Anyone who has anxiety or depression will understand how difficult it is to live with this condition. People with this condition often feel unhappy and lethargic. Some days they don’t even want to get up and go to work. Feeling demotivated is not the only problem here. Once these feelings intensify, the person can lose interest in everything.
People experiencing depression are not just fighting their inner demons. After a while, such mental pressure takes toll on your physical health as well. It is not uncommon for patients of depression to experience headaches.
The obvious way to combat this darkness is with medication, but not everyone takes it. The biggest reason is that these pharmaceutical medicines can damage your organs if you take them for a long period of time. The job of these medicines is to numb down the feelings of despair. In many cases, it can help and control the feeling. In other cases, these medicines do not prove helpful, and the patient ends up taking pills for the rest of his life. Some people choose to avoid medicines because of this reason. Other people don’t take it because of other health related issues. As a result, they prefer other remedies and use natural herbs.
Here are ten herbs that can fight depression naturally.
Marijuana Strains
Cannabis or marijuana has proven to be an effective anti-depressant. Because of its medical benefits, many states have even legalized its use. You can easily get these strains at SHADED Co.
A lot of research has been done on marijuana strains. The results have been positive as in the dosage and the unique chemical composition of some cannabis strains can play a positive role combating depression. It needs to be stressed again that while using any cannabis strain, you have to be careful about the dosage because large dose can have an opposite effect. OG Kush, Amnesia Haze, and Blue Dream are some of the popular marijuana strains.
John’s Wort
You will find the name of this plant in every list of herbs that are considered anti-depressants. St. John’s wort works effectively with people that have mild forms of depression. This plant relieves depression by raising the serotonin levels in the brain (hormones responsible for keeping you happy).
People who suffer from depression don’t have an adequate amount of serotonin. These results have been proven scientifically too. Studies show that St. John’s wort can alleviate mild depression and its symptoms just like any prescribed medication. What is great is that the usage of this plant does not have any side effects, unlike the allopathic medicines.
Rosemary
This herb has a very particular aroma that is unlike any other herb. Because of the aroma and taste, it also makes a delicious addition to any meal.
Rosemary is not just an herb fit for cooking. It can help with depression and treat people who are suffering from jittery nerves, burnout, and even insomnia (a symptom/result of depression). Some scientific findings show that levels of rosemary oil in the bloodstream mean that the person has an improved cognitive performance.
Valerian
Native to Europe and Asia, valerian is another plant well-known for its sedating effects. It is best for calming down your nerves and reducing the feelings of anxiety. It can even help you calm down if you have any phobias. Many people, who have depression, use valerian on a regular basis and have reported its amazing results.
The regular consumption of valerian can decrease, or even eliminate, the common symptoms of depression such as irritability, insomnia and lack of concentration etc. If you often experience high blood pressure because of depression, valerian will help lower it down. Valepotriate is an active ingredient in valerian, and is a known natural relaxant. It plays a major part in reducing stress and relaxing your central nervous system. You can consume valerian in the form of tea.
Ginkgo Herb
For those of you who have not heard the name of Ginkgo biloba, the herb contains terpenoids and antioxidants that protect the body against any oxidative cell damage. The plant is commonly known as ginkgo or gingko, is great for people who feel lethargic (something people with depression face). The leaves of Ginkgo have lipophilic extracts. These extracts are powerful when it comes to fighting depression and stress. Consuming the herb regularly can positively affect your mental state. However, do consult your doctor about the appropriate dosage.
Cinnamon
If you have ever smelled Cinnamon’s fragrance, you will know how very soothing it is. Most of you will know cinnamon because of its usage in baking etc. Just like rosemary, Cinnamon has been used as a medicinal herb since centuries.
Cinnamomumverum is called as Ceylon cinnamon, which is a successful treatment for people suffering from depression. The best thing about cinnamon is that you can easily use it in your daily life, without any hassle. It also helps refresh your body and mind, something that all anxiety patients desperately need.
If you are feeling anxious, cinnamon will help your brain operate at its optimum level. Cinnamon can even help reverse depression. Drink a cup of hot tea with some cinnamon (you can add honey for taste), and you will instantly begin to feel relaxed.
Lavender
Lavender is not just used as a flavor component, but it has some medical benefits too. The flower of lavender is used to make medicine. People use it for anxiety, restlessness, insomnia, headache and body pains. The oil of lavender is one of the few essential oils that you can use directly on the skin. Many people use lavender to relax when they need some quality sleep. Stress is the main cause of depression, and lavender can alleviate it.
These herbs and plants can interact with other medications. That is why it is always betterto discuss it with your doctor before you try anything to treat your depression. Stay safe!
About the Author:
Currently a student of English Literature, in her final years, Carolina Martel is passionate about writing her thoughts in words. She takes up writing projects in her leisure time to accompany her studies. Generally, she understands the essence of writing on every topic but especially those that relate to her field. She regularly writes at https://shadedco.com/.