Depression
Natural Remedies

Natural Remedies for Depression | Holistic Treatments & Supplements

The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.

Exercise


Posted by Jaminn (Alberta) on 07/31/2015
★★★★★

Exercise for Depression and Anxiety:

I am surprised to see that exercise is not mentioned in the list of remedies. It is a life saver. The ones that work best are high intensity low rep exercises that boost your serotonin levels. Do it in the morning to get most out of it.


Exercise
Posted by Annie (Chicago, Il, USA) on 07/01/2013
★★★★★

The way I beat depression? Not medication, but Exercise, exercise, exercise.  I had a bad bout of depression after my husband and I separated. Leading up to the separation, I went to the office every day and worked until 8pm every night. I had no energy to exercise or take care of myself. After we separated and I spent many a weekend laying around on the couch, I realized that my long hours with little energy left at the end of the day hurt my marriage. I returned to the gym and spent at least an hour a day exercising 4 times a week, either before or after the office. My depression diminished, my spirits rose, and I was able to handle the end to my marriage with grace.

Replied by Glen
(Rocky Point, Ct)
07/04/2013
★★★★★

I agree, I always feel great when I exercise. Article in today's New York Times about researchers at Princeton recently discovering that exercise creates new neuropathways in the brain. See - http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/07/03/how-exercise-can-calm-anxiety/


Exercise, B Complex, Magnesium


Posted by Lily (Brisbane, Queensland, Australia) on 10/20/2011
★★★★★

Hi Seekthetruth, I found exercise (walking over 1/2 hour), vit B complex and magnesium brought me out of depression. Also omega 3 fish oil is very good for depression. I don't think your friends will find these natural supplements too scary. Hope the best Lily.


Exercise, Omega 3, Sauna


Posted by Jess (Boston, MA) on 03/02/2023
★★★★★

I have to monitor my mood because I'm prone to depression so I have to nip it in the bud. This is what works for me.

1. Exercise, especially intense aerobic exercise or weightlifting.

2. High-quality canned tuna (due to the fish oils). If/when I get down just having a bit here and there can perk me up.

3. Sauna. It's difficult to be depressed when you sweat it all out. Also gives you time to meditate and get into a better mindspace.

4. "Doing" rather than thinking. For example, trying to get involved in a tasks at home or at work that keep your mind off things. Decluttering, cleaning, gardening, etc. Anything other than negative thought patterns.


Fasting


Posted by Rachelle (Roseland, NJ) on 11/14/2008
★★★★★

I have suffered from depression and "dark moods" for years. I am very much against taking prescription drugs as I believe they do more harm than good. However, about 6 weeks ago I was feeling so depressed and dark that I began to consider going to the Dr. for a prescription antidepressant. I thought, maybe I'm just adding to my suffering by being so against modern pharmaceuticals. Anyway, I turned to Earthclinic and read about 5-HTP and decided to give it a shot. I bought extra strength 5-HTP in the form of L-5 hydroxytryptophan, 100mg per capsule. I started off taking 2 capsules first thing in the morning before eating. Did this for about 3 weeks. I increased the amount to 3 capsules per morning and have been doing that since. I first noticed that my moods were more "neutral" instead of depressed and I took that as a sign of improvement. I presently feel good and not depressed.

I would just like to add that I recently added fasting to my health protocol. I read a fascinating book called "The Miracle of Fasting".

They say in this book that fasting helps emotional issues as well as physical ones. I have done a 24 hour fast once per week for 2 weeks in a row and I believe that it has contributed to my feelings of well being. I plan on continuing doing a weekly 24hr fast.

Hope this helps.

Replied by Devon
(Oregon)
02/11/2022
★★★★★

I started eating once a day, around 4-5pm. This means I do a 24 hour fast, roughly. It hasn't even been 2 weeks, but it has been very beneficial. I was 161 lbs and am already at 154. I can literally feel my body doing what it's supposed to be doing for energy. Sometimes I have so much energy that it feels as though I took an ADD medication, like Adderall. Definitely helps me feel hopeful and has the ability to get me out of that dark, horrible run. Good luck to you.


Fish Oil


Posted by Calista (Penang, Malaysia) on 01/03/2009
★★★★★

Fish Oil (Omega 3 Fish Oil) REALLY helps with depression. I have been battling severe clinical depression for over 2 years now. Though I'm emotionally & mentally better, I had problems with irregular sleep pattern, excessive sleepiness and lack of energy. I read that Omega 3 can help, so I tried taking it. After just 3 days on 3000mg a day (taken on breakfast, lunch, dinner), for the first time in years I noticed I slept less during the day and slept better at night. It's been weeks now and I continue taking 1000-3000mg a day, and I keep feeling better. I now wake up feeling more refreshed and motivated to do things. I have the energy to actually do them. My naps are short, or sometimes I can go without one. I feel sleepy after a certain time (at night) and can actually sleep throughout the night and wake up ONLY when it's morning. It has regulated my sleep cycle! I can't remember the last time I feel this great! It's amazing such improvement can be achieved with just a simple thing like Fish Oil. Do try it. There can be no harm, only good.

