage is a particularly effective natural remedy for depression, because of its relaxing and soothing effects.
It is particularly good to have the feelings of relaxing physical contact with another person, especially if your depression comes with feelings of isolation or loneliness.
It is best to book a professional massage, and have it done properly ….. although a sensual massage with a loving partner can have its own benefits against depression!
Using aromatherapy essential oils can make your massage even more effective (see below…)
Using aromatherapy essential oils is (surprisingly!) one of the most effective depression natural remedies. It can be used even with conventional antidepressants.
Use 1-2 drops (total) of the following essential oils on a tissue, and inhale throughout the day:
lavender
basil
clary sage
neroli
camomile
rose
thyme
Use 6-8 drops (total) of the following essential oils in the bath:
(Mix the drops in 1-2 tablespoons of almond or olive oil to disperse the drops better in the water)
geranium
bergamot
ylang ylang
patchouli
petitgrain
neroli
clary sage
lavender
mandarin
sandalwood
frankinsence
grapefruit
If you choose only one essential oil as a natural remedy for depression, choose lavender. Lavender:
relaxes you
raises the spirits
lifts depression
helps with a natural sleep
As well as the essential oil used externally, try using lavender to make a tea:
Use 1 teaspoon of dried lavender flowers in a cupful of hot water
Counselling and CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) are thought to be amongst the most effective remedies for depression. Some kind of counselling is quite frequently prescribed by doctors, either instead of, or as well as, conventional antidepressants.
In fact, antidepressants have actually been proven to work better when combined with some kind of counselling or CBT.
Counselling and CBT can help you to make sense of your emotions and feelings, and take steps to restore a balance to your life. This might be by assessing and changing aspects of your life, or by assessing and changing your own thoughts, feelings and behaviours.
Talking about your feelings to a trusted friend, or family member can help considerably. Sometimes though, you might need a professional touch to help you make sense of things.
Your healthcare provider should be able to refer you for counselling.
People are physically and psychologically affected by colors. Color affects people’s moods and emotions, and can help to cure specific physical or mental ailments.
For the best results, you should work with a qualified color therapist, who can help to diagnose the right cocktail of colors for you.
Colors can be used by:
wrapping yourself in colored scarves
drinking color energised water
gazing at a color card
using colored lights
Orange: is the best color to help with depression
Red: makes us feel more confident
Yellow: makes us feel more alert and cheerful
Green: is calming and balancing to the whole mind and body
Sky Blue: is calming, helps anxiety and is very healing
Indigo: calms the mind and helps with mental disorders. It is good for meditating
Violet: is very calming and good for nervous problems. It is the best color for insomnia
Check out this book to find out more about Colour Therapy
Light therapy is one of the best depression natural remedies for depressions related to SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder).
SAD is low mood and depression caused by low levels of light, particularly in winter. It is more than just the ‘winter blues’.
Sunlight is essential for the production of serotonin, which controls mood. So lack of sunlight in winter causes low mood and depression in very many people. (Our British winters are so dark, grey and miserable, that I’m surprised everyone doesn’t suffer!)
Taking a holiday for a couple of weeks in a sunnier place (in the middle of winter) can actually do a great deal to help.
Also try:
A light box
I find this a great help, just to lift my mood during long, dark, grey winters
This can be used throughout the day
You sometimes need to sit quite close, and it can take anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours to work.
I find that I can usually feel a definite lifting of mood, after a certain time, when I know that I have had enough.
Use this as early in the day as possible. Using in the late afternoon or evening can cause insomnia (a mistake I made when I first got my light box)
Sunrise alarm clock
This works by gradually waking you up, by simulating the light changes in sunrise
This puts your body clock on a more balanced level for the rest of the day
I love mine! It makes getting up just that little bit easier!
Try to get outside for a short walk during the middle of the day, when any sunlight is at its brightest.
