Is There A Natural Remedy For Depression?

Note: Natural and alternative remedies for depression and other mental and physical health conditions may not be controlled by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Consult your primary care doctor for insight before taking a supplement or using a natural treatment. Some supplements may interact negatively with other supplements or medications and may not be recommended during certain depression treatments. 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there are over 280 million people in the world living with depression. Depression is one of the leading causes of disability worldwide and can be challenging to live with. The symptoms of depression, including sadness, disturbed sleep and appetite, fatigue, and loss of interest in pleasure, can interfere with one's daily functioning. In addition, comorbidities like anxiety and substance use disorders may necessitate therapeutic interventions like therapy, medications, or a combination.

While treatment for depressive disorders can be effective for mild to severe depression, some people with depression seek alternative methods to manage symptoms and improve their well-being. Some may want to avoid prescription antidepressants due to the side effects, while others may crave a sense of autonomy by practicing lifestyle-based and natural medicinal interventions. Understanding the effectiveness and variety of natural remedies available for depression can be beneficial if you've been considering these methods in the past.  

Herbal remedies for depression

Some people may find relief from symptoms of depression using a herbal supplement. These supplements are often safe. However, some may have chemical properties that can cause side effects and interact adversely with other medications you are taking. Talk to your doctor before considering the following herbal remedies. 

The BetterHelp platform is not intended to provide any information regarding which medication or medical treatment may be appropriate for you. The content provides generalized information that is not specific to one individual. Do not take any action without consulting a qualified medical professional.

St. John's Wort (hypericum perforatum)

St. John's Wort, a flowering shrub native to Europe and parts of Asia, is a medicinal herbal remedy used traditionally to treat many illnesses and diseases, including mental illness. Several studies have focused on the antidepressant effects of St. John's Wort due to its purported effects. 

For example, an extensive review of 29 studies in 5489 patients with depression showed that the herb could be as effective in managing depression symptoms as some prescribed antidepressants in the US. The study concluded that St. John's Wort can successfully treat mild and moderate depression symptoms with fewer side effects than those experienced when taking antidepressant medication.

However, St. John’s wort may interact negatively with birth control and other medications and cause manic symptoms in people with bipolar disorder. Consult your doctor before trying this supplement. 

Chamomile (chamomilla recutita and chamaemelum nobile)

Chamomile, a small fragrant daisy-like flower native to Europe, is one of the oldest herbal remedies known in natural medicine. Chamomile tea is one of the world's most popular herbal teas, with millions of people using it for its relaxation and sedating effects. For instance, a randomized controlled trial of chamomile extract for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) found that chamomile may have modest anxiety-reducing effects in patients with mild to moderate GAD. These effects may be beneficial, as some people with depression experience co-occurring anxiety disorders. 

While chamomile is commonly used for anxiety and insomnia, the herbal extract has also been extensively studied to examine its antidepressant qualities. A study published in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine showed that chamomile effectively lifted mood and counteracted symptoms of depression in participants who took chamomile supplements over six weeks. These studies focused on clients with a double diagnosis of anxiety and depression, so further research may be required on its effect on depression alone. 

Ginseng (panax ginseng)

Panax ginseng, also known as Red, Chinese, Asian, and Korean ginseng, is a natural herbal supplement used in traditional Chinese medicine for millennia. In the distant past, it was used to improve mental clarity, increase energy, and minimize the effects of stress. Today, people rely on these same qualities of the herb to help them overcome the low energy aspect of mild to moderate depression. A few of the most challenging symptoms of depression may be pervasive low mood with an absence of motivation and energy to accomplish daily tasks. Ginseng may also be helpful in the treatment of depression. 

Saffron (crocus sativus L) 

Saffron, a bright orange-red spice widely cultivated in Greece, India, and Iran, is another herbal remedy that may have anti-depressant properties. In ancient China, this herb was traditionally used as a treatment for depression and as an antispasmodic, expectorant, and aphrodisiac.

While saffron can be more expensive than other herbal supplements, the beneficial qualities of this bright herb may outweigh the cost. The medicinal activity of saffron may be due to the bioactive substances in saffron known as picrocrocin, safranal, and crocin. These three substances work together to achieve the desired antidepressant activity in the body. Research suggests that these bioactive substances interact with the same receptors of mood-control neurotransmitters that antidepressant medications target. This interaction promotes the antidepressant activity of saffron. 

Homeopathic remedies for depression

Homeopathy is an alternative medicine practice that aims to treat health conditions using minor doses of a natural substance that causes the same symptoms in a healthy person. Homeopathy was invented by German chemist and physician Samuel Christian Friedrich Hahnemann. He believed in the following concepts: 

• "Let Like Be Cured By Like:" Samuel theorized that diseases can be cured by a substance that, in a healthy person, produces the same symptoms as the disease itself. 

• "Law Of Minimum Dose:" The law of minimum dosage refers to the dosage of the natural substance used in homeopathy. Hahnemann believed that lower dosages of medication and substances are more effective. Homeopathic products are often diluted to the point that there are no detectable molecules of the original substance in the "medicine." 

Homeopathic products are made by placing natural substances in water and weakening them until diluting or dissolving. The products are also agitated or shaken in diluted water, a process known as potentization. Homeopathic products can also be made as sugar pellets meant to be dissolved under your tongue, creams, ointments, gels, drops, or tablets.

A homeopathic practitioner can design a treatment protocol specific to an individual, understanding that each individual has unique needs. The diagnostic criteria used in homeopathy are completely distinct from those used in conventional medicine. Instead of medical treatments, homeopathy addresses depression from a natural standpoint. 

Although controversial, a meta-analysis was done of 18 studies assessing homeopathy's efficacy in treating depression. Participants in the studies reported lower consumption of psychotropic substances and improved depression symptoms, with at least moderate improvement in symptoms in 10 of 12 uncontrolled studies. However, many studies, including those done in 2023, have also disproved the theory of homeopathy. 

Homeopathic remedies may not be appropriate for people with severe or long-lasting depression. They are often used as a first effort or in conjunction with other treatment methods. 

Common types of homeopathic remedies

Practitioners may use several homeopathic remedies, including the following. Do not use a homeopathic treatment without consulting your doctor. 

Arsenicum album

Arsenicum album is a homeopathic medicine based on white arsenic. It is given in doses much lower than what would be toxic. A. album may be helpful for people who have gastrointestinal symptoms related to depression.  

Ignatia

Ignatia comes from the bean of a small tree found in China and the Philippines. This homeopathic remedy is used mostly when a person has depression after losing a loved one or going through a traumatic event.

Natrium muriaticum

Ignatia comes from the bean of a small tree found in China and the Philippines. This homeopathic remedy is used primarily when a person has depression after losing a loved one or going through a traumatic event.

Sepia

Sepia is a substance that comes from cuttlefish. The fluid that the cuttlefish expels when threatened is also called its "ink." Homeopaths use sepia for depression for symptoms of low energy and thoughts of unworthiness. It is also used specifically for parents experiencing postpartum depression or menopausal depression. 

Other natural treatments for depression

Natural depression medication like herbs and homeopathic remedies may be beneficial for mild to moderate depression. However, other supplements, including nutritional supplements, can be used. Below are a few of these options. 

5-HTP

5-HTP is an amino acid that naturally occurs in the human body and is a precursor for many essential neurotransmitters throughout the neurological system. A crucial neurotransmitter derived from 5-HTP is serotonin, which controls mood and healthy sleep patterns. There is insufficient evidence to prove that 5-HTP is as effective as an antidepressant. However, some people may find it beneficial. Discuss this supplement with your doctor to avoid taking too much, as doing so may lead to neurological distress and other potential complications. 

SAMe

SAM-e, also called S-adenosyl methionine, is a synthetic substance that is a form of a chemical that already occurs naturally in your body. SAM-e (S-adenosylmethionine) is proven to relieve the symptoms of mild to severe depression. SAM-e produces certain amino acids, including methionine and cysteine. Taking amino acids and SAM-e together may be effective. 

Non-medical depression interventions

Whether you try herbal, homeopathic, or other natural medicines for depression, there are other non-medical ways of coping with symptoms, including but not limited to the following:

Lifestyle changes

Lifestyle changes may also be considered one of the natural cures for depression. People who are depressed may have unhealthy habits, such as over- or undereating, not sleeping enough, or not getting the right amount of exercise. These are symptoms of depression but can also be behavioral patterns that may be worked on with support and time.  Below are a few lifestyle changes to consider. 

Eat nutritious meals

Eating nutritious meals may improve your health and mood. Studies have found that difficulties with eating can adversely affect your mood and increase symptoms of depression. Talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian to learn what foods are best for your body and may improve your mood. 

Practice sleep hygiene

Although you might not be able to control your sleep patterns, you can take steps to improve them, including the following: 

• Try to go to bed and get up at the same time each day, including on weekends

• Put away electronic devices at least an hour before bedtime

• Only use your bedroom for sleep and sex

• Make sure your bedroom is dark

• Keep your bedroom cool

• Get into a bedtime routine

• Avoid daytime napping

• Avoid caffeine 

• Avoid substance use 

Therapy for depression

Among the natural ways to treat depression is psychotherapy. Therapy can be used alongside other natural remedies for depression and in combination with antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Therapists may focus on one type of therapy or take an eclectic approach that draws from many schools of thought. They can use evidence-based techniques to help you reshape your thoughts, come to terms with your experiences, set life goals, and build an improved support system.

Whether you take medications for depression or not, a mental health professional may be able to teach you how to manage depression and guide you as you explore the reasons behind your mood changes. A therapist can also help you examine negative thoughts, determine if you want to hold onto them and replace them if not. 

If you are managing depression, you may have additional obstacles to following through with therapy, including motivation and difficulty finding the energy to make and keep appointments. In these cases, you might try online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp. Online therapy sessions allow you to schedule sessions at your convenience and in the comfort of your home. In addition, online therapy is often more cost-effective for clients. 

Research supports the efficacy of online therapy in the treatment of several mental disorders, including depression and bipolar disorder. In a study published in JAMA Psychiatry, researchers reported a substantial improvement in symptoms of major depressive disorder through internet-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (I-CBT). Researchers also reported that internet-based modalities could be cost-effective while reaching a more diverse and extensive number of people.