Seasonal Affective Disorder
Natural Remedies

Beat SAD Naturally: Effective Remedies for Seasonal Affective Disorder

on Jul 06, 2023| Modified on Jul 06, 2023
Add New Post Comments

When the leaves begin to fall and the days get shorter, millions worldwide find themselves grappling with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). Also known as winter depression, this condition can cause feelings of melancholy, lethargy, and a lack of motivation during certain times of the year. While professional help is vital for those severely affected, several natural remedies can alleviate symptoms and improve overall well-being.

Vitamin D3

Due to the lack of sunlight during winter, your body may not produce enough Vitamin D. Supplementing with Vitamin D3 can help make up for this shortfall and help alleviate symptoms of SAD.

Light Therapy

Light therapy, also known as phototherapy, is one of the most effective natural remedies for SAD. It involves sitting or working near a light therapy box that emits bright light, mimicking natural outdoor light. This exposure is believed to influence brain chemicals linked to mood, helping to ease SAD symptoms.

Physical Exercise

Engaging in regular physical exercise is another excellent way to counter the effects of SAD. Exercise stimulates the production of endorphins, known as 'feel-good' hormones, which can lift your mood and provide an energy boost. Incorporating regular walks, yoga, or other workouts into your daily routine can help you feel more vibrant and energetic, even on the darkest days.

Colloidal Gold

An intriguing natural remedy, colloidal gold, has been suggested to improve mood and reduce feelings of stress and anxiety, making it a potential tool for combating SAD.

Healthy Diet

Maintaining a balanced, nutrient-rich diet is crucial in managing SAD symptoms. Foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids like fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts, have been found to help reduce symptoms of depression. Similarly, foods rich in Vitamin D, such as fortified dairy products and eggs, can help compensate for the lack of sunlight during winter.

Mindfulness and Meditation

Practicing mindfulness and meditation can help manage stress levels and enhance overall mood, which in turn helps alleviate SAD symptoms. These practices enable you to stay present and focused, reducing negative thoughts and promoting relaxation.

Aromatherapy

Certain essential oils used in aromatherapy, such as lavender, jasmine, and bergamot, have been found to have mood-boosting effects. Using these in a diffuser or as a relaxing massage can create a serene environment, helping to soothe SAD symptoms.

Herbal Supplements

Supplements like St. John's Wort and SAM-e have shown promise in treating depression, including SAD.

Continue reading below to learn which natural remedies have helped Earth Clinic readers, and let us know which ones helped you!


Light Therapy

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Cheryl (Highland Park, NJ) on 07/06/2023 10 posts
★★★★★

This winter-time depression usually happens because of the low amount of sunlight available to the pineal gland which sits behind the eyes. So, the remedy for healing SAD is obvious:

Get a light source with high wattage in daylight bulbs. You want to sit in front of this every day for at least 10 minutes at a time. These light boxes are available commercially or you can rig something up at home.

Easier still, take a walk after sunrise, walking east toward the sun for about 10 minutes every morning. Every several steps, flick your eyes up to the sun and back down again. Just a flicker to expose the pineal to the sun's early rays, which are not harmful as they are later in the day.

I shared this simple therapy with a client who 'got it' badly every winter. Within a few days, he said he was feeling better and after a week of walking every morning, he said the SAD was gone. This is right out of the Edgar Cayce readings.

Now, you've not only "fed" your pineal gland some sunlight, you've also walked about a mile and are ready for the day! Within a few days to a week, you are no longer depressed – all for free and without addicting drugs, hooray!


Vitamin D

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%

Posted by Leslie (New Jersey) on 05/23/2013
★★★★★

Regarding SAD, getting vitamin d tested is critical. Get your 25(OH)D level up between 60 and 80 ng/mL and your SAD will likely disappear. Remember to take magnesium along with any supplemental vit d, or your calcium will deposit in your soft tissues instead of in your bones. Magnesium also assists with prevention of diabetes.



Advertisement