37 Quick Natural Home Remedies for Depression in Adults

Depression is an emotional disorder that affects to more than 19 million people in America every year. It is a mood state which goes far beyond temporarily the sad or low feeling. It tends to affect the thoughts, feelings, mood, behavior, and physical health of someone. Common symptoms of a depression are feelings of dejection, feelings of sadness, the deep sense of loss, disinterest in everything, low energy, mental trauma, disturbed sleep, and loss of appetite. These symptoms can affect daily life and can become so distressing. Other contributing factors of this problem include anxiety, mental stress, tension, drug addiction, deficiencies of the vitamin B-complex along with omega-3 fatty acids. In addition, there are about 70 % women have more ability to suffer from depression than men.

In fact, depression is a dangerous problem that if it is untreated in time, it can lead to debilitation.

In the framework of this writing, AllRemedies.com will introduce to you top 37 quick & natural home remedies for depression in adults without any side effect. These home remedies are collected completely and carefully from reliable sources. However, it is not intended to give medical advice and it is solely for the informational purpose. Continue reading this article to understand more about these home remedies in more details!

Top 37 Quick & Natural Home Remedies For Depression In Adults

1. Cardamom

Cardamom can help to rejuvenate the cells as well as to detoxify the body, which in turn help to improve your mood and get rid of depression. 

Here are two home remedies for depression that use cardamom.

Way 1: Cardamom tea

You will need:

• 3 to 4 cardamom seeds
• 1 glass of water
• Sugar

Directions:

• Firstly, you crush the cardamom seeds to make a fine powder.
• Then, you take ½ teaspoon of the crushed cardamom powder and you add it to water.
• Next, you mix it well.
• You should drink this glass every day to help you to prevent depression.

Way 2: Take a bath with cardamom oil

You will need:

• Cardamom oil – a few drops
• A bathtub

Directions:

• First of all, you add this cardamom oil to your bathtub that is filled with water.
• Then, you soak yourself in this bathtub for at least about 30 minutes per day.
• You should use this remedy regularly or when needed to get rid of depression.

2. St. John’s Wort

In fact, St. John’s wort is one of the excellent herbal home remedies for depression. It contains chemical constituents like hyperforin and hypericin that work as an antidepressant, blocking the reuptake of the serotonin and serotonin receptors.

You will need:

• Dried St. John’s wort – 1 or 2 tablespoons
• Hot water – 1 cup

Directions:

• Firstly, you add the dried St. John’s wort into the hot water.
• Then, you allow it to steep for about 10 minutes.
• After that, you strain this tea and drink it.
• You should take this tea for about 2 to 3 times each day.
• You can follow this way regularly to help you to lift the mood.

Another option, you can take St. John’s wort supplement of about 300 milligrams for three times each day. You should consult your doctor before using the St. John’s wort regularly.

3. Nutmeg

Nutmeg works as a brain tonic that helps stimulate the brain, remove the fatigue & stress.

As a result, using this herb will make your mood better. Therefore, it is one of the simple home remedies for depression.

You will need:

• 1/8 teaspoon of nutmeg powder
• 1 tablespoon of the juice of Indian gooseberry

Directions:

• First of all, you mix the nutmeg powder with the juice of Indian gooseberry.
• Then, you drink this solution for about two times each day.
• You should take it every day to calm your mind as well as to get relief from depression.

Precaution: You do not take the raw nutmeg in big doses because it has psychoactive effects.

4. Cashew Nuts And Warm Milk

Cashew nuts are rich in vitamin C that can stimulate your nervous system. In addition, cashews contain the riboflavin that can boost the energy so that you can be joyful and active. Cashews also contain other useful nutrients such as tryptophan, magnesium, and vitamin B6 that can help you to fight depression. The combination of cashew nuts and warm milk become one of the effective home remedies for depression.

You will need:

• Cashew nut powder – 1 teaspoon
• Warm milk – 1 cup

Directions:

• Firstly, you add the cashew nut powder into the warm milk.
• Then, you mix it well.
• After that, you drink it for one time a day.
• You should take it every day to get rid of depression.

You can also consume the dry roasted cashews (a handful of them) as a healthy snack in order to lift your mood.

5. Baking Soda

Baking soda can help to get relief from the anxiety; thereby, it can help you to prevent depression.

