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.
Vitamin D
Posted by Beth (New Jersey) on 11/10/2017
★★★★★

Depression Cure:

I can't believe no one has mentioned vitamin D, but more specifically, UV light. I already take 2,500mg of D3 daily, but perhaps it's not enough because I've been battling Mycotoxicosis for over 5 years. Between that and working a night shift, I got lazy and only tanned (yes, tanning beds! ) once last week. Big mistake! I became unbelievably depressed with constant suicdal thoughts for four days. I finally went tanning (12 minutes in a low level bed), and within 30 minutes, my depression was GONE. My face even filled out (it was getting disgustingly hollow), and my body became less bloated.

I highly suggest labelling this cure as UV light if you don't want to mention the controversial tanning bed, but don't just say D3! I think I took 10,000IU at the beginning of the week, and it wasn't enough to make up for lack of tanning. Nothing compares to your body making its own vitamin D. It's common sense - humans need sunlight. Believe me, if the weather wasn't so crappy here in Jersey, I'd be tanning my butt outside.


Test for Hypothyroidism
Posted by Ravi (Mex.) on 10/22/2017

Originally I took Armour thyroid, before their formula change. When I reached 2 grains, the depression vanished and my basal temp. was normal. Basal temp. under arm) must be taken as soon as you awaken in the am, and are still in bed. Read the easy to read book Hypothyroidism by dr Broda Barnes, which explains the very simple protocol. In my case, years of depression had nothing to do with life circumstances.


Sage
Posted by Suzy (Paris, Il.) on 10/11/2017
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Hello, I have a cure for depression to share with you!!! Simply sage the herb you cook with. I started with half a tablespoon daily and worked up to one tablespoon in the span of one week. I mix it with a little honey to form a paste and swallow with my coffee in the morning. Within days I had no more depression, which I have had since my early teens! Very inexpensive to buy a bottle of sage, this is a mircle cure! Can also use fresh sage leaves and brew into a cup of tea.


5-HTP
Posted by Gord235 (Vancouver, British Columbia) on 10/10/2017

Update: I just want to add that my dreams when doubling the dose to 100mg/day have been not so much weird but vivid and funny. I quite often find myself waking up laughing so that's okay. Obviously not everything affects everyone the same and 5HTP is a good example of this.


5-HTP
Posted by Gord235 (Vancouver, British Columbia) on 09/11/2017
★★★★★

To Misty: I have been taking 5HTP 50mg per day for three months and find that it's really effective for depression. However, if I double the dose to 100mg I do have some weird dreams so maybe try dropping your dose.


Magnesium
Posted by Art (California ) on 09/10/2017 2891 posts
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Many people have reported the benefits of magnesium chloride oil applied topically here on EC, but magnesium chloride tablets are also well absorbed and according to the recent study link below, at the proper dose can have a significant impact on depression in people. This is important because many of the side effects from prescription antidepressants can be hard to deal with and even unhealthful, so alternatives like magnesium chloride tablets which are more likely to have healthful side effects are very useful in the treatment of depression.

This study is very helpful because it not only shows that mag chloride tablets are useful for depression, but it is also well tolerated with a very good safety profile. This study is also useful because it shows the dosing used and describes the benefit achieved. According to the study, some participants started to see benefit after just two weeks of supplementing. Participants of the treatment group took 4 tablets of magnesium chloride per day. This is the manufacturer who supplied the magnesium chloride tablets and the tablets are similar to those used in the study, but possibly 20mg more per tablet.

https://www.amazon.com/Alta-Health-Magnesium-Chloride-200/dp/B00IX05914/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1505075869&sr=8-3&keywords=alta+health+magnesium+chloride

As you can see from the study they used four tablets of Alta Health Magnesium Chloride at 500mg per tablet for a total of 248 mg of elemental magnesium per day. Magnesium chloride is well absorbed topically or orally. The tablets seem relatively easy to take compared to mag oil application to the skin everyday.

Here is a link to the full study:

http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0180067

One important finding from the study is that some people may be able to get by with a smaller dose than what was used in this study.

Art

Dietary Changes
Posted by Jodie (Littleton, Co) on 07/13/2017
★★★★★

Hello, I am brand new to this site and a nobody. I will tell you I used to have horrible depression my whole life. I was suicidal as long as I can remember. What changed it? I went gluten free. It took a few months and I just kept feeling better and better each day. I am 54 and for the first time in my life I am free of depression. And guess what? If I get a hold of even a crumb of wheat, the depression will come back for about 2 weeks, feeling like I did before going gluten free. Now a days its much easier to find the gluten free substitutes for pasta make the transition easy peasy (and I'm a foodie). You can still have Mexican food as long as its a corn tortilla rather than flour, Yes you can eat fudge and ice cream on this diet too. It changed my life and I also lost 35 lbs even eating fudge on the holidays. It definately wont hurt. I can even think better..much better now.