Replied by Ian
(Oldham, Manchester United Kingdom)
05/09/2012
★★★★★

After years of ups and downs and depression, I must have tried almost every supplement and pharma pills also. My conclusion is that for myself a good quality pharmaceutical grade fish oil really is excellent at stabilising and improving mood. I use one but others available. Also I've found vitamin c works well to improve my mood also, having read about "histadelia" and high histamine levels that could be the reason as vitamin c is a potent anti -histamine. Commonly touted remedies such as tryptophan made me worse as does any ssri like prozac. Also selenium seems to affect my mood in a negative way also. I guess the bottom line is we are all different biochemically and have to experiment on what works for yourself, though for anyone with these symptoms I'd suggest everyone reads about histadelia and histapenia and the roles of histamine in mood.

Replied by Samantha
(BC, Canada)
04/12/2015
★★★★★

Yeah fish oils helped me too. I was taking Cod Liver Oil, about 1 Tablespoon per day, for other health issues and I noticed that I started laughing more, mostly during tv shows which I hadn't found "laugh out loud" funny before this so it was surprising. Maybe just after a few days too; its effect was pretty quick.

Replied by Ashley
(Edinburgh, Uk)
11/15/2018

Which brand do you recommend is better?


Fish Oil
Posted by Shanon (San Antonio, Texas) on 11/29/2008
★★★★★

Fishoil helped my depression. I was about to consider Zoloft when I ran into an article about the benefits of fishoil. I started taking 3-4 grams I divided doses and in less than 5 weeks I felt better! Then, I started sleeping before 11 pm and found out that I functioned better and my thoughts were more positive. Everyone used to tell me that in order to cure depression you had to think positive...fishoil taught me how to do so! it's been four months and I only get depressed during my period. I'm working on that...any suggestions?

Replied by Naturelove
(Ft. Polk, Louisiana)
01/20/2011

B complex vitamins will have not only a positive impact on your mood, but help you stay regulated during your period.

Replied by Jane
(Spring Valley, Ny)
10/26/2015

I don't know about fish oil curing anything but Apple Cider Vinegar and molasses totally helps with bad period.


Fish Oil
Posted by Colleen (Perry, Florida)
★★★★★

Omega 3 Fish Oils work great for depression!! Be sure to take them on a regular basis. They really work wonders for depression.

Replied by Ethan
(Nashville, Tennessee)
11/20/2008
★★★★★

I take fish oil at least twice a week. I have been doing this a year now. Though it has not cured my depression it seems to help. I also take a multi vitamin occasionaly. I was skeptical of a natural cure working after having tried ST Johns Wart because it did not seem to work for me but I gave it a shot and I have been doing fairly well. I still get depressed but not for such long periods of time like I used to.

Replied by Laurie
(Wolverine, MI)
11/22/2008

In reply to the person taking fish oil. Fish oil is very good, trying different types of omega threes would be beneficial. Vitamin D3 is essential in winter months, especially if in the northern states; no depression when vit D3 is around. Best regards

Replied by Nirinjan
(Traverse City, Michigan)
12/30/2009

For those who are vegan or don't want animal products you can try hemp oil which has omega 3,6,and 9. Hemp oil with bragg's or tamari makes a great salad dressing!


Flaxseed


Posted by Teena (Melbourne, Australia) on 05/24/2019 232 posts
★★★★☆

Editor's Choice

Hello all it is early days but caught up with a friend who suffers depression and anxiety and is on different meds, twice a day. She was strangely severely affected by afternoons. She about 6 weeks ago started my suggestion of the spoonful of linseeds (flaxseeds) soaked overnight in water, consumed in the morning. As it had been awhile I asked her how she was doing on it. Apart from actually enjoying drinking the seeds, she grasped my hands to advise she no longer had the dark cloud over her head in the afternoon, and often didn't take her afternoon antidepressant because she didn't need it. We both had tears in our eyes at this development. Hope this encourages someone who needs it.


GH3


Posted by Lad (Maryland) on 04/09/2006
★★★★★

GH3 (I used a more complex type "GH7") is a mild, reversible MAO inhibitor. It does lift your mood. Sceletium, or "Kanna" herb is reputed to work faster and better than SJW, and I found it to be very useful too. Also, gotu kola is a good all around herb for depression and anxiety.


Ginger


Posted by Anon (Anon) on 08/09/2020
★★★★★

A one inch piece of fresh organic raw ginger, chewed and swallowed with water. Effective within minutes. Suicidal thoughts and depression had been happening for a few hours. Took more as needed, 3 or so times over the next few hours. Continued as needed over the next few days.

Replied by Nessa
(New Mexico)
02/11/2025
★★★★★

Just recently I was feeling down a lot, more than usual. I wasn't sure what to do about it. I actually prayed about it one morning to Jehovah God and then that evening instead of grabbing my garlic purée from the fridge I accidentally grabbed the ginger purée and put it in my soup before I realized what it was. I thought maybe that's the answer. That was about two weeks ago. Every day since then I've been having ginger tea made with ginger powder once a day. I use about 1 teaspoon of ginger powder in hot water. I've been in a really good mood every day ever since. I looked online and saw how other people have discovered that they feel really good emotionally after having ginger also.

BECKIE
(OR)
02/11/2025
★★★★★

That is great. I have putting in a teaspoon of ginger in my fruit smoothie for years and I have been in a great place. I just feel happy.


Gluten Free Diet


Posted by Anonymous (USA)
★★★★★

Depression can be a side effect of celiac disease, which I have. It is treated with a gluten free diet. If you feel you have had digestive problems that are very confusing, consider getting yourself checked for this. Or search "celiac" on the web for plenty of information.


Grape Jelly


Posted by Isis (Detroit, Illinois) on 08/19/2009
★★★★★

Me & My freinds notice that when u eat grape jelly, it improves yr mood

Replied by Jane
(Linn Missouri)
01/04/2026

Are you referring to regular grape jelly? The kind you would put on a child's sandwich?


Gratitude Practice


Posted by Veronicah S. (Switzerland) on 11/22/2019
★★★★★

Practice gratitude, self love and self compassion and watch your whole world transform. I was utterly depressed until I learnt the power of gratitude. Gratitude changes the way we view life and ourselves. Difficult situations that were once intolerable and seemingly unchangeable, transform. The moment we feel gratitude, the situation begins to lighten, and then we can see the opportunities to create change. We feel better about ourselves and our ability to positively affect our environment and our world. Depression lifts, conflict turns to harmony, and stress releases to peace. When gratitude becomes a way of life, success, happiness, and health become the norm. Make it a habit of thanking everything along your path. I am thankful for my cat, I am thankful for my perfect health ( even though the reality is different). Be thankful to the people or situations that you don't like. It is one way to cut the cord and free yourself.

Otherwise they remain in your life through negative emotions. Be thankful thankful thankful thankful. Remember, being positive for ten minutes and compaining the rest of the day will not work. You have a job to do, cultivating gratitude until it becomes the default program . You mean I can be healthy by just repeating "I AM HEALTHY"? yes. You mean I can be happy by just repeating "I AM HAPPY"? yes. You mean I can be ...............by just repeating "I AM ............" ? yes.

Well, I did not know that either, now i know. It has worked for me. Earth clinic was my to go site when I was searching to cure depression, thyroid issues, hypoglaecemia etc. Unfortunately I did not find relief from the many good suppliments and herbs. I had to return here and say something as a part of my gratitude. Practicing gratitude to everything and all , being careful about what I was feeding my mind and practicing self compassion when I caught myself thinking or saying negative stuff transformed my life. Reading about the brain neuroprasticity and learning how to reprogram the subconcious mind was my first help. Abraham Hicks book "The law of attraction" transformed my life. Louise hay book "You can heal your life" and many other books are resources that will get you from here to there. You are not helpless, YOU ARE YOUR OWN RESQUE. It has to come through you to you.

Replied by Anon
(Anon)
11/26/2019

I am grateful for your suggestion :) Cutting out the negative programming is good, too. No violent tv shows, no toxic relationships, no foul books or pictures. Get rid of drab furnishings, broken things, gifts people gave you that you don't really want, even photos of yourself you dislike; be ruthless, depression is serious business. Keep your house clean, metaphorically and literally. You think you don't want to clean because you are tired, but having a messy house can actually make you feel tired, too. Use nontoxic cleaning products like baking soda, vinegar, or yummy essential oils. Throw out those cheap probably toxic air fresheners, bath bombs, body care products, etc. Stale apartment air needs to be ventilated. This is not a time to be frugal, your life is at stake.

J.
(Mn)
02/16/2020

Hi. Very good advice I start and end the day with prayers of thanks. I have cleaned my entire place from top to bottom. Got rid of tons of clutter and I did feel better and less fatigue. When you look at clutter everywhere it's defeating and makes you tired. My problem is keeping up with it and staying on an even keel. I do really good keeping the house in order and then after some days I crash. Too tired to do anything. I don't know if this is a form of chronic fatigue or depression, although I don't think negatively this is not new I've had I would call it poor stamina all my adult life. I have attributed it to having a damaged nervous system from prolonged (like years) emotional trauma in youth. I'll have to do some more research. Thank you everyone for your ideas.

Replied by Nonnie
(Canada)
11/27/2019

Hi Veronicah S. from Switzerland

- I enjoyed reading your post about gratitude / self love / self compassion. It's always good to have a gentle reminder of how much we have to be thankful for - regardless of our circumstances in life. Another great book (there are so many) is "Attitudes of Gratitude" by M.J. Ryan. I read it many years ago and I have to confess that I used to write in a gratitude journal but stopped for no particular reason. Now I'm going to make it part of my daily routine . . .

Thanks again and best wishes.


Graviola Leaf


Posted by Nathan (Troy, Michigan) on 11/08/2014
★★★★★

My sister likes to use graviola for various ailments including depression. Graviola leaf infusion of 1 cup 3 times a day is the recommended dosage that she follows. It has helped her a lot, it may help you also.



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