Home remedies for depression

depressions are among the widespread mental illnesses. Strong medication is not always necessary, however, and many people fear the side effects too. For lighter forms of depression or against depressive moods, there are a number of different, well-effective home remedies. They have the advantage of being easy to use, inexpensive and free of side effects.

What helps against depression?

Infogram of the causes and neural reasons for depression. Click image to enlarge.

St. John's wort is one of the better known remedies in connection with depressive moods. The herb is easiest to use in capsule form or as drops, but tea infusions are also a recommended option.

The ingredients of St. John's wort have a mood-enhancing and balancing effect on the psyche. However, there is a "lead time" of around fourteen days to wait for the herb to take full effect. St. John's wort is not addictive and can be discontinued at any time when the condition has improved.

The only downside is that it makes the skin sensitive to light. Therefore, sunbathing should be avoided if possible during the time of use.

But depression can also be influenced favorably without taking medication. It doesn't always have to be jogging, because brisk walks in the fresh air can also work wonders. Weather-appropriate clothing and sturdy shoes are important. And then it is time to step out vigorously! Exercising in the fresh air ensures good blood circulation and optimal oxygen supply.

This releases endorphins in the brain, which have a mood-enhancing effect. The head becomes clear again, cloudy thoughts disappear and make room for a positive view of the world. The combination of light, oxygen and visual stimuli, combined with light movement, is ideal for people who are prone to depressive moods. The whole thing costs nothing and is still highly effective.

Quick help

Pasta makes you happy, our grandmothers already knew that. And carbohydrate-rich food is also an effective aid in the case of depressive moods. Sugary drinks and desserts are real food for the nerves.

Therefore, in the case of depression, all thoughts of diet should initially be left out. Instead, it can be a bit more chocolate. When digesting food rich in carbohydrates, the hormone insulin is released, which in turn promotes the uptake of the protein component tryptophan, which is converted to serotonin in the brain. This is the messenger substance that puts you in a good mood.

Inner calm and balance through yoga and breathing exercises can help with depression.

Bananas also fall into the category of foods that can lift the mood. Consumption of these fruits also causes serotonin levels in the brain to rise, releasing happiness hormones. Quite apart from that, bananas have a large number of vitamins and phytochemicals that are extremely important for health.

Practicing yoga, supplemented with breathing exercises, can also help to overcome depression. Yoga exercises are suitable for all ages and can be learned quickly and easily in health courses or at adult education centers. Through the physical exercises, which are usually combined with meditation, deep inner peace, balance and harmony can be achieved.

You can find your medication here

➔ Medicines against depressive moods & to lighten the mood

Alternative remedies

Essential oils can be used as quick emergency helpers. These are the concentrated ingredients of certain plants that are obtained through distillation or extraction. The easiest use is in the aroma lamp, where the vapors of the essential oils are released and inhaled through evaporation with water.

The effect is hardly noticeable, but should not be underestimated. The ingested odorous substances reach the limbic system in the brain directly through the nose. This is one of the oldest brain regions in terms of developmental history, it is responsible for the development and influencing of feelings and cannot be influenced by the will.

The essential oil of bergamot, a tropical fruit, should be mentioned here, because it has a mood-enhancing effect and creates a cheerful mood. Lavender oil can be added when nervous restlessness occurs in connection with depression. Lavender oil has a relaxing and calming effect. When using essential oils, attention should be paid to high-quality residue-controlled quality, which is available in health food stores, health food stores and pharmacies.