Depression is a commonly occurring mental disorder that affects so many people all over the world. It affects one’s feelings, thoughts, mood, behavior, and even physical health. Also, it interferes with every sphere of life, thus affecting the quality of life one leads and also has an impact on their relationship. However, depression can be treated and various prescription drugs are available for the same. However, chances are you may gradually get addicted to these drugs. This is why you should first give home remedies a try. They are completely safe and can work wonders, and we shall learn about 10 such natural remedies for depression. The 10 natural ways to treat depression at home right now.
10. Cardamom
This aromatic spice can not only add flavor to your dishes but also rejuvenate your cells and detoxify your body, and thus treat depression and improve your mood. The extracts from cardamom seed have long been used to treat tension, anxiety, dementia, and insomnia. Also, it is known to help cure diarrhea, dysentery, vomiting, nausea, and some heart disorders.
To enjoy the benefits you simply have to take a cup of warm milk or water, add a half teaspoon of cardamom powder to it, stir, and drink it once every day.
9. St. John’s Wort
This herb is known to cure mild to moderate depression. Though it is not approved by the FDA, yet it has chemical constituents like hyperforin and hypericin that works just like antidepressants, blocking the re-uptake of serotonin receptors.
You just have to add 1-2 tablespoons of St. John’s wort to one cup of hot water and allow it to steep for about 10 minutes. Now, strain and drink the water/tea twice every day and it shall help uplift your mood.
8. Saffron
This expensive spice, together with adding aroma and flavor to your dishes also offers medicinal benefits. It is rich in B vitamins and carotenoids that increase the levels of serotonin and other chemicals in your brain. Saffron’s bioactive constituents include picrocrocin, safranal, and crocin and these offer various health benefits. It is used to treat or prevent gastric disorders, insulin resistance, heart problems, anxiety, insomnia, and depression.
You can simply add a few strands of saffron to your dishes, smoothies, or just stir it in a cup of milk and drink it daily to fight depression.
7. Nutmeg
Nutmeg is a kind of tonic for your brain. Together with helping to stimulate your brain, it also eliminates stress and fatigue and makes your mood better. Nutmeg extract stimulates your brain and not only reduces stress but even improves mental activity.
To enjoy its antidepressant quality you just need to add a pinch of nutmeg powder to 1 tablespoon of amla or Indian gooseberry juice and drink this mixture two times every day.
6. Fish Oil
As per certain studies, people with depression generally do not have enough omega-3 fatty acids. Fish oil is rich in omega-3, which helps your brain function normally, and is important for those suffering from depression.
You can take a supplement of fish oil to cure depression. Alternatively, you can add cold water fish like sardines, anchovies, and sardines to your diet as they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. Soy products and flaxseed too are good sources.
5. Cashews
Cashews are rich in nutrients. It is high in fat, mostly beneficial fats like polyunsaturated fatty acids and monounsaturated fatty acids. Cashews are also rich in vitamin C and thus are good for the nervous system. Other nutrients present in cashews that can help combat depression are tryptophan, vitamin B5, and magnesium.
You can add 1 teaspoon of cashew nut powder to a cup of warm milk and drink it once every day. You may even dry roast a few cashews and eat them in place of snacks.
4. Honey
Honey contains natural sugars, minerals, vitamins, enzymes, and acids. The natural sugar it contains helps prevent you from feeling low and can also relax frayed nerves. The amino acid present in honey, tryptophan, induces sleep, which can prove very helpful if depression is keeping you awake.
To enjoy the benefits you just need to crush 5-10 almonds and mix it with a tablespoon of honey. Eat a teaspoon of this mixture twice every day, once in the morning, and once before hitting the bed.
3. Apples
An apple a day keeps the doctor away. It can also help keep depression at bay. This fruit is rich in phytochemicals and contains vitamin B, phosphorous, and potassium. It also contains quercetin, chlorogenic acid, phloridzin, and has antioxidant properties. Antioxidants help fight stress-related problems like anxiety and depression. Also, the other nutrients apples offer can help your brain in repairing damaged nerve cells, improves its functioning, and helps fight depression.
Simply chop an apple, put it in your blender, and extract its juice. Add 1 tablespoon of honey to this juice and mix it with a cup of warm milk. Drink this concoction twice a day. You may even eat one apple every day to fight depression.
2. Chicken
Chicken, which is a source of lean meat protein, is great for balancing the serotonin levels. Also, chicken is rich in amino acid tryptophan, which gets converted into serotonin – the important feel-good hormone. If you have low levels of vitamin B6 it can make you feel depressed. To create the feel-good hormone, like serotonin, your body requires vitamin B6, and you can get your share of this vitamin from chicken.
You can bake chicken in the oven or even stir-fry it along with your favorite veggies. You may also have a bowl of chicken soup. Any which way you want, just make sure you have enough chicken on a regular basis to help fight depression.
1. Asparagus
Asparagus is rich in many strong compounds that help lift your spirits and fights many symptoms of depression. It is used popularly in Ayurvedic medicines to treat the problems of nervous disorders. This plant has many medicinal proprieties – anticancer, immunomodulatory, adaptogenic and anti-stress properties. Asparagus is rich in steroids like saponins, shatavarins, immunocytes, and more. Its high folate content can improve brain functioning, and it being rich in vitamin E can uplift your mood. Furthermore, asparagus contains tryptophan that produces serotonin – the feel-good hormone.
To cure depression you simply need to eat fresh, grilled or steamed asparagus, at least 3-5 times a week.
These home remedies treat depression in a natural way without inviting any side effects. The results can be instant in some cases, and in some, it will take a while to show, but chances are high you will get rid of your problem in a natural and safe way.