Home Remedies for Depression

Depression is a severe condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can occur at any age, but it’s most prevalent in middle-aged men and women or young adolescents.

Depression can be a temporary condition caused by certain events in one's life. But it can also be a chronic, life-long condition, or part of other disorders (such as bipolar disorder, clinical depression, dysthymia or atypical disorder). Although all types of depression can hinder a person's ability to perform daily tasks and effect people around them—clinical depression is considered to be one of the most disabling chronic depression conditions. If you think you may be suffering from clinical depression, speak to your doctor immediately before attempting any home remedies.

 

There are many reasons for people to go through a bout of depression, even if the condition isn't permanent. Causes can include:

·         Financial instability

·         Work issues

·         Martial problems

·         War, violence or instability around them

·         Health problems

·         Disappointments in their life or current situation

·         Death or bereavement

When people become depressed because of their lifestyle or current issues surrounding them, the immediate solution to reduce the severe effects of depression are to turn to medication or family. For some, however, temporary depression can lead to seeking relief from negative sources; becoming involved in abusive relationships, self-harm or destructive tendencies can all occur if depression is not addressed.

Medication and advice from medical professionals is usually a good way to deal with the symptoms of depression. However, medication only works in 75% of cases, and it does not eliminate the actual cause of depression. Instead, medication works to 'numb' the body and stimulate serotonin receptors, thus relieving symptoms but not removing the root of the problem. In some cases, patients can also become addicted to anti-depressants and their bodies become dependant on the drug—causing further long-term problems.

Although your first port of call should always be a medical professional in cases of depression, there are alternatives to medication if you feel medicine won't help your symptoms— or you're worried about the long-term health implications of anti-depressants.

You can try to following home remedies to help relieve symptoms of depression:

·         Mix 2 tablespoons of black strap molasses in a glass of cool milk or soy milk and drink once a day.

·         Blend fresh apple with milk and honey to drink once a day. This mixture provides vitamin B, phosphorus and potassium, which are essential nutrients to help aid the production of neurons and relax nerve ending in the brain.

·         Drink licorice tea twice a day, in the morning and before bed to relieve symptoms.

·         Drink Milo to further relieve symptoms. However, this can cause drowsiness in some people, so it should be taken with caution.

·         Eat one dried root of Asparagus per day to replace nutrients in the body.

·         Use rose petals in hot beverages to calm and relax the body and help physical symptoms of depression.

You should also try to eat regularly and exercise well. Usually, when people enter depression, their routine becomes sluggish which further adds to their depressive state.  Leading an active, healthy lifestyle helps people feel like they are in control of their lives and helps them positively tackle bad situations. Avoid fatty foods, caffeine and alcohol which can further contribute to depressive moods and instead include more fresh fruit, vegetables, whole grains and wheat products in your diet for those who can tolerate it.