You will need:

• Baking soda – 1/3 cup

• Ginger – 1/3 cup

Directions:

• First of all, you add the baking soda and ginger into your bathtub.
• Then, you soak yourself in your bathtub for at least about 15 minutes.
• After that, you take a shower after you feel comfortable completely.
• You should follow this way regularly to treat the symptoms of this problem such as the stress, anxiety, and tension.

Keep reading the article about home remedies for depression to get more information!

6. Saffron

In fact, saffron is high in B vitamins and carotenoids that can help to raise the levels of serotonin as well as other chemicals in your brain. According to a study in Journal of Ethnopharmacology, saffron is as effective as fluoxetine in reducing the mild to moderate depression. You can follow one of the home remedies for depression that use saffron.

You will need:

• Dried extract of saffron – 15 mg

Directions:

• You should take the dried extract of saffron for about two times each day.
• You should take it every day to fight depression.

Another option, you can also use the saffron in cooking, milkshakes or smoothies.

7. Fish Oil

According to some studies, people who suffer from depression usually have a low intake of the omega-3 fatty acids. And fish oil is a high source of the omega-3 fatty acids that are required for the normal functioning of your brain. In addition, it is highly recommended for those who experience depression.

Here are the directions of two home remedies for depression that use fish oil.

Way 1:

• You take a fish oil supplement regularly to get rid of depression. You can buy the fish oil supplements in health food stores, grocery stores, drug stores, and online. You should consult your doctor for the proper dosages.

Way 2:

• You can eat cold-water fishes such as salmon, sardines, and anchovies which are rich sources of the omega-3 fatty acids. Soy products and flaxseed are also rich sources of the omega-3 fatty acids.

8. Celery

Celery contains a large amount of folic acid and potassium which help to prevent you from the symptoms of depression.

Directions:

• You should take celery of about 2 cups either in cooked or raw form.
• You can eat this celery with your meals or when you can.
• You should eat the celery regularly for 1 or 2 weeks, which will help to prevent you the symptoms of depression.
• In addition, you can also replace celery with the onion.

9. Honey With Almonds And Ginseng Powder

Honey has the natural sugar that can help to fight depression with low feelings. In addition, honey can relax the frayed nerves. Honey also contains an amino acid called tryptophan that will help to induce the sleep, which will help when depression prevents you from getting a proper sleep.

There are two natural home remedies for depression that use honey as a main ingredient.

Way 1: Honey with almonds

You will need:

• 5 to 10 almonds
• 1 tablespoon of honey

Directions:

• Firstly, you gently crush the almonds.
• Then, you mix it with honey to make a mixture.
• Finally, you eat this mixture (one teaspoon) for two times each day, once before going to bed and once in the morning.

Way 2: Honey with ginseng powder

You will need:

• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 1 teaspoon of ginseng powder
• 1 cup of hot water

Directions:

• Firstly, you mix honey and the ginseng powder together to make a fine mixture.
• Then, you add the hot water to the mixture.
• Next, you allow it to stand for about five minutes.
• After that, you can drink it.
• You should drink this solution for about 1 to 2 times each day to get rid of depression.

10. Almonds

Almonds are rich in vitamin B12 and zinc that can become one of the home remedies for depression.

You will need:

• 10 almonds
• A pinch of ginger
• A cup of warm milk
• A pinch of nutmeg
• A blender

Directions:

• First of all, you soak the almonds in water for overnight to make them soft.
• In the next morning, you peel off their skin.
• Now, you add the soft almonds, ginger, nutmeg, and warm milk into a blender and then you make a fine juice.
• After that, you drink this juice at night while going to sleep.
• This way will help you to get relax and reduce the symptoms of depression.
• You should follow this process regularly to prevent depression.

11. Apples

Apples have high levels of potassium, phosphorus, and vitamin B. All these nutrients can help your brain repair the damaged nerve cells to make its functioning better, which will in turn help to fight the symptoms of depression.

You will need:

• An apple
• 1 tablespoon of honey
• 1 cup of warm milk
• A blender

Directions:

• Firstly, you chop an apple into small pieces
• Then, you put these pieces in a blender to extract the juice.
• Next, you add this apple juice and honey into the warm milk.
• Finally, you can drink this solution.
• You should drink it for about two to three times per day.

Another option, you can also eat an apple daily to prevent depression.

12. Asparagus

Asparagus has several powerful compounds which can help you to lift the spirits as well as to fight the various symptoms of depression.

