When people suffer from depression the common and favorable remedy for it are anti-depressants and psychotherapy, or a combinations of them both. But every person cannot be cured by them and they may not be favorable for them. In this is the case then there are other types of remedies which are more natural, they include natural anti-depressants and other alternative treatments. A variety of these natural treatments can help alleviate depression. Some of them are mentioned below.
St. John's Wort is an herbal depression remedy, which is made from a plant with the same name. This comes in the form of oils, tablets, capsules and liquid extracts. Research has shown that it has similar effects to the prescription anti-depressants. The flowers of the plant are full of an oily red substance called hypericin which is an active constituent of Hypericum perfoliatum which is used in the remedy. This is commonly used in European countries.
5-Hydroxy-Tryptophan (5-HTP) is a natural anti-depressant made from the seeds of the plant Griffonia Simplicifolia. Some studies indicate that 5-HTP can be useful in the treatment of depression but further mainstream research is needed. The side effects of this medicine appears to be less severe and fewer than those of usual anti-depressants, this medicine comes is capsules.
Exercise has lots of health benefits which also include improving the mood and some other symptoms of depression. Exercise can start improving the mood in just 10 - 15 minutes after you start. Exercise e maybe helpful in treating mild to moderate depression. For exercises to work they may take longer than medications.
Meditation is very effective for improving mood, anxiety and stress, it also has many health benefits as well. It is an exercise which aims to help prevents thoughts in a natural way, by first relaxing deeply and then trying to keep the mind blank with no thoughts by concentrating and focusing on one's breath. It is very helpful in treating depression.
These were some of the natural treatments used for treating depression. But keep in mind that before trying anything consult your doctor first as to avoid any drug interactions.