Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Home Remedies for Depression

home-remedies-for-depression-opt
Depression, which was once believed to be a strictly mental condition, is now being found to be genetic. Depression effects more than 19 million people in America every single year. The most common treatment options for depression include medications with a variety of harmful side effects. Below is a list of natural, home made remedies that can help treat the symptoms of clinical depression.
1. St. John’s Wort
St. John’s wort is a popular herbal treatment for mild to moderate depression. It has chemical constituents like hypericin and hyperforin that work like an antidepressant, blocking re-uptake of serotonin and serotonin receptors.
Add one or two tablespoons of dried St. John’s wort to a cup of hot water and let it steep for 10 minutes. Strain and drink this tea twice daily. Follow this routine regularly to lift your mood.
Alternatively, you can take 300 milligrams of St. John’s wort supplement three times a day.
Consult a doctor before beginning regular use of St. John’s wort.
2. Cardamom
Cardamom can help detoxify the body and rejuvenate the cells, in turn helping improve your mood and treat depression.
Add one-half teaspoon of cardamom powder to one cup of warm water or milk. Drink it once daily.
You can also add a few drops of cardamom oil to your bath water. Soak yourself in this uplifting aroma-filled bath for 30 minutes daily.
3. Nutmeg
Nutmeg works like a brain tonic and helps stimulate your brain, eliminate fatigue and stress, and improve your mood.
Mix one-eighth teaspoon or a dash of nutmeg powder in one tablespoon of Indian gooseberry juice.
Drink this two times daily to calm the mind and relieve depression.
Do not take raw nutmeg in large doses as it has psychoactive effects.
4. Saffron
Saffron is high in carotenoids and B vitamins that help increase the levels of serotonin and other chemicals in the brain. In fact, a study published in Journal of Ethnopharmacology has found saffron to be as effective as fluoxetine (Prozac) in reducing mild to moderate depression.
Take 15 mg of dried extract of saffron twice daily to fight depression.
You can also use a little bit of saffron in cooking, milk shakes or smoothies.
5. Cashews
Being rich in vitamin C, cashew nuts stimulate the nervous system. Also, the riboflavin in cashews boosts energy so you can be active and joyful. Other useful nutrients in cashews that help combat depression are magnesium, tryptophan and vitamin B6.
Add one teaspoon of cashew nut powder to one cup of warm milk. Drink it once daily.
You can also eat a handful of dry roasted cashews as a healthy snack to lift your mood.
6. Fish Oil
Studies have found that people with depression usually have low intake of omega-3 fatty acids. Fish oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are required for normal brain functioning, and is highly recommended for people with depression.
Take a daily supplement of fish oil to fight depression. Fish oil supplements are sold in health food stores, drug stores, grocery stores and online. Consult a doctor for the proper dosage.
Alternatively, you can eat cold water fish like salmon, sardines, and anchovies that are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Flaxseed and soy products are also good sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
7. Apples
Apples contain high levels of vitamin B, potassium and phosphorus. All these nutrients help your brain repair damaged nerve cells to improve its functioning, in turn helping fight symptoms of depression.
Chop one apple and put it in a blender or juicer to extract its juice.
Add the apple juice and one tablespoon of honey to one cup of warm milk.
Drink this twice a day.
Also, you can eat one apple daily to prevent depression.
8. Honey
The natural sugar present in honey helps fight the low feelings of depression. Plus, honey can relax frayed nerves. The amino acid called tryptophan present in honey induces sleep, which can help when depression is preventing you from getting proper sleep.
Gently crush five to 10 almonds and mix it with one tablespoon of honey. Eat one teaspoon of this this mixture twice daily, once in the morning and again before going to bed.
Mix one tablespoon of honey and one teaspoon of ginseng powder. Add one cup of hot water to this mixture and let it stand for five minutes. Drink it twice a day.
9. Asparagus
Asparagus contains several powerful compounds that can help lift your spirits and fight various symptoms of depression.
The high folate content in asparagus improves brain functioning, while its vitamin E helps put you in a good mood. Plus, the tryptophan present in asparagus produces serotonin in the brain that stabilizes moods.
To fight depression, eat asparagus fresh, steamed or grilled three or four times a week.
You can also take one-half or one teaspoon of powdered asparagus root with a glass of water daily as a depression beater.
10. Chicken
Low levels of vitamin B6 can contribute to depression. The body needs vitamin B6 to make mood-enhancing neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine. You can get the required amount of vitamin B6 from chicken. There is 0.5 mg of the vitamin in just 3 ounces of chicken.
Chicken is best for you when baked in the oven or stir fried with your favorite vegetables. You can also have a bowl of chicken soup. Avoid eating the skin or fried chicken, which can cause other health problems. Eat chicken two or three times a week.
Along with these natural alternatives, you can also do some practical things to lift your mood. Things like getting enough rest, avoiding junk foods, abstaining from alcohol, exercising daily, socializing, and laughing.

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