Herbal Remedies For Depression
Modern lifestyles generate couch potatoes, obese, and munching salted chips while watching TV. When depressed, we’d munch away to glory and later attempt to burn calories in a gymnasium. Some splurge and go on a shopping spree, while others hit the bottle. Yet others resort to over-eating, substance abuse and perhaps even suicide.
While yoga, meditation, anti-depressants and psychotherapy help, many times, simple herbs help too. ‘Chicken soup for the soul’ is books that are sold in millions. The warm broth or a cup of hot herbal tea relieves us of blocked nose and frayed nerves. In reality, it is the act of sipping that cures depression. Sipping is equivalent to the act of sucking that infants do and derive security in maternal arms.
Herbal tea works wonders and today, green tea is more popular. Munching pumpkin seeds is supposed to heal the mind and is especially useful in beating PMS (pre menstrual stress). It is cheap and is easily available. In winter just sipping warm water can be a therapy.
Alcoholics can resort to concoctions that include spices like ginger, nutmeg, garlic etc. they are naturally available and cheaper, without side effects.
St.John’s Wort is used as a natural anti-depressant, globally. Research proves that a decrease in serotonin levels in the body causes depression. Thus, foods rich in carbohydrates like milk, pastas, turkey can elevate serotonin levels in the body. Chocolates and pastries usher in a feeling of festivity and gaiety. Thus, especially women massage their egos by munching on chocolates.
Other Indian and Chinese remedies also exist and are beneficial. Siberian Ginseng is useful in treating depression in old people, and is especially beneficial in treating Alzheimer’s patients. It restores the balance in neurotransmitters including dopamine, serotonin etc.
Vitamin-B is known to assist in converting amino acids to serotonin. Thus, a deficiency of Vitamin B12 causes depression. Regular intake of this drug can help.
Aromatherapy is gaining popularity and menopausal women, women suffering form PMS and people with stress avail of this therapy. Aromatherapy oils such as chamomile, evening primrose, jasmine, sandal, lavender, rosemary and Eucalyptus help soothe frayed nerves and calms the nervous system. However, a qualified therapist is imperative, as they would know the right amount of oil to be used.
The ancient science of Ayurveda, which is widely practiced in India, is known to have a cure for everything under the sun, including depression. Ayurveds prescribes a diet that is unique to your make-up. It may not include all healthful foods, but will include what your body requires. The body that is made up of the 5 elements need to be kept in balance. Here’s when Ayurveda comes to the rescue. Ayurveda believes ‘One man’s food is another man’s poison.’ Some spices can aggravate and flare up tempers, causing aggression. Thus, it is wise to avoid certain spices and include green leafy vegetables.
The key is to find a qualified practitioner, Chinese or Ayurvedic and cleanse your system of toxins.
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