Asparagus also has high contents of folate and vitamin E that can improve the functioning of your brain and to help you have a good mood. In addition, asparagus contains the tryptophan producing the serotonin in your brain, which will stabilize your moods.

You will need:

• ½ to 1 teaspoon of asparagus root powder
• 1 glass of water

Directions:

• First of all, you take the powder of the asparagus root.
• Then, you mix it with water.
• Finally, you can take it every day as a depression beater.

To get rid of the symptoms of depression, you can also eat the asparagus in fresh, steamed or grilled form for about three or four times per week.

13. Chicken

Lack of vitamin B6 will contribute to depression. Your body will need vitamin B6 to make the mood-enhancing neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin. You can get the intake of more vitamin B6 from chicken. In fact, 3 ounces of chicken have 0.5 mg of this vitamin.

Chicken becomes one of the simple home remedies for depression.

Directions:

• Chicken is best when you bake it in the oven or you stir-fry with your favorite vegetables.
• Another option, you can also consume 1 bowl of chicken soup.
• You should avoid eating the chicken skin or the fried chicken because they can cause other problems about your health.
• You should eat chicken for about two or three times per week.

14. Spinach

According to various studies, one of the causes of depression is the lack of folic acid. In fact, scientists have discovered that people who are getting depression have a low level of folic acid when compared to the normal people. The serotonin levels will fall when there is a lack of folic acid and it can lead to depression.

Unfortunately, the deficiency of this acid is the most popular type of the nutrient deficiency in women.

• But you need only at least about 200 micrograms of folic acid per day that meets the daily requirement.
• 3/4 cup of the cooked spinach can take care of the requirement.

15. Oil Massage

Massage with oil will give you the deep relaxation and help you to calm the body by removing the toxins from the body. Oil massage will make you feel better from the physically and mentally.

You will need:

• 6 ounces of sesame oil or coconut oil, corn oil, and sunflower oil

Directions:

• Firstly, you heat one of the above oils until it becomes warm (but not hot).
• Then, you take this warm oil into your hands.
• Next, you rub it on your body parts that include your scalp as well as the bottoms of your feet.
• You should massage with this warm oil before you take a bath in the morning so that it will help you to calm down for the activities in the day.
• You should follow this way regularly so that it can give you some relief from depression as well as its symptoms.

16. Rosemary

Rosemary contains a calming effect on your nerves to treat this problem.

Here are two home remedies for depression using rosemary.

Way 1:

You will need:

• 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried rosemary
• 1 cup of boiling water

Directions:

• First of all, you add the dried rosemary herb into the boiling water.
• Then, you allow it to steep for about 10 to 15 minutes to make tea.
• After that, you strain the tea and you drink it.
• You should repeat the process for about 2 to 3 times each day or when needed.

Way 2:

You will need:

• A few leaves of rosemary
• Water

Directions:

• Firstly, you can crush a few leaves of rosemary.
• Then, you have this powder.
• You should have it at least 2 times each day along with water.

Another option, you can also use the rosemary oil to massage your body for about 10 to 15 minutes every day to get rid of the symptoms of this problem.

17. Coffee

You should have the habit of taking coffee in every morning because this will make you less irritable as well as make you feel better. Experts suggest that having 1 or 2 cups of coffee a day will really help to relieve the mild depression. However, you have to make sure that you do not overdo it because it can lead to more depression and more anxiety.

18. Lavender

Lavender oil contains a strong aromatic smell which acts very well on senses. This oil helps to soothe and relax your mind while releasing anxiety and tension that usually ends up with depression.

In addition, lavender oil does not cause any adverse effects like the drug dependency. Besides this, this oil also contains other medicinal properties which can help to relieve the nervousness, pain, insomnia, inflammation, and dementia.

You can follow either of these natural home remedies for depression that use lavender.

Way 1: Lavender oil

You will need:

• A few drops of lavender oil
• 1 cup of water
• A cotton cloth

Directions:

• First of all, you add the lavender oil into the water.
• Then, you soak a cotton cloth in this cup.
• After that, you use this cotton cloth to massage the body for about 15 to 20 minutes.
• You should repeat this way for about 2 to 3 times each day to get relief from the postpartum depression easily.

Way 2: Lavender leaves

You will need:

• 1 to 2 teaspoons of lavender leaves
• 1 cup of water

Directions:

• Firstly, you boil the water.
• Then, you add the lavender leaves into it.
• You allow it to steep for about 10 to 15 minutes.
• After that, you strain the liquid and consume this solