Natural Treatment for 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

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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.

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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.

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Less Stress Program

In the morning

• drink water
• gentle exercise - yoga or stretching
• healthy breakfast
• plan your day

Creating the right environment

• try to be in natural light every day
• have soft lighting, harsh light can cause headaches
• if sitting at a desk keep a good posture
• take regular breaks to stretch and walk

Work

• don't work overtime constantly, don't overdo it
• don't pressure yourself, be realistic when you plan your day - don't overdo it
• create a pleasant workforce, constant criticism and rudeness will cause stress in the workplace. Kind words and praise will create a pleasant workplace.

Alone Time

• make time for yourself doing something you enjoy
• reading, walking, yoga or a long bath

Time for family

• make time to spend with your family
• quality family times are the most rewarding times, take time out regularly to give your undecided attention to your family. If you don't have time - replan your diary and make time, you will feel so much better for it in the long run
• nothing is more important than family

Time management

• be realistic when you plan your day, don't try and fit more into your day than you can realistically achieve
• arrange your priorities
• time management is not just for the office but also for home. Organise your time for housework and cooking. Once you are organised well, you will get more done in less time
• don't skip your lunch break and when possible have lunch outside

Eating

• always try to have your meals with your family
• don't eat on the run, sit down and enjoy your meal
• eat healthy nutritious meals
• chew slowly, don't rush meals

Exercise

• as mentioned earlier, exercise is very important in helping to reduce stress
• try to exercise three times a week
• stretch daily to keep your body flexible

Breathing

• our bodies need plenty of oxygen, a lot of people under stress tend to breath shallow breaths not allowing enought oxygen to enter their body
• practise deep breathing daily

Treat yourself

• treat yourself every now and then whether it be a massage or a day at the salon
• think highly of yourself, treat yourself becasue you deserve it

Sleep

• make sure you get enough sleep
• at least eight hours of sleep a night are extremely beneficial to help with your daily performance
• relax before bedtime and wind down

Positive thinking

• try to have positive thoughts throughout the day
• smile - laugh and the world laughs with you!
• if there is a situation where you are worried or feel down try and talk to someone about it - a problem shared is a problem halved - it can make you feel a lot better when you talk to someone
• love and appreciate your family and friends. When you show love and kindness to others they show it back in abundance.
• negative thinking can be contagious, if you are down others around you can become down also. Fortunately it is the same in reverse, being happy and positive can rub off on those around you.
• every good thought you think is contributing its share to the ultimate result of your life

 

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