Herbal Dictionary Article

Alternatives to Depression - Natural Treatments for Depression

"In an increasingly health conscious world, there is a great rise in turning toward natural food (non-processed and organic) and natural treatments or cures for various health conditions. There are natural treatments for depression available and they have none of the side effects of traditional pharmaceutical medicines. Natural treatments for depression are not at all limited to herbs and botanicals but also include such things as fish oil. The reason for this fish oil is that it is high in Omega 3 fatty acids. DHA Esters is also found in fish oil. High quality fish oil can be extracted from the Hoki fish that is found in the cold southern oceans of New Zealand. The intense coldness of the water does not allow toxins to develop and the fish are among the healthiest types of fish to eat or harvest fish oil from. Fish oil is rich in Omega 3/DHA Esters and contains EFAs - essential fatty acids. Herbs are also used as natural treatments for depression. Chamomile is usually taken in the form of tea made from boiled dried chamomile flowers. It is most known as a mild sleep inducer. It also aids digestion, acts as a fever reducer, and a decongestant of the nose and lungs. Chamomile is basically ""good for what ails you."" When it is used in supplements, chamomile can also boost metabolism, and possibly your mood. It's a mild relaxant. Dandelion is also a well known herb and all parts of the plant except the stem is used as a food in salads. It can also be made into a tea and its roots are used most often as a coffee substitute. When used in a supplement, the leaves or roots may treat liver, gall bladder, kidney, and joint problems. Dandelion may also aid digestion and ease water retention. Dandelion is also rich in vitamins A, C, and B vitamins. It is also a source of iron, silicon, magnesium and other important minerals and nutrients. It helps internal systems to work better. There are also many vitamins, minerals, and Co-factors that also offer natural treatments for depression. Biotin is known as Vitamin H or more commonly as Vitamin B7. It is a water soluble B-complex vitamin. It is known to aid in stabilizing blood sugar levels in Type II Diabetics. When blood sugar is stable, the mental state improves and thus it may also aid mental depression. Folic Acid is a known substance to be very beneficial for pregnant women and their unborn babies. When taken with an anti-depressant medication, memory, mental functioning, and verbal fluency may improve. Because it has such benefits with memory and mental functioning - it may also help to relieve depression. B Vitamins 1-Thiamine, 2-Riboflavin, and 6-Pyridoxine aids depression. Thiamine helps to support a healthy nervous system, reduce emotion disturbances and relieve swelling of body tissues. Riboflavin may relieve seborreic dermatitis, and ease sensitivity to light. Pyridoxine helps to relieve anemia, depression and high blood pressure. In a supplement, herbs mixed with other vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients can really help with depression. Depression is not easy to deal with and often those who have it will not seek help because they don't want to be thought of as crazy. They are often told, ""Let it go- move on."" ""It's in the past, it's over with."" or here's a good one ""Snap out of it!"" There is a negative stigma attached to being depressed which is why people reject help."