Natural Treatments to Fight Depression
Depression is very different from simply feeling down or sad. A depressed person will experience intense emotions of anxiety, hopelessness, negativity and helplessness. These feelings stay with you for a prolonged period of time. It is important that you speak to a medical professional about your depressive feelings. Your doctor may offer you treatment and this may include medication. While seeking professional treatment is necessary, it is important to know that there are natural alternatives that may work for you. Here we look at some easy changes to your lifestyle that may help.
Common symptoms of depression
Most depressed people suffer one or more of the following:
- Tiredness and loss of energy
- Sadness
- Loss of self-confidence and self-esteem
- Difficulty concentrating
- Not being able to enjoy things that are usually pleasurable
- Feeling anxious all the time
- Avoiding people
- Feelings of helplessness and hopelessness
- Sleep problems
- Finding it hard to function at work
- Loss of appetite
- Decrease in sex drive
- Physical aches and pains
- Thinking about suicide and death
- Self-harm
Natural depression remedies
1: Eat plenty of bananas
Bananas contain plenty of vitamin A, C, and E, and B complex vitamins (B1, B2, and B12). They are also packed with potassium, calcium, and phosphorus. Have a banana for breakfast or as a between-meal snack to improve your mood.
2: Marinated garlic
Garlic is a natural body purifier. As it rids your body of toxins it will also rid you of your depression. Here’s how you should take it. You will need:
- 150 grams of fresh garlic
- 4 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
- 4 tbsp. mineral water
- 150 grams of honey
Peel the garlic and cut it into small pieces or crush it. Put them in a jar with a lid. Cover them with the vinegar and water. Add the honey and hermetically seal the container. Store the mixture in a cool, dark place for 9 days, stirring it every day. Then filter the marinade by using a muslin or linen cloth and store it in a hermetically-sealed container. Take one 5 ml spoon of the liquid every day before a meal.
3: Dark chocolate
Some good news! Chocolate can be good for you! Studies have indicated that eating a small amount of dark chocolate every day for two weeks reduces the concentration of the hormones that cause stress and depression.
4: Aloe and honey syrup
When you feel a bit down, try this syrup – it could be just what you need. To make it, you will need:
- 5 ribs of aloe vera
- 250 g of honey
- 2 tablespoons of whiskey or cognac
First, remove the thorns from the aloe ribs, wash it, and remove the pulp. Put the honey, alcohol and aloe in the blender and blend until you get a creamy drink. Pour it into a sterilised container and store it in a cool place. You can take the syrup three times a day, we recommend 1 tablespoon after every meal. It tastes great as well!
5: Tennis ball foot massage
We have known since Egyptian times that there are energy points that are found on the soles of your feet and these can influence your mood. To lift a depressive state you should sit down on a comfortable chair. With the soles of your bare feet, press on and move the tennis ball. If you do this self-massage every day, you will feel active and optimistic very soon. Give it a try!
6: Reduce sugar consumption
Sometimes the most effective remedies are the simplest. Take a good hard look at your diet. Are there any improvements that you could make. It is a natural reaction to try and ‘comfort eat’ our way out of a low mood with sugary snacks and drinks. They do not work! Instead, reduce the amount of sugary foods you eat because it has been proven that they facilitate the elimination of B complex vitamins. Vitamins B9 and B12 directly influence the development and stabilisation of the nervous system. Add more eggs, spinach, carrots, watercress, fruit, and dairy products to your diet.
7: Keep active
A sedentary lifestyle is the cause of many of our mental health problems. Doing daily physical exercise will help release adrenaline and endorphins that have an influence on your vitality. You will feel alert, animated, and happy!