Hope you know you are loved in this word..regardless

Jodie


Cold Showers
Posted by Charles (Portlaoise, Ireland ) on 05/05/2017 1 posts
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Thank you God for directing me to earthclinic website. My depression and anxiety level was unbearable today, and I stumbled upon this Cold Shower Therapy by accident, tried my first cold shower, (5 minutes, ) and the effect has been AMAZING. Feel GREAT, and can see a future again for the 1st time in MONTHS, can't wait to get up and into another COLD shower in the morning..what a difference, I normally have to DRAG myself out of bed. Thank you earthclinic.

5-HTP
Posted by Alan (Mexico) on 01/10/2017

Take out of your diet all sugars, grains, pastas, breads, sweet fruits and you will see a great difference in your mood ....paleo diet or atkins....


L-Methylfolate
Posted by Meg723 (Melbourne Beach, Florida) on 11/20/2016

It's important to confirm the MTHFR mutation for many reasons including the methylation process. GeneSight is a company that offers reasonably priced testing for both MTHFR mutations. (https://assurexhealth.com) I've been taking Thorne Research Methyl-Guard after testing positive for both mutations and I am starting to feel better after about 2 weeks. It's been a long road of fatigue, anxiety, and frustration for not understanding my symptoms and being dismissed by my PCP.


Vitamin C
Posted by Stephanie (Napa, Ca) on 10/20/2016
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

Vitamin C for depression.

I started taking 1,000mg of vitamin C per day for my skin and immediately started noticing an elevated, happier mood, for no apparent reason. I have tried many supplements for depression and anxiety over the years and I have to say that staying hydrated and taking vitamin C regularly have proven to be directly related to my ups and downs. I also found the following, which relates vitamin C to seratonin production.

Dr. Hugh Riordan also supports using vitamin C as a treatment for depression. He teaches medicine at the University of Kansas Medical Center. He received the Linus Pauling Award from the American College for Advancement in Medicine. He believes that vitamin C is effective against depression because it increases serotonin production. That's the brain chemical that improves mood and promotes relaxation.

“Medical text books [used] to indicate that one of the most common effects of inadequate vitamin C is depression, " says Dr. Riordan. “But we very seldom go to a psychiatrist who measures our vitamin C level."


Lowering Homocysteine and Copper Levels
Posted by Timh (Ky) on 06/16/2016 2041 posts

Glad to see you have found a real cure and shared it with others as depression is quite common and conventional treatment option are limited and come with negative side -effects.

I would like to note that I find it unusual that Molybdenum was not recommended to reduce the Copper, and Vit-B-6 was not recommended to reduce homocysteine as well as a metabolic enhancer of Zinc. And also why B-12 & Folic Acid was not recommended along with the TMG as methyl donors in reducing homocysteine, or simply taking SAM-e as the ultimate methyl donor as well as a great mood booster.

Seems most folks have their own angle and pinpoint problems & solutions from their reference points, maybe it's most profitable for themselves this way, I don't know; but in many cases and especially extreme cases of disease, one's best approach is as broad and holistic as possible (which you have done with a your approach here).


Lowering Homocysteine and Copper Levels
Posted by Jillery (Rawlly, Nc) on 06/15/2016 83 posts
★★★★★

High Homocysteine and high copper = depression

After reading the book Nutrient Power by Wm Walsh and meeting with a holistic psychiatrist I was able to lower my homocysteine level from 11.9 to 8.5 and my copper from 150 to 115, resulting in improved mood and no anxiety. I was taking TMG 3000 mg and zinc 80 mg per day. I got my blood levels done thru www.lifeextention.com at a decent cost (about $125.00 for homocysteine, copper, copper protein, and zinc). It took about 2.5 months and I did go thru a detox for about 3 weeks. Now I balancing my overall supplements with my Lic. Accupuncture doc who also has training in the Walsh application. More info can be found on www.walshinstitute.com and also www.samanthagilbert.com. I would suggest getting the book thru Amazon and reading it. It is hard reading but understandable. You can find a list of practictioners thru the book also. The levels of the three components need to be in balance and it important to work with a medical professional. Samantha Gilbert provides online assistance.

