10 Herbs For Depression and Anxiety

Herbs for depression are a rapidly growing mental issue that is surrounded by various causes. Even many people with the problem are not aware of their suffering which leads to adverse effects on health at later stages. Read below to know how depression can be cured with Ayurveda herbal remedies.

Depression is one of the extremely complex mental health issues, a disease that doesn't have any exact cause and can occur due to varied reasons. There are days when you feel dreadful about doing any work, feel empty, and sad, lose interest in doing the things you love or hopelessness takes over. If the feeling or behavioral issue recurs often, then there might be a chance of depression knocking on your door.

Some experience depression due to medical illness or traumatic incidents and others may have depression due to a lifestyle change or have a family history of depression. There are people who experience depression and feel swamped with loneliness and sadness for no particular reason.

Depression is a common illness and can be treated with various therapies and medication, but choosing alternative treatment is the best way out of it. Ayurveda is the natural method of curing and preventing illness and with the Ayurveda courses in Kerala India, you learn about several herbs and remedies to fight depression.

Here are the five wonderful Ayurveda herbs and natural remedies that can help you to get rid of depression.

10 Ayurvedic Herbs for Depression

Ayurvedic herbs are used to make the traditional medicines of India to boost the defense system against diseases and balance your mind, body, and spirit.

1. Ashwagandha

An amazing herb that has long been used in Ayurvedic medicine for treating various health conditions and depression is one of those. The herb consists of adaptogenic compounds that are known for relieving symptoms of depression and anxiety. Ashwagandha also helps in fighting degenerative brain conditions like Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's and inhibits the growth of cancer cells.

Read Also: Ashwagandha Benefits In Hindi

2. Ginseng

Ginseng is again the herbal medicine that is used to treat various health conditions. Ginseng root consists of amazing medicinal properties, and the herb has been linked with improved mental clarity, a re-energized body, and reduced stress.

3. Chamomile

Chamomile is a wonderfully natural way of treating both depression and anxiety and is generally used in the form of oil and herbal tea.

4. Lavender

Lavender is another amazing herbal remedy to treat the issue - use lavender oil as an inhalant that induces calmness and deep sleep. Even the oral consumption form of lavender oil is available as a capsule that helps in reducing the symptoms of depression and makes you feel energetic.

5. St. John's Wort

St. John's Wort is an amazing herb highly recommended to treat patients with depression and cure mild to moderate depression and mood disorders. For hundreds of years, the herb is used to treat mental health conditions and should be avoided by people with bipolar disease.

6. Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Omega 3 Fatty acids can be consumed through supplements and help in reducing the symptoms of depression effectively and is also good for your heart. Consume food items including Flaxseeds, Chia seeds, Canola Oil, soybeans, Walnuts, Basil, Brussels Sprouts, Spinach, Broccoli, and more as all these consist of Omega-3 Fatty Acids.

Also, Read the Best Omega 3 capsules in India.

7. Thyme

A great source of tryptophan and Lithium, Thyme is a great mood stabilizer, calms the mind, and treats insomnia. The herb enhances food taste and treats the problem in no time.

• Use dry thyme powder with garlic as a rub for roasts.
• Use eggplant dishes as the pepper.

8. Rosemary

A woody plant, rosemary leaves are used for flavoring potatoes, cooking oils, and many other seasoning purposes. The herb seasoning shows great effects on people with depression as it acts as an antidepressant and anxiolytic.

• You can use the ingredient as salt for many dishes.
• Use rosemary-infused olive oil, honey, jam, sugar, jelly, vinegar, lemonade, butter, and pesto.
• Freeze the herb to use later by adding in soups, stews, thaw, and in marinades.

9. Saffron

Saffron extract is the way out to improve depression, though no research has confirmed its effect on the treatment of depression. It is said to be a great herb to treat depression. But, there is one study in Alternative Medicine Review that said, taking saffron stigma - at the end of the carpet or rod-like stem in a flower, has shown to be an effective measure to treat mild to moderate depression.

• Soak a few strands of saffron threads in 2 tablespoons of warm milk. Then boil a glass of milk, add honey, and crushed almonds, and boil it. Now add saffron milk mix, and drink the milk before sleeping.
• You can consume saffron supplements to reduce anxiety and cure depression.

10. Folate and Zinc

Consumption of folic acid and zinc is highly relatable to depression prevention. Folic acid works as a natural antidepressant and increases the folate levels in the body consume folate-rich foods like - beans, lentils, avocados, cereals, sunflower seeds, dark leafy greens, etc.

Whereas zinc is associated with mental functioning, a low level of zinc in the body is linked with depression according to various studies. So consume zinc supplements from zinc-rich food like dairy products, nuts, beans, cereals, whole grains, etc.

Others

Herbs like Hawthorn, California Poppy, Ginkgo Biloba, Lemon Balm, Passion Flower, Kava, Valerian Root, Rhodiola, Maca, and more, are some great herbs available across the world that help in treating this common health condition of depression.

Symptoms of Depression

Initially, it might be difficult for you to decide whether the issues you are facing can lead to depression or not. Given below is the list of symptoms that can surely help.

• Fatigue
• The feeling of Sadness and Hopelessness
• Thoughts of suicide and death
• Trouble while concentrating
• Sleep issues - insomnia or hypersomnia
• Change in Appetite
• Loss of interest in normal activities and hobbies
• The feeling of frustration and irritability
• Physical symptoms - backache and headache

Depression is a life-threatening disease and increases the risk of other medical conditions like a stroke or heart attack. Try these herbs and remedies to cure the issue and seek the help of loved ones and doctors.

Read Also: Dealing with Depression: Everything you need to know For more information and free personalized guidance, talk to Credihealth Medical Experts today

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Disclaimer: The statements, opinions, and data contained in these publications are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of Credihealth and the editor(s).

About The Author

This write-up was contributed to Credihealth by Manmohan Singh.

Manmohan Singh is a passionate Yogi, Yoga Teacher, and Traveler in India. He is currently working with rishikulyogshsla.org. The Yoga Alliance-affiliated school organizes a number of Yoga events such as Yoga teacher training in India, Yoga workshops, Retreats, Pranayama training, etc.