Natural and herbal remedies for depression

Herbal remedies for depression are natural remedies  that help to calm, relieve, help restore vigor and lift depression. More and more people are shying away from prescription drugs and turning to natural and herbal remedies for their daily health needs. This is due to the fact that many of these prescription drugs have many side effects as compared to herbal supplements. The medications themselves are not working as promised, or are not powerful enough to warrant the side effect risk.

Can herbal remedies cure depression permanently?

Before we go any further as to what herbal remedies for depression actually treat or don't treat, it's important to understand the role of  supplements and natural medicine. The first thing to understand is that herbal supplements and natural medicine have the same purpose as prescription medication; that is they provide you with an immediate way of reducing the effects of depression while you figure out a way to cure it long term.
There's no such thing as a natural medicine that cures depression, because depression can't be "cured" through medicinal means. It can only be prevented in the moment, and will still come back as soon as you stop taking the supplement. Therefore one needs a long term strategy such as combining meditation and yoga with the herbal remedies.

Benefits of herbal remedies for depression

Herbs for depression are a popular choice over prescription medications due to:

Availability: Herbs are readily available and one can grow them in your backyard as compared to drugs whereby its a process.

Lower cost: Herbs cost far much less than prescription medication.

Most herbal remedies for depression are well tolerated by the patient with fewer unintended consequences than prescription drugs.

No Personality Changes :Herbal remedies, at least the ones currently used and available do not cause any personality changes like some other depression medicines. They don't overwhelm your mind and cause severe fatigue. You'll still be you on these herbal supplements, and that's what people want from something that treats depression.

Best herbal remedies for depression

St. John's wort

• The natural, calming effects of certain herbs provide relief from anxiety, while stimulating herbs restore vigor and lift depression.
  
• Borage is one of the most effective and natural antidepressants. Juice from borage leaves and blossoms exerts a specific stimulating effect on the glandular system, which helps to overcome the "blue" feeling. Suggested as a remedy for melancholy, it stimulates, energizes and renews a zest for life. The young leaves can also be used to make a refreshing salad.
  
• Crush cloves and add to sage, camomile or peppermint tea to lift mild depression. Add a dash of ginseng powder, which also acts as an antidepressant.
  
• St. John's wort juice is a nerve tonic for depression and nervous exhaustion caused by excess strain. Anxiety and insomnia are relieved with St. John's wort juice, particularly when taken in conjunction with valerian and lycopus juice. Take 1 tbsp. of juice or 1 cup of tea, 3 times daily for 3-4 weeks to brighten mood.
  
• Add fresh basil leaves to salads to help lift depression.
  
• Damiana stimulates the nervous system and helps to improve the mood. Take 20 drops in tincture form twice daily..
• Ginkgo stimulates brain function. Take with ginseng for synergistic effect. Take 20 drops in tincture form twice daily.
• Mix equal parts of kava, lemon balm, valerian root and St. John's wort. Pour 1 cup of boiling water over 1 tsp. of herb mix. Drink 1 cup 3 times daily, one hour after meals.
  
• Take a relaxing bath of a combination of herbs like lavender, thyme, lemon balm and camomile followed by peppermint and lemon balm tea before going to bed for a restful, healthy sleep.

When to choose herbal remedies

As soon as you start to notice the signs and symptoms of depression, you should always talk to a doctor before taking any type of drug or supplement especially if you got clinical depression symptoms which we will discuss later. But herbal remedies for depression are a smart choice when you want to avoid the potential ramifications of prescription medications. Prescription drugs are not without value, but they are also not without more risk, and so trying an herbal remedy first before depending on these drugs is sensible.

Herbal Remedies>Depression

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