Sunshine
Posted by Anon (Anon) on 06/05/2016
★★★★★

I get depressed. I have most of the symptoms of thyroid insufficiency. Get up early in the morning and go for a walk or go jogging out in the country as the sun us coming up. Laying out in the sun helps a lot. Just wear dark clothes like jeans and a long sleeve shirt with a hood so you don't burn. Or go somewhere you can lay out without clothes, but only for maybe 15 to 30 min at a time. Lay on the ground on a blanket for an hour. Read a book. Drink your green tea w/ fresh lemon juice. You will feel soooo good.

Making smoothies with fresh parsley is also good. Thuja, Valerian, kava kava, ginkgo, st. John's wart, green tea, lemons, parsley. All good. Anything that increases melatonin or improves circulation, or diminishes inflammation helps. Get more sleep, don't drink coffee. I have social anxiety, chocolate, kava kava, nutmeg, ginger help with that. Goldenseal w/ Echinacea helps. Lugol's iodine helps. Eating clean/organic, raw fruits and vegetables and filtered water. Avoiding cooked food. Carbs. I've got some stomach issue, I find myself scowling a lot, the ginger makes me more relaxed when that happens. Eating certain foods, especially some wheat foods like cake especially, causes severe depression the second I put it in my mouth. It's like my brain revolts. Frankincense essential oil is also a blessing. Also, buy a pair of pink tinted sunglasses, you'll be amazed at what a difference they make. Life is strange....

Also, if you're depressed, figure out how you can please God. Look back over your life and if you have wronged anyone go make it right. When you see someone in need help them. Be kind to everyone. Tell the people you love that you love them. Write letters to people you love and tell them about it. Just get up every day with one goal: to make the world a better place.


Low BCAA Protein Diet
Posted by Lilac (New England) on 04/28/2016

Tyrosine increases norepinephrine and dopamine in the brain. Those neurotransmitters speed up the brain and make one more alert. For some that may be good, while for others who are low on serotonin, it could be harmful. Tyrosine is found in protein foods, so eating more protein, especially animal-source, will increase this alert, speeded-up mentality. But if one is worrying and sad and angry and obsessive, it's more likely serotonin in short supply, in which case complex carbohydrates are better.

I've tried Tyrosine from time to time. It does make me more alert, but not in a good way, more in a "wired" way.

Anyone wanting to increase their serotonin can try Tryptophan or 5HTP. Again, don't take them with any other protein. Sometimes I take Tryptophan or 5HTP before bed, as they cause drowsiness. My experience is that a diet low in protein and high in complex carbohydrates, NOT TAKEN AT THE SAME TIME AS PROTEIN OR WITHIN A FEW HOURS OF PROTEIN works just as well to raise serotonin. Fruit and vegetables don't have much effect either way. By complex carbohydrates I refer to whole grains, potatoes (white & sweet), and winter squashes. Take without added oils/fats for quickest effect, and watch out for white potatoes as you may be sensitive to nightshades.

Remember to take ANY amino acid supplements on an empty stomach or at least not with within an hour or so of any other protein, since the amino acids in the protein will compete with the amino acid(s) in the supplement. Taking amino acid supplements with fruit should be fine.

Thank you for your suggestion.


Low BCAA Protein Diet
Posted by Timh (Ky) on 04/28/2016 2041 posts

L: Have you ever tried supplementing the amino acid Tyrosine?? It's one of my favs for mood & energy.


Low BCAA Protein Diet
Posted by Lilac (New England) on 04/27/2016
★★★★★

I am tremendously helped with my chronic depression by a diet that cuts way down on Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAA's). That is because BCAA'S lower the serotonin and the dopamine in the brain. And you need serotonin and dopamine to feel good. Do your own research. Google "Branched-Chain Amino Acids and Depression."

To experiment with this, try this diet for a few days to a week and see if it works for you:

Vegan + no or very limited nuts, beans, & seeds. Simple.

Explained in more detail:

Vegan means no beef, chicken, lamb, pork, ham, cold cuts, turkey, eggs, dairy (no yogurt, cheese, milk, etc.) IN OTHER WORDS NO ANIMAL PRODUCTS OF ANY KIND EXCEPT HONEY AND GHEE ARE OKAY.

AS WELL, cut way down on these plant proteins: legumes, beans, lentils, peas, all nuts, all seeds. I remember the diet this way:

Vegan plus nuts, beans, seeds. So simple.

It's a limited diet, yes. But you may see good results, as I do. You will have more serotonin and dopamine, which will free your mind. It works for me.

