16 Research-backed Natural Remedies to Cure Depression!

Do you feel down or lifeless, aggressive sometimes and lethargic? If so, then you are prone to depression which might become a serious problem for you.

Well, we all face difficulties in life that can turn into anxiety and depression. But this becomes a problem when it starts to disturb our day to day life. There are many other reasons for depression like financial troubles, struggles of life, unemployment, trauma, and grief.

Symptoms of  depression

• Mood swings
• Lack of concentration
• More alcohol consumption
• Feeling of hopelessness
• Too much or less sleep and worthlessness
• Negative thinking
• Loss of appetite or overeating
• Loss of interest in social activities and sex
• Trouble in remembering things
• Body issues like stomach pain
• A headache, aching muscles, and back pain
• Reckless driving
• Substance abuse
• Feeling physically drained or sluggish

Many people suffer from depression which most of the times leads them in the wrong direction. To overcome these negative feelings you should see a doctor. You can also try some home remedies to overcome depression.

Home Remedies to Cure Depression

1. Exercise and meditation

In order to maintain a healthy body daily workout is essential which has long term benefits for the depressed people. The daily exercise temporarily boosts up endorphins, these are the “feel good” chemical and natural anti-depressants, which encourages the mind to think positively and also makes you happy.

You should exercise daily for at least twenty minutes. You can go for jogging, walking, cycling, and yoga to alleviate depression. Exercise is easy and costs effective way to solve the problem of depression and it does not have any side effects on the body. Studies prove that both aerobic and nonaerobic exercises considerably reduce symptoms of depression.

Meditation is also very effective. It helps you to be calm and composed. Gives you a relief and acts as a stress buster. Do meditation every day for a minimum of 25 minutes, to overcome depression. Choose a quiet place for it.

Read: 101 Benefits of doing Exercise Daily!

2. Proper diet

Ignoring meals or poor diet, these food patterns lead to depression. Having a low-fat diet that comprises of veggies and fruits, is essential to keep your sugar levels stable.

Foods that are enriched in folic acid and omega-3 fatty acid help reduce mood swings and ease depression. These foods provide instant energy that keeps your body active and fit and relaxes your mind.

Furthermore, a serotonin-enhancing diet (popcorn, egg whites, peanut butter, oatmeal, cottage cheese, etc.) is also considered good for people with depression. It considered the best cure to get over seasonal depression. Don’t eat protein rich diet as it works in decreasing the serotonin levels.

Magnesium regulates various biochemical functions in the body and is considered a very important mineral that helps deal with depression. Have magnesium-rich diet such as green leafy veggies, soymilk, banana, cooked black beans, nuts and roasted almonds.

3. Take enough sleep

Lack of sleep may create more problems, worsening your depression. You should get enough sleep to overcome your problems.  Set your daily routine and go to bed at the same time every day which will improve your sleeping habits.

Good sleep helps you to be fresh the next day and think better so that you can handle problems without getting stressed. Students must avoid late night study sessions and get enough sleep.

4. Get Involved in Various activities

Try to involve yourself in activities that interest in free time. Don’t let yourself be free and overthink. Do something of your interest. It keeps your mind diverted and also you enjoy yourself while doing your favorite thing.

You can read books, visit a museum or listen to music, dance, do craft work etc. These activities can alter the level of dopamine in your brain, reducing depression.

5. Apple

An apple a day keeps the Depression Away! Have an apple with honey and milk, or you can drink apple juice also to rejuvenate your mind. Apples contain potassium, vitamin B, vitamin C, and phosphorus that prevent damaging of nerve cells. Vitamin C works to enhance the immune system and reduce depression by lowering the levels of cortisol, a stress hormone. Check out 20 Amazing Health Benefits of Apples!

6. Rose petals

Rose petals possess healing properties. Rose oil helps in curing nervous stress and depression. Boil 20-30 fresh rose petals in water for fifteen minutes. Add sugar in it and drink the mixture. Repeat it 2-3 times a day.

7. Massage

The massaging of the body helps nerves to open up and it also gives a feeling of relaxing and calmness. The massage therapies are based on the fact that your mind and body are interconnected. The touch therapies boost feeling of calmness in mind and body, helping to overcome depression.

A blend of lavender and bergamot oil is very effective in treating depression and is also proved in studies. Use this mixture for calming massage.

8. Dark chocolates

This is for all the chocolate lovers. Cocoa present in dark chocolates, not only satisfy your taste buds but also enhances your mood and boosts up the cognitive function by increasing the production of serotonin and endorphin.

A study also proved the relation between emotional stress and chocolate consumption. They are parallel to each other.

9. Basil leaves

Basil leaves are also a great remedy to treat depression as they act as an adaptive that helps in the optimal functioning of the body during the depression. You need to take around 1000-2500 mg of leaves per day to reduce your stress levels.

10. Asparagus

The methanolic extracts of asparagus roots show considerable antidepressant activity, the reason why this herb is used as an adaptogen. Take dried asparagus roots to make powder. Have only one to two grams of powder once a day to eradicate your stress.

11. Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy works effectively in treating depression. Use essential oils like lavender, basil, sandalwood, geranium, jasmine, rosemary, etc. for spraying in your room or massaging your body. Don’t directly massage on your body. Take advice on how to use them and then apply. Have an essential oil diffuser at your home, it keeps your home disease free, keeps you away from negative feelings, the essence of aroma makes you feel fresh and energetic.

People allergic to aroma should not use aromatherapy.

12. Green tea

So lovers of green tea, along with cutting down your fat now you can cut down depression also. Drink a cup of green tea in the morning to get rid of depression. it contains L-theanine which acts as a mood enhancer and reduces depression. Green tea also reduces oxidative stress and post-stroke depression. Check out 15 Health Benefits of Green Tea!

13. Barley tea

You might not have a habit of this tea. But barley tea is a great and effective remedy to overcome stress and depression. it helps in the production of tryptophan, an amino acid essential for sleep. This amino acid produces serotonin, a neurotransmitter that controls mood swings.

14. Chamomile tea

During the depression, person may experience the problem of insomnia and gastrointestinal disorders which can be easily cured by flavonoids present in chamomile tea.

add 2 teaspoons of dried chamomile leaves in a cup of boiling water. steep for 5-7 minutes and add a little bit of milk and honey for taste. Have a cup of this tea daily, thirty minutes before going to bed.  you can also use chamomile flowers. Inhaling the vaporized essential oils alleviates depression.

15. Turmeric

Curcumin compound found in turmeric, bright yellow in color has antidepressant properties. Turmeric is also an effective remedy to get rid of depression caused due to seasonal changes. Curcumin eradicates depression by increasing the levels of dopamine, serotonin and stimulating the process of neuro-genesis. Check out 25 Health Benefits of Turmeric.

14. Writing therapy

This is actually perfect remedy. Pour out al your emotions, feelings and make yourself feel light and relaxed. Take a paper and pen, sit down in a calm place and write down your painful, emotional feelings. This writing habit of yours will improve your depressed condition. Get in this habit of writing down about your whole day, what you think etc. this will surely start improving your mood and will fall in love with yourself.

Tips to remember

• Make your daily routine and stick to that.
• learn to manage your time.
• Take proper sleep, at least eight hours.
• Divert yourself whenever you feel negative thoughts hover in your mind.
• Share your problems with friends or family members.
• Be active and exercise regularly
• keep yourself busy with friends and work. Never think of isolating yourself.
• Avoid alcohol, junk foods, tobacco, smoking, and drugs.
• Cut down the excessive intake of caffeine.
• Stay away from overusing antidepressant drugs.
• Never skip meals