Natural Remedies

for Depression

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Did You Know ?

• Depression is continually on the increase.
• 80% of people who see physicians are depressed.
• Prescribed antidepressants are only 30% effective.

Overview

At some time in their life everyone will be affected by depression—their own or someone else's. (Australian Government statistics. Please note: Australia's stats are similar to those of the US, Canada, and UK.)

"Pre-schoolers are the fastest-growing market for antidepressants. At least four percent of preschoolers—over a million—are clinically depressed." Depression therapist Bob Murray, PhD

Symptoms

Mental and Emotional Symptoms: Feelings of loneliness. Low self-esteen. Poor motivation. Indecisiveness. Mood swings. Persistent sadness. Crying for no reason.

Physical Symptoms: Fatigue. Sleeplessness. Poor appetite. Binge eating. Oversleeping to escape one's problems. Stomach problems. Headaches. Constipation. Lethargy. Suppressed immunity.

Severe Symptoms: Intense despair. Feelings of hopelessness. Impending doom. Hallucinations. Suicidal thoughts.

Causes

Physical Causes: A long and debilitating illness can cause low self esteem and bring on this illness. Alcohol, drug abuse, and hormonal changes (associated with PMS or menopause) are also known causes.

Hormones and Medications: An underactive thyroid, low blood sugar, liver problems, and anemia can contribute to the disorder. So can an unhealthy diet and over medication. Tests should be conducted to rule out these physical causes.

Coping Mechanisms: Depression can iindicate that our circumstances are overwhelming. A bad turn events or the loss of loved ones can trigger this illness. So can anniversaries of traumatic events.

Suppressed Emotions: Buried feelings of grief, anger and overwhelming loss, can trigger this illness. Many elderly people are vulnerable to this debilitating disorder which can be caused by multiple losses, compounded grief, and isolation.

Seasonal Affective Disorder: Feelings of sadness and hopelessness that come during the dark winter months and disappear in the spring are due to the reduction of sunlight. Light therapy and sunny vacations are known to help.

Natural Remedies

St. John's Wort flourishes in the wild. Very prolific and organic !
Photo by C. Goodwin via Wikimedia Commons

Nutrition: A diet of raw foods, whole grains, tofu, beans and seafood provide the energy and the proteins needed by your body and mind. Please Note: Frequent consumption of coffee and sugars can worsen the condition.

Clean out your cupboards. Eliminate refined and devitalized products, especially: white flour, sugar, sweets, soft drinks, pastas, canned goods, animal fats and hydrogenated vegetable oils. Please Note: These products make your body acidic and lay the foundation for this disease.

Supplements: B Vitamin deficiencies are known to cause this illness. To fuel your brain and brighten your mind take daily doses of Vitamin B 12, Vitamin B complex, Vitamin C, and Evening Primrose Oil.

The Spirit-lifting Healers

Herbal Remedies: St. John's Wort is a reliable tonic for depression and nervous exhaustion. Did You Know? Basil Leaves added to salads can help lift depression. Damiana stimulates the nervous system. Ginkgo Biloba promotes brain function. Cloves and Camomile are also medicinal.

Herb Tea For The Mind: Mix equal parts St. John's Wort, Valerian, and Lemon Balm. Drink 1 cup three times a day one hour before meals.

Personal Testimony: Thanks to my profound healing with the Cherokee healer Rolling Thunder, I can fully attest: Valerian is "God's Valium".

Complementary Therapies

Fresh Air. Exercise. Meaningful Activity: Avoid spending time in concrete buildings and avoid prolonged exposure to electronic devices. Walking for an hour in Nature in the morning (or at any time) invigorates the brain and soothes the nerves. Getting into a hobby can bring pleasure into your life.

Yoga. Massage. Saunas: To relax the nerves and release your energy, get a massage or do a simple set of yoga postures. Steam baths and saunas release toxins through the skin and contribute to a good sleep.

Alternating Warm and Cool (or cold) Showers helps your nervous system shift from sympathetic to parasympathetic modes which promotes natural healing.

Inspirational Thinking

Meditation. Prayers. Journals - Thinking With Your Heart: I hereby attest to the healing power of thinking positive thoughts and recording them in a daily journal. Remember 'The Secret'? ... What you focus on expands!

Over the years I have filled numerous journals in this way. Through journal writing it's easy to find solutions to every day concerns and live an inspirational life.

Water Medicine

Hydrate Wisely: "Dehydration causes stress, and stress causes dehydration." From the book - "You Are Not Sick. You Are Thirsty."

Hydrotherapy: Swimming and soaking in hot springs and hot tubs are time-honored methods that promote healing.

To Cure All Kinds of Ailments: Treat yourself and your loved ones to the Healing Wisdom that's waiting for you in the inspirational book ...

The Sunrise Water Cure !