Plus I uploaded my DNA results from 23andMe to Nutrahacker, and now I know what supplements/foods are good for me and which to avoid. For example I'm positive for the MTHFR mutation, so I take folate. Usually one with the MTHFR mutation takes methylfolate, but Nutrahacker tells me I don't tolerate methyl groups well, so It take folinic acid instead. Nutrahacker told me lots else, too. For example I have the CBS mutation, which means I must follow a low-protein, low thiols sulfur diet. No time to go into it all here. It will cost you around $199.00 for 23andMe plus around $35.00 for Nutrahacker. You will never regret it.

For me, my Nutrahacker results plus the low BCAA diet and low sulfur diet is great. Take it from someone who has searched high and low to cure my dysthymia, and doesn't like pharmaceuticals.

L-Methylfolate
Posted by Lilac (New England) on 04/27/2016

Methylfolate is especially helpful if someone has mutations on the MTHFR gene. You can find out by getting your DNA sequenced by 23andMe, and then uploading your results to a number of good online apps, like geneticgenie or nutrahacker. See the work of Amy Yasko. SNPedia is also helpful...search for MTHFR.


Beets, Cayenne
Posted by Jenna (North Carolina) on 04/13/2016
★★★★★

Editor's Choice

When I'm feeling depressed it's hard to get motivated to do the things that help fight depression like exercise, getting out of bed, calling a friend, etc. But I have found that eating either cayenne or beets give me a super quick mood boost.

Raw is better, and for cayennes I often de-seed them and eat two or three. It's seems like my vision gets clearer and brighter, my thoughts are clear, and I am energized within a few minutes.

I find it more difficult to eat raw beets, so I roast them, make lemon herb beet and leek soup, or shred them and lightly sauté them in olive oil. It gives me the same clarity of mind and eyesight as the cayennes and improves my mood in just a few minutes.

While I have found that dried cayenne does okay for this purpose, I don't think that canned or pickled beets have quite the same effect as fresh beets for me. (But if thats all you have on hand there is no harm in trying! )

I've been struggling with depression for as long as I can remember. While there is no cure all I wanted to share the pick-me-ups I use to give myself enough motivation to get up and move around. I hope it helps someone else out there as well. Good luck to you all.


Test for Hypothyroidism
Posted by April (La, Ca) on 01/06/2016

My temp is 97.1@noon usually. Not normal. Which desiccated hormone therapy did u take? Armour? Maybe I didn't take enough. I had dep fr pms and the pms specialist prescribed that as well as hormones. But still fighting. So it vanished? None was fr life circumstances nor neg thinking? Sounds like purely physical???


Sea Salt
Posted by Stephanie (Napa Valley) on 12/13/2015
★★★★★

Pink Sea Salt for depression! The emotional and mental fatigue statistics in this country are through the roof! One major change has been a massive decrease in natural Sea Salt over the past 50 years due to the negative results of a ridiculous study using the equivalent of 10 teaspoons of salt per day! Now everyone is low and can't figure out why they are so depressed and losing their minds. The brain NEEDS natural sea salt with trace minerals, NOT processed salt laced with dangerous chemicals. The rest of the world understands the benefits of natural salt--the Egyptians used to withhold salt from their slaves in order to keep them disoriented!

Take 1 teaspoon natural Pink Himalayan Sea Salt per day, divided in several doses of 1/8 tsp or 1/4 tsp throughout the day with a large glass of water. You will likely feel the effects within a few hours if you are trying to ease depression or reduce anxiety.

And if you have trouble sleeping and wake up in the middle of the night often, this is another indication that you are low on sea salt. Right before bed, take 1 pinch of pink sea salt and put it under the tongue for 30 seconds before drinking a cup of water to wash it down. You will sleep through the night because the salt will prevent your aldosterone from spiking and waking you up in the middle of the night. If you do wake up, take one more pinch of salt under the tongue with water and go back to sleep. You will eventually figure out the best dosage for yourself based on how low in salt and water you really are.

I used to work for a major pharmaceutical company that sold antidepressants and drugs for insomnia, both highly addictive btw, and when I found out about this remedy I was absolutely shocked that it was real.

I used to wake up at 1am, 2am, 3am, until I started taking a pinch of pink sea salt under the tongue each night, and now I sleep like a baby and don't wake up at all until 6:30, it's my personal miracle remedy...sleep well!


Fish Oil
Posted by Jane (Spring Valley, Ny) on 10/26/2015

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


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.


Fish Oil
Posted by Samantha (BC, Canada) on 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.


