Natural Home and Herbal Remedies for Mild Depression

At one time or another, many of us suffer from occasional or mild depression. Symptoms of mild depression are not as severe as those in moderate to severe depression, and if diagnosed early, you can benefit from using home remedies and certain herbs versus prescription drugs that can leave you feeling less than up to par, and leave you feeling impaired and unable to function properly.

Symptoms of mild depression include low spirits or feeling down, not being as sharp in our thinking, stop doing the things you don't absolutely have to do but still have the ability to go to work, for example.

The following is a list of different remedies that are effective in treating mild depression.

Lavender:

Lavender soothes the nervous system and enhances relaxation. Not only does it relieve depression, it also helps ease headaches, stress and insomnia.

Try putting a lavender sachet under your pillow for soothing sleep. You may also want to use lavender as an aromatherapy or perhaps add a few drops of lavender essential oil in your bath water will help you relax.

Lavender tea will act as a sedative if you are having a problem going to sleep. Add one teaspoon of lavender leaves to a cup of boiling water. Drink three times a day.

Rose:

Roses have an aromatherapeutic quality to them and relieve mental fatigue. Using rose oil will enhance your mood.

Rosemary:

Blanch 5-7 rosemary leaves in a cup of boiling water and then add honey. Let cool for 3 minutes and drink.

Mint:

Blanch mint and drink as a tea.

Other things to try are:

St. John's Wort:

St. John's Wort is a mood enhancer and can be taken as either a tea or a tincture. It has been proven that St. John's Wort relieves sadness and melancholy. It will also help you sleep better.

Word of caution: If you are currently taking blood-thinning medications, antidepressants or taking birth control pills, you should talk to your doctor before taking St. John's Wort because it could cause some very serious interactions.

Gingko Biloba:

Ginkgo Biloba is commonly used for mental energy and clarity. It is also good for circulatory disorders.

People taking blood-thinning medications should not use gingko biloba.

Valerian:

Valerian is made from dried roots and is often used as a sleep aid and for anxiety.

B-Vitamins:

B-Vitamins help to keep depression and stress at bay, as well as cardiovascular disease. They are found naturally in foods such as potatoes, bananas, turkey, liver, tuna, and lentils. You may opt to take them in a multivitamin or get you some B-complex.

As with any herbal remedy, be mindful of the medications you are taking and consult with your doctor before taking any herbs as they may cause adverse side effects.

Sources:
Natural-HomeRemedies.com