Natural Cures For Depression

Symptoms of Depression

The symptoms of depression may include loss of concentration, sleep problems, lack of energy, loss of appetite, craving for food, lack of sex drive, and so on. Although, prescription drugs are available, there are some terrific natural cures to get rid of depression.

Understanding depression

Depression is different from feeling blue in that it�s much more intense. If you experience a persistent feeling of extreme sadness, emptiness, loss or dread, insomnia, loss of appetite, guilt, helplessness and hopelessness, and thoughts of death as a final means of escape, you could be veering towards depression.

Other symptoms may be feeling worse just after waking up in the morning, lack of enjoyment in things you enjoyed doing most and propensity to get annoyed at the slightest provocation. All this causes immense mental agony and can greatly affect the quality of life. Although, over-the-counter medicines for depression are available, they may leave you worst off. These medicines may have some crippling side effects ranging from nervousness to nausea and even sexual dysfunction.

Natural cures for depression

One good natural alternative to cure depression and also avoid the side effects of prescription medicine is natural remedy. However, it�s good to remember that natural remedies are not too effective against chronic depression, but they can do wonders for those who get the occasional blues or bouts of anxiety.

Let�s see what natural cures are available for depression:

a. St. John�s wort:

St. John’s wort is effective in treating depression and anxiety disorders. However, this herb has been found more effective in treating mild depression, than chronic depression. According to the British Herbal Medicine Association Scientific Committee, a dosage of 2 to 4 gram dried herb in any form 3 times a day will generally suffice to drive off the blues.

Studies have found that St. John�s wort is effective in treating mild to moderate depression, with fewer side effects, than many conventional antidepressants. This herb is available as oil, tincture or in capsule form. It can also be taken in the form of tea. The most common side effects that are experienced when using St. John�s wort are increased sensitivity to sunlight, dryness of mouth, dizziness, gastrointestinal symptoms, fatigue, headache, confusion and sedation.

b. Ginkgo bilboa:

Ginkgo is an important herb that not only cures mild forms of depression, but also various other ailments, like early-stages of Alzheimer’s disease, vascular dementia, peripheral claudication, tinnitus, dementia, sexual dysfunction, mountain sickness, and the like. This is because the flavonoid glycosides and ginkgolides present in its leaves improve blood flow to the tissues and organs, including microcirculation in small capillaries and they also act as an antioxidant by providing protection against oxidative cell damage. The dosage of ginkgo usually depends upon the ailment. For depression, memory problems and dementia, the effective dosage is 120 to 240 mg per day.

c. 5-HTP:

5-HTP raises the levels of serotonin that helps in alleviating the symptoms of depression and possibly of anxiety and panic disorder. In fact, studies have shown that the effects of 5-HTP is the same in treating mild to moderate depression, as that of the prescription antidepressants. The effective dosage of this supplement in countering depression is 50mg or 100mg gelatin capsules, which need to be taken on empty stomach before sleep, because of the resulting drowsiness.

In addition to these natural cures, there are others too, like massage, meditation, exercise, color therapy, and the like. But, these three have been found to be most effective. So, if you�re feeling the blues, you can avoid the side effects of prescription drugs by opting for a natural cure. However, do consult your physician before you decide on one.