• Home
  • Start Here
  • Acne
  • Weight Loss
  • About Us
  • Contact
  • Write for Us

Home Remedies For Life

Home / Mental Health and Mindfulness / Depression

15 DIY Home Remedies for Depression and Anxiety

Home Remedies for DepressionDepression is a medical illness caused by an imbalance of brain chemicals, and it is characterized by chronic sadness, anxiety, stress, lack of sleep, loss of appetite, and a general lack of interest in life.

While there are prescription medications that can mitigate these symptoms, they are pricey and they come with extreme side effects. You’re about to learn how to treat the symptoms of depression using natural, affordable, effective home remedies. Let’s get started.

Home Remedies for Depression:

1. Cardamom

Cardamom is a natural anti-depressant.

  • Crush 4 cardamom seeds into powder.
  • Add ½ teaspoon of cardamom powder to a glass of water.
  • Drink daily.

2. Brazil Nuts

Brazil nuts contain selenium, which is a natural anti-depressant. Eat them regularly, along with other foods that contain selenium, like tuna, swordfish, oysters and sunflower seeds.

3. Garlic

German researchers have found that garlic lifts the mood. Eat it regularly.

4. St. John’s Wort

Research indicates that St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is an effective treatment for mild depression. Supplements are available at most grocery stores and pharmacies and should be taken at recommended dosage for about 6 weeks. Consult a doctor before use.

5. Indian Gooseberry

Indian gooseberry is a natural anti-depressant.

  • Crush 5 Indian Gooseberries and remove the seeds.
  • Mix crushed and de-seeded berries with ½ teaspoon of nutmeg to form a paste.
  • Eat this twice a day to get rid of depression.

6. Cashews

Cashews contain tryptophan, which is a natural anti-depressant. Eat cashews regularly.

  • Use a blender to grind them into powder.
  • Stir a teaspoon of the powder into a cup of warm milk.
  • Drink everyday.

7. Light Therapy

Seasonal affective disorder is a type of depression experienced by those who live in areas where it is dark for nearly 24 hours a day during the winter. Light therapy simply means exposing oneself to light that replicates sunlight for 15 minutes to an hour every day. This therapy doesn’t cure the depression but it helps to ease the symptoms.

8. Coffee

Coffee can lift the mood when consumed in moderate amounts. Don’t drink more than 2 cups a day as this may worsen anxiety.

9. Brahmi or Ashwangandha

These two Ayurvedic herbs relieve depression. Twice a day, mix 2 tablespoons of brahmi or ashwangandha powder into a glass of water and drink it twice a day.

10. 5-HTP

5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is produced naturally within the body and used to make serotonin, which improves the mood. Take 5–HTP supplements, but do not combine them with prescription anti-depressants.

11. Exercise

Regular exercise improves the mood and your general health. Choose a form of exercise they actually interests you and you’ll be more likely to do it regularly. Is there a sport you’ve always loved? Have you always wanted to be a dancer or a gymnast? Now’s the time to try it!

12. Acupuncture

Acupuncture has been shown to relieve depression. Find a trained and licensed practitioner in your area and visit her regularly.

13. SAM-e

S-adenosyl-L-methionine (commonly known as SAM-e or Sammy) is produced naturally within the body, and it increases serotonin and dopamine levels. It is available in supplement form at most grocery stores and pharmacies. Use it in recommended dosage.

14. Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo biloba improves the mood. It is available in supplement form at most grocery stores and pharmacies. Take it regularly, but use only the recommended dosage.

15. Healthy Diet

As with any other health problem, the remedies you use for depression and anxiety will be much more effective when combined with a healthy diet.

  • Eat foods that contain Omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon, tuna, and herring.
  • Eat foods that are rich in magnesium, like pumpkin, sunflower, and sesame seeds, almonds, cashews, beans, legumes, whole grains, and dark leafy greens.
  • Eat foods that contain vitamin C, like citrus fruits, tomatoes, and bell pepper.
  • Get plenty of vitamins B and D.
  • Drink plenty of water and organic fruit and vegetable juices to stay hydrated.
  • Eat foods that contain tryptophan, an amino acid that stimulates the release of serotonin. These foods include lean turkey, chicken, and milk.
  • Avoid excess sugar.

Other Tips for Reducing Depression and Anxiety:

  • Set a daily schedule and stick to it.
  • Get plenty of sleep.
  • Stay busy with work, play, and other activity.
  • Try new things that interest you also helps you to get rid of the depression.
  • Go out with friends.
  • When you’re in depression, you feel that you can’t accomplish anything. Set small goals you know you can achieve.
  • Join a support group to further educate yourself.
  • Write a journal to sort out your thoughts and feelings rather than keeping them inside.
  • Avoid drinking and smoking.
  • Try yoga, meditation, and breathing exercises to reduce stress.
  • If none of these home remedies help you, consult a doctor.

Have you tried any of these natural remedies for depression and anxiety? Do you know of any others we haven’t mentioned? Share your experience with us!

Cartoon of Rajee
Rajee Datti

Hi everyone, this is Rajee!

I live the beautiful city of Baltimore, where my husband works.

I’m from India. I have been visiting India on and off for past few years and my mom was an inspiration for me to start this site. She has a wealth of knowledge on home remedies for a large number of health problems, and we grew up in an environment where frequent visits to the doctor just wasn’t logistically or financially feasible.

Despite this, she managed to raise a family of healthy kids, and my goal here at Home Remedies for Life is to pass on some of her knowledge of natural remedies.

Comments

  1. Jolanta says

    July 16, 2016 at 4:10 pm

    For how long shuld I use cashew nuts to cure my mild depression. At the moment I’m on antidepressants Venlor 75 mg. Not feeling grate, specially in the morning. Suffering from insomnia as well. Help please.

    Reply
    • Admin says

      August 2, 2016 at 4:17 pm

      It is very difficult to mention the exact time as everyone is different. Apart from following the methods, it is important to have a positive attitude, avoid smoking or drinking, hang out with friends and do meditation.

      Reply
  2. Dawn Morris says

    August 9, 2016 at 10:10 pm

    I’ve found that, when I’m depressed, expressing myself through artwork or crafts is soothing.

    Reply

Ask a Question Cancel reply

I accept the Privacy Policy

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Latest Posts

How to Repel Squirrels Naturally

How to Repel Squirrels Naturally (With Natural Cat Litter?)

forest-greenery

How to Safely Find Food and Alternative Medicine in Nature

Top Women's Health Bloggers

Top Women’s Health Bloggers to Follow in 2019

probiotic supplements pregnancy

6 Best Probiotic Supplements During Pregnancy (2019 Reviews)

Aloe Vera for Weight Loss

9 DIY Home Remedies for Weight Loss Using Aloe Vera

Home | About me | Contact © Copyright 2018
Disclaimer | Privacy Policy | Terms and Conditions | Affiliate Disclosure
Homeremediesforlife.com does not give any medical advice. Tips and remedies specified here are strictly informational. Consult your doctor or health care expert before you try.
Home Remedies for Life is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site, we will assume that you are happy with it.OkRead our Privacy Policy