Natural Remedies for Anxiety and Depression

Natural Remedies for Anxiety and Depression
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Suffering from Anxiety or Depression

Millions of people suffer from anxiety, depression, or some type of mood disorder. For some, dealing with these psychological conditions makes living a normal life challenging. For others symptoms may be mild or may only appear from time to time. In America alone more than 30 million people have been diagnosed with clinical anxiety, phobias, and acute anxiety disorder. At least another 35 million regularly deal with symptoms. Depression and other mood disorders affect close to 20 million.

There are myriad causes and contributing factors for both conditions and also many possible solutions. Talking to a doctor about diagnosis and treatment options is essential, but there are more available options to deal with anxiety and depression than what conventional treatment has to offer. These home methods to bring relief are well suited for those who suffer from mild symptoms. They are ideal for complementing conventional care, but always discuss your treatment plans with your physician to make sure you are making the best choices for your well-being. The following are natural remedies for anxiety and depression to consider.

Dietary Changes

One factor that can actually have a tremendous impact over the long term is diet. Why? Because optimal nutrition is a foundational necessity of physical well-being, which is necessary for mental well-being. Nutritional deficiencies, such as a lack of magnesium, B vitamins, or omega oils can all have an effect on the strength and efficiency of the brain or nervous system. A lack of nutrients can also lead to fatigue, poor immune health, poor adrenal functioning, and simply lackluster health, all of which can leave the body and mind feeling worn, tired, and incapable of dealing with stress.

Take a look at your diet and see if there are any improvements that can be made. Eliminate or at least minimize all processed, refined, and sugary foods. Consume moderate amounts of cheese, red meats, and alcohol. Make sure you are consuming excellent sources of vitamins, minerals, enzymes, essential fatty acids, and amino acids. To do this make sure you are eating several servings of fresh fruits and vegetables, including fresh juices, every day. Snack on nuts and seeds. Switch to whole grain products. Include seafood and sea greens in the diet and choose vegetable sources of protein, such as beans and tofu, at least two times a week. Also, make sure there are enough sources of tryptophan in your diet. Chicken breast, turkey, bananas, cottage cheese, and brown rice are all good sources.

Helpful Herbs

Another natural method of relieving mental stress, tension, and depression is to take herbs. While herbal medicine has much to offer mental

drink tea

well-being it is so important to discuss your choices with your doctor, especially if you are on any medication. Some herbs can have interactions with prescription medications. The following herbs are useful for both anxiety and depression. While there are dozens of helpful plants the following are listed because they are useful, but also safe for general use. Drink an herbal infusion, one to three cups daily. Steep two teaspoons of dried herbs in one cup of boiling water for ten minutes. You can also take herbal supplements, such as tinctures or powdered capsules, however always make sure you purchase products from trusted, natural sources.

  • Oatstraw
  • Skullcap
  • Rosemary
  • Lavender
  • Valerian
  • Lime blossom

Aromatherapy

Essential oils can also be used to encourage a more peaceful state of mind and to enhance mood. Use an essential oil diffuser or simply add eight drops of your essential oil of choice to a cup of water or milk and add to bath water for a relaxing bath. The following essential oils are beneficial for anxiety and depression:

  • Lavender
  • Neroli
  • Sandalwood
  • Rose
  • Jasmine
  • Patchouli
  • Clary sage

relaxing bath

Making sure you are eating a healthy diet, drinking herbal teas, and soaking in an aromatherapy bath are all simple, safe, effective natural remedies for anxiety and depression. They should not be a substitute for regular medical care, but rather methods for enhancing both mental and physical well-being, and the quality of your life. By nourishing the body, toning the nervous system, and making efforts to relieve stress and take care of yourself you are taking a step in the right direction towards managing these symptoms of these disorders. Changes will not happen overnight, but with time these methods can be very beneficial.

References

Balch, Phyllis, CNC. “Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 4th Edition.” (The Penguin Group, 2006).

Page, Linda. “Healthy Healing: A Guide to Self-Healing for Everyone, 11th Edition” (Traditional Wisdom, 2003).

Hoffmann, David. “The Complete Illustrated Holistic Herbal: A Safe and Practical Guide to Making and Using Herbal Remedies.” (Element Books, 1996).

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