Herbal and Complementary Therapies for Depression

Symptoms of Depression

• A bleak and depressed state.
• Inability to make a decision.
• Loss of interest in life and goals.
• A lasting sense of physical fatigue.
• Overeating or a significant decrease in appetite (Henneghan & Harrison, 2015).
• Drowsiness or insomnia, constant irritability.

Treatment of Depression with Complementary Therapies

• Developing a habit of keeping the back straight.
• Increasing the amount of magnesium.
• The use of natural sweets.
• The rejection of harmful products.
• Regular exercises and practicing any sport.
• Contact with friends and close people.

Treatment of Depression with Herbs

• Teas and broths for cheerfulness.
• Invigorating and tonic drinks for energy.
• Effects on the nervous system.
• The return of joy and goals.
• Environmentally friendly treatment with various herbs.
• The ability to personally collect plants.

Different Herbs for Different Purposes

• The broth of chamomile and mint removes tension (Izzo, Hoon-Kim, Radhakrishnan, & Williamson, 2016).
• The broth of grain with honey gives glucose.
• A valerian broth normalizes the heartbeat.
• The broth of St. John’s wort removes gastric spasms.
• The broth of dog-rose improves blood (Henneghan & Harrison, 2015).
• The plantain stalk heals wounds.

Exercises for Depression

• A purposeful smile even in a bad mood.
• A full relaxation of all the muscles.
• Rubbing the extremities to improve the blood flow
• Raising arms to the sides.
• Singing favorite songs that can exhilarate.
• Meditations and unhurried thinking over problems.

Reasons for Use

• Improvement of mood and general well-being.
• Good appetite and sound sleep.
• Complete safety and absence of chemical impurities.
• Availability and a rather low cost.
• The opportunity to treat on one’s own.
• Additional positive effects on the body.

References

Henneghan, A. M., & Harrison, T. (2015). Complementary and alternative medicine therapies as symptom management strategies for the late effects of breast cancer treatment. Journal of Holistic Nursing, 33(1), 84-97.

Izzo, A. A., Hoon-Kim, S., Radhakrishnan, R., & Williamson, E. M. (2016). A critical approach to evaluating clinical efficacy, adverse events and drug interactions of herbal remedies. Phytotherapy Research, 30(5), 691-700.