7 Herbs and Spices That Can Treat Depression Naturally

Photo credit: bigstock.com

Photo credit: bigstock.com

If you suffer from depression, you are not alone. Whether it is a temporary condition caused by a specific situation or event, or you have had it for years, more than 15.7 million adults in this country have suffered from depression at one point each year (based on statistics from 2014). This illness is usually treated with pharmaceutical drugs in order to get the patient back to a point where he or she is able to think clearly again and is better able to deal with the cause of the depression.

People who are experiencing depression display feelings of sadness, are generally unhappy, and have lost interest in most or all areas of life. Long-term patients may choose to seek therapy in order to better cope with situations they can’t handle. There are also herbs and spices that may provide relief in a more natural way. If you are looking to explore other ways of treating this common disorder, here are 10 herbs and spices that may alleviate some symptoms of depression.

 

1. Turmeric

Turmeric has been touted as an effective anti-inflammatory substitute for many prescribed medications. In a study in Phytotherapy Research, turmeric was found to be more successful at alleviating depression than most of prescribed antidepressants.

 

2. John’s Wort

St. John’s wort has been found to be effective in dealing with people who suffer from mild forms of depression. This European plant helps to raise the serotonin levels in the brain, which is usually deficient in those with depression. A number of studies which showed that St. John’s wort worked just as well in alleviating mild depression as prescribed medications, and with fewer side effects, were reviewed by the National Institutes of Health. Because it has been found to interact with other medications, make sure you discuss this with your doctor before trying it for your depression.

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