5 Herbs & Natural Supplements To Fight Depression

Mental health issues continue to grow in severity across the world. More and more people are visiting doctors and specialists complaining of problems like depression and anxiety.

There are quite a few interventions that can be successful in the treatment of depression. Therapeutic approaches can work as can medication.

Unfortunately, antidepressant medication can cause a lot of unwanted side effects. Users often become dependent on this kind of medication after they have taken it consistently for a while, creating a completely new health issue in place of depression.

For this reason, herbal remedies for depression have become increasingly popular. Read on as we look at the five best natural supplements for fighting depression.

1. Kratom

Kratom is one of the fastest-growing natural remedies in terms of popularity. It is also one of the most potent depression treatments that aren’t processed in a lab.

A herb that originated in Southeast Asia, Green bali kratom has been in use as a medical treatment for thousands of years. People indigenous to that area used kratom to heal pain, improve moods, and boost cognition.

Kratom interacts with our brains in a similar way as opiates (such as morphine) do. However, it does not cause physical dependence or organ damage making it a much safer alternative.

You can consume powdered kratom in tea, mixed with yogurt, or just rinsed down with some water. If you get raw kratom, you can chew it like tobacco.

There are many great online stores on which you can purchase kratom.

2. CBD

Almost everyone realizes the healing powers of CBD by now. Whether it’s sold as CBD oil, CBD-infused edibles, or CBD flower, the healing herb has found its way into almost every shopping mall and health food store in the country.

The explosion of CBD is partly due to the relaxation of the laws around cannabis. As research reveals that CBD is a hugely beneficial compound in many respects, more nations around the globe are starting to accept cannabis as a medical treatment rather than a harmful drug.

While CBD is an important constituent of cannabis, it does not cause any psychoactive effects. In other words, it will not get you high.

CBD’s best-known medical applications are for the treatment of chronic pain, insomnia, and epilepsy. However, while not everyone is aware of it, CBD tincture for anxiety can also be very helpful for people..

As this study shows, CBD has both antipsychotic and neuroprotective properties. It also helps with depression and can even treat anxiety and substance abuse disorders.

3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids

This natural remedy is found in fish. It is linked to a wide range of improvements in brain function, including memory retention and cognition.

It can also be of great assistance for those suffering from depression. Two important chemicals found in these fatty acids are very important for our mental health; deficiency in them can lead to depression.

While Omega-3 fatty acids are present in many different types of fish, many people find it easier to access these nutrients in supplement form. However, if you’d prefer to get them from your diet, try eating more salmon, trout, and sardines.

4. Zinc

Zinc is an elementary metal present in many different types of food. Like Omega-3 fatty acids, however, it is usually easier to take zinc through supplementation, as the amount of it that you’ll find in food is generally insufficient to address the symptoms of depression.

The interaction between zinc and the psychological functioning of those suffering from depression has been the subject of much scientific exploration. While they have struggled to say exactly why it is so effective so far, experts believe that the effect arises from zinc’s interaction with the NMDA receptor in our brains. In addition to treating depression, it can boost learning capacity.

5. St. John’s Wort

St. John’s Wort is one of the best-known natural remedies for depression. While no product containing St. John’s Wort has ever secured FDA approval for the treatment of depression, there is a wealth of anecdotal evidence that speaks for its effectiveness.

St. John’s Wort is a plant. It comes from Europe, North Africa, and parts of Asia.

Scientific studies on the plant have not been sufficiently numerous to say for sure how it helps with depression. However, experts suspect that it has something to do with the body’s serotonin levels.

Serotonin is a brain chemical associated with happiness and connection to others. Naturally, a deficiency in serotonin can leave you feeling depressed.

Taking St. John’s Wort may boost serotonin levels, improving the symptoms of depression. However, if you’re considering starting this treatment, you should be aware that it has the potential to interfere with a number of medications, including blood thinners and chemotherapy medications.

If you’re not sure whether it’s safe to use, consult with your physician.

Using Nature to Stay at Your Best

There are many potential cures for depression. Some have the backing of science, while others have become popular from anecdotal evidence.

The biggest problem is individual variation. Not everyone experiences depression the same way and not every depression remedy will work on everyone.

If you’re struggling with depression and common treatments aren’t having the desired effect, you should consider some natural alternatives. Many people have found success with the treatments we’ve discussed, so there’s no reason not to give them a try.

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