There are many reasons to seek a more natural treatment for certain conditions.
Perhaps you don’t care for the chemicals in drugs. You could be someone who is choosing to live as natural a lifestyle as possible. Or, you have tried medications like SSRIs and SNRIs in the past and had an adverse reaction to them.
Whatever the case may be, here are five natural remedies for anxiety and depression.
Please note: These remedies are meant to be supplements for minor anxiety and depression. If you or a loved one are in danger or are experiencing thoughts of suicide, please seek medical and emergency help.
- Vitamins
Vitamins and nutrients are vital to maintaining our system. When your body is low on vitamins, it can cause many negative effects, including anxiety and depression.
Some of the most important vitamins your body needs are B vitamins. B6 is required for the creation of serotonin and dopamine, the two neurotransmitters responsible for your mood, including joy.
B12 is another that is responsible for the creation of these neurotransmitters. Deficiency of B12 results in exhaustion, memory loss, and depression.
Other vitamin deficiencies responsible for depression are vitamins B9, C, and D.
Taking vitamin supplements regularly will alleviate symptoms of exhaustion and depression.
- Probiotics
The neurotransmitter Serotonin, responsible for creating and regulating our “happy” feelings, is primarily created in the gut.
When your gut health is out of balance, many things in your entire system are thrown out of balance.
By taking a probiotic regularly, your system is put back into balance, and serotonin is regularly created again.
If you aren’t a pill taker, you can get probiotics through many food sources like yogurt, kimchi and sauerkraut, Kombucha, or any other fermented foods.
- St. John’s Wort
St. John’s Wort is an herb that has long been thought to increase the production of serotonin in the body naturally.
It is not recommended that you take St. John’s Wort with any medication that already increases your serotonin levels.
St. John’s Wort is available in many grocery and health food stores in capsule form.
- Fish and Fish Oils
Healthy fatty acids like Omega-3s are also vital for your body’s wellbeing. A deficiency in these oils can cause depression and other health factors. This is another nutrient that is responsible for the creation of serotonin.
An omega-3 deficiency can also lead to weight gain, lack of focus, and inflammation in the joints and body.
- Valerian Root
Valerian root is a powerful herb with many benefits.
This root is used in the treatment of anxiety disorders, to aid digestive problems, to help combat insomnia, and many more remedies.
Valerian root has very calming properties and can help you come down from an anxiety attack or help you fall asleep.
Valerian root can be purchased in liquid form for teas or drinks, its natural root form for tea, and powdered extract.
For anxiety, it is recommended you take 120-200 mgs 3-4 times a day.
There are many natural remedies to help combat anxiety and depression.
Oftentimes, minor anxiety and depression is caused by a lack of nutrients in our body.
(h/t Better Change Project)