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5 Popular, Natural Depression Remedies

Natural remedies for depression are becoming very popular. Many types of depression medication take time to work and have undesirable side effects for some people. There are also a lot of people who want to get rid of their depression without having to see a doctor. All of these people may be helped by natural remedies for depression which you can buy without a prescription.

However, even though the idea of curing your depression without medication is attractive, please keep in mind that depression is a serious illness. There is also a possibility that your symptoms of depression may be caused by a physical disease. So it is important to at least discuss your symptoms with your doctor.

Having said that, let's consider some of the specific natural remedies for depression that you may have heard about, and perhaps some that you have not.

St John's Wort

This is one of the best known natural remedies for depression. St John's wort or Hypericum perforatum is a traditional herbal remedy for anxiety, sleep problems and feeling low. Research has shown that it can be an effective aid for mild to moderate depression, but does not relieve severe depression.

Like many medications, it can take around one month before you will feel the full benefit of it. Meanwhile, there can be several side effects including dizziness, indigestion, lower energy levels and higher sensitivity to sunlight. It can also interfere with the action of other medication including antidepressants, HIV drugs and the contraceptive pill. Don't take it without medical advice if you are on other medication or if you are pregnant, have bipolar disorder or have liver or kidney disease.

Folic acid

Folic acid or folate is a form of vitamin B that is naturally found in the diet, especially in green leafy vegetables. Many of us don't get enough in the diet or have reduced folate levels because of taking medications including oral contraceptives. A deficiency of folic acid has been linked with depression.

If you are deficient in this vitamin, taking a supplement may prove to be one of the most effective natural remedies for depression for you. However, it should not be taken along with prescribed antidepressants.

5HTP

5-hydroxytryptophan is a substance naturally produced in the body. It has an important place in the production of serotonin, which is a mood enhancer. The theory of 5HTP supplements is that it will help your body produce more serotonin, making you feel happier. Effectiveness and side effects are not very well researched. Not to be taken alongside prescribed medications.

Omega 3 Supplements

Omega 3 essential fatty acids are found in some foods such as oily fish and flaxseed. You can also buy supplements which may be made from fish oil or vegetarian sources. If you don't have enough omega 3 in your diet, and most Westerners don't, these supplements have been shown to reduce the symptoms of depression.

Omega 3 or fish oil supplements can usually be taken with other antidepressants and may increase their effectiveness (but talk to your doctor first). They should not be taken with medications that thin the blood such as warfarin and aspirin. Because of its blood thinning effect, omega 3 should not be taken for two weeks before and after surgical operations.

SAM-e

SAM-e or S-adenosyl-L-methionine is another supplement that works a little like 5HTP. It is becoming one of the most popular natural remedies for depression and is also believed to help with osteoarthritis. It can have side effects including constipation and upset stomach. It should not be taken if you have Parkinson's disease, bipolar disorder or anxiety disorder.

Finally, a word of warning. Some of these products are known to have just as many side effects as chemical medications, and with a herbal supplement it is often harder to know exactly how much you are taking. Therefore, it is a good idea to take medical advice of some kind before you begin. Always read labels and instructions carefully and follow their advice. This will help you to get the most benefit from natural remedies for depression with the minimum of risk.

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by SolveYourProblem.com : 2011

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