If you feel down the dumps with the sun failing to peep from behind the clouds, then take a peek into some of the home remedies for depression. The symptoms of depression can vary from person to person ranging from a general dullness, perpetual weepy feelings with negative thoughts and sorts. Read on to know about the cause and the remedies for depression.

Depression home remedies – home to natural healing

The cause of depression trace to heredity patterns- which can strike if it runs in the family. Apart from that, trauma due to losing someone dear, or hormonal changes, or response to stress can also lead to depression. Clinical depression demands medical attention. Whereas Dysthymia or chronic depression can be treated with a few simple home remedies. Though the recent over-the-counter pills for depression have come out with lesser side effects, the home can nurture the best possible way for cure.

Effective home remedies for depression

• Enjoy your morning cuppa. Coffee and tea have been studied to alleviate moods. Caffeine plays a vital role in stimulating the nerves and therefore triggers the brain into briskness. This explains as to why some of us don’t feel the morning sunshine without the cup of coffee. But make sure not to go for more than 1 -2 cups a day.

• Brazil nuts, which are rich in selenium, also work as one of the best home remedies for depression. Selenium as a “micro” mineral helps to enhance the release of positive chemicals in the brain thereby bringing the mind to a positive plane. Apart from Brazil nuts, other foods rich in selenium include tuna, swordfish, sunflower seeds and oysters.

• Garlic as a versatile healing-spice does a “clove” of goodness to alleviate depression levels. Known for its cholesterol lowering-effects, a clove of crushed garlic on a daily basis can do a lot of good.

• Include omega-3 fatty acids as part of the daily diet.  Omega 3 or the “brainy” fatty acid expounds a wide spectrum of health benefits- one of them being to bring down the levels of depression. The brain’s basic cell structure is composed of a long chain of omega-3 fatty acids. So the fatty acid not only helps to maintain a healthy, working brain but also ensures the inter-transport of nutrients between cells. Foods rich in omega 3 fatty acids include salmon, cod, flax seeds, soy products, and flounders.

• Make sure of optimum intake of vitamin B complex, which is important for the proper functioning of the nervous system.

• Folic acid deficiency can also lead to depression. In recent studies, people suffering from depression were found to have lesser folic acid levels than what is usually found. Include spinach in the diet as it is rich in folic acid and therefore is an effective home remedy for depression. The daily recommended dosage for folic acid (100 mcg)which is about 3/4^th cups of cooked spinach.

• Eat bananas daily. Bananas are rich in the chemical called tryptophan, which is important for the synthesis for serotonin – the brain calming chemical.

• Learn to relax and bust stress. Yoga and meditation can do wonders to beat down the low mood and is one of the best home remedies for depression. So do physical activity in the form of jogging, sports and sorts, as energy dissipation through exercise can release the negative chemicals as well from the body.

Points of caution

If the symptoms of depression do not alleviate with the above-mentioned home remedies or the symptoms manifest into violent behaviors or aggression it is imperative to consult a doctor/psychiatrist.

Even if you are down in the dumps there are the “pep-up” home remedies for depression to boost your spirit and help you rise and make hay while the sun shines

Photo Courtesy: cosmicstock.com, old-home-remedies.com