Test for Hypothyroidism
Posted by R27 (Mexico) on 03/28/2015
★★★★★

My 30 years of depression ended years ago, the day I took the proper dose (for me) of dessicated (non synthetic) thyroid medication. To cure chronic depression, the first step is to determine if you are hypo-thyroid. From my experience, forget the usual blood test and read the book on hypothyroidism by Dr Broda Barnes, md, phd (deceased) -- after years of research, he found that basal temperature (underarm temp. first thing in a.m.) is best indicator of low thyroid---if below 97.8 f.

If you have low basal temp., search on web Dr Broda Barnes, and choose an M.D. who follows his protocol---an association exists of such physicians. If you follow this advice, it could change your life forever.

Urine Therapy
Posted by Marie (Quebec, Canada) on 01/24/2015

Hi Sandy,

Hope you are still around and will see my post. First, I would say that "my" english is not perfect, as I speak french, so sorry for the language mistakes. My situation is that one: I suffered from chronic depression most of my life (I'm 37 now), been on antidepressants (without good results) for 16 years and now off of them since 2 months. I've tried soooo many alternatives and supplements or therapies (name it) without any relief. I'm not investigating about urine therapy. I'm really willing to start it NOW but need some guidance about how to start and the general procedure. (I don't need other suggestions than UT, because if so, I will be overwhelmed, and I'm interested about UT only...hope you understand) THANKS in advance :)


Sam-E
Posted by Mum (Qld, Australia) on 12/31/2014

I have suffered severe depression and anxiety for many years. I have been hospitalised for several weeks and attempted suicide multiple times. During my worst anxiety, I was horrible to be around and developed extreme agoraphobia. I managed to get my condition under control using medications and CBT. However the medications had negative side effects including extreme weight gain of 50Kg and sexual difficulties. The meds also made me need to sleep 10 - 11 hrs a night. Several months ago, I bravely stopped medication and moved onto a combination of SAM-e and vitamin B complex. I feel even BETTER than I did on medication and the negative side effects are gone. I am sleeping well and my family have commented how wonderful I look. I am calm and collected. I need to take 400mg of SAM-e daily, as the 200mg dosage isn't strong enough. On 200mg, my anxiety and depression creeps back in slightly. I highly recommend SAM-e. Make sure to take the vitamin B's as well. This makes it work better.


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.


B12
Posted by Sandhya (Maui, Hawaii) on 10/29/2014
★★★★★

Depression can happen as a result of concussions. Have you hit your head ever? Good luck with the B 12.... you might even try B 12 shots.......


B12
Posted by Alicia319 (Seattle, Wa) on 10/28/2014
★★★★☆

I have been taking the carbomazapine for depression and anxiety for 9 years. The doctors arent sure if I am bi polar or not the therapist both have said no. I have suffered with major depression for many years over 35 now. I decided to try b12 500 mg it is working great with my medication 250 mg at bedroom and the b12 in the am. they wanted to change my med but I don't want to. Why is the b12 working so well? I feel so much better, I am allergic to many anti depressants.

Random Thoughts
Posted by Timh (KY) on 10/03/2014 2041 posts

Great recommends Jeff!! One more item --Transcendental Meditation. Ringo Starr has been and remains a great advocate of T.M. along w/ former Beatles Paul McCartney and the late great George Harrison.

T.M. provides a direct method of centering the mind into deeper levels of the subconscious thereby preventing the fragmentation that occurs in an hectic, stressful, modern lifestyle or workplace. Michael Jackson fell into the same trap taking increasing amounts of dangerous pharmaceuticals until he collapse altogether.

After doing T.M. daily and w/ half an education the light of the fact that one is, during this practice, in the center of the universe. John Lennon revealed some of this type awareness in "I Am The Walrus" song.

Trade the destructive fragmentation of the self for creative Unity thru T.M.


Pink Salmon, Green Veggies, Blueberries
Posted by Jumpin Jeff (Wisconsin, US) on 10/02/2014

I'm betting it is the dose of fish oil you are getting in the salmon along with the alkalinity and vitamin and mineral support of the veggies and berries....try fish oil at one gram with each meal...peace.


Random Thoughts
Posted by Jumpin Jeff (Wisconsin, US) on 10/02/2014

Famous folks are often isolated for fear of so many who want a piece of them. I have all out remedies for Phil Mickelson, , , Tiger Woods etc but hard to get to them. Robin did not get the natural care because he was isolated and because his depression told him to use maladaptive substances such as cocaine and alcohol instead of something valid like St John's wort, fish oil, 5 HTP, cannabis and proper cleansing and nutrition. Peace, , J



NEXT 
Previous Page 1 2 3 4 5 6 ...14 Next Page
Advertisement