If you’re interested in natural cures for depression, I highly recommend cognitive behavioral therapy. I’ll tell you more about herbs, supplements and other forms of alternative treatments later in this page because they can help along with CBT.
But first, one of the safest and most effective natural cures for depression is a specific form of psychotherapy called cognitive behavioral therapy or (CBT).
I use CBT to help a client identify, monitor and replace thoughts, feelings and behaviors that may be causing depression, anxiety, difficulty communicating, problems with anger and many other mental and behavioral health problems. Click here to research Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Natural cures for depression such as herbs, vitamins or other supplements including amino acids, are best recommended by a licensed acupuncturist, herbalist naturopath, homeopath or M.D. who specializes in homeopathy or naturopathy.
A naturopahtic practitioner may not be included on your health insurance plan. I think is a mistake on the part of the insurance industry because I find them to be very effective which saves everyone money in the long run.
If your practitioner does not accept your insurance, you may call your insurance company and ask if they will reimburse you for a portion of your expenses. Ask them if they will do that if you are seeing an “out of network provider”.
If you think you may be suffering from depression, you may consult with your primary care physician. Keep in mind that most M.D.’s. get very little training in alternative and naturopathic medicine. Even though this is the case they often feel qualified to dismiss the effectiveness of alternative treatments.
I find this very curious because the natural cures for depression and other physical/psychological maladies are in comparison the least invasive forms of treatment. They are not irreversible like surgery may be and, when prescribed and managed properly they do not have deleterious side effects like pharmaceuticals do.
So, before you consult with a regular M.D. about whether or not to consider a natural cure for depression, why not go directly to a practitioner who actually specializes in that field?
Here is a partial list of common herbal supplements for treating depression:
St.John's WortValerian rootDamianaGinseng
These herbs are known to regulate neurotransmitters that affect mood and a person's ability to experience pleasure.
SAMe - S-adenosylmethionine (SAM-E) is an essential amino acid required to maintain healthy neurotransmitter processes in the brain. People suffering from depression often have deficient quantities of certain brain chemicals. SAMe may increase the levels of neurotransmitters thought to influence mood and behavior with little or no side effects.
5HTP - 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is an amino acid that may help regulate sleep patterns and improve mood. In some people it suppresses appetite, so be careful if you’re losing weight.
Ginkgo Biloba - Ginkgo increases blood flow to the brain and other parts of the body. This improved blood circulation increases memory, promotes cardiovascular health and may aid in reducing symptoms associated with Alzheimer's disease.
Siberian Ginseng -Siberian ginseng effects the four horsemen of neurotransmitters in the brain: serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. It is referred to as "adaptogenic" which means it helps the body adapt to stress. Ginseng is also thought to assist in immune function and cognitive possessing.
Some particular natural cures for depression that I have used along with cognitive behavioral therapy as an alternative to medication are recommended by Dr. Linda Rector-Page, N.D., and Ph.D. Please keep in mind that I do not prescribe medication for anything. However, I can tell you what my treatments clients have responded well to, and encourage you to keep your options open after consulting with the appropriate health care professionals.
Here's what Dr. Page has recommended: * Add 5000 mg of vitamin C to your daily diet (I prefer Buffered Acerbate Bio-C with Bioflavonoids and Minerals)* Add DLPA, 375 mg 2 xs daily, an amino acid that increases neurotransmitters, and acts as a mood elevating supplement without the side effects of anti-depressant drugs.* Add an essential fatty acid source, such as Flax seed oil or Evening Primrose Oil.* Add a tincture of Kava Kava/Black Cohosh 2-3 times a day.
I hope you have found this information helpful. If you have any further questions or would like to consider using cognitive behavioral therapy as a natural cure for depression, please use the form below to contact me. I will be glad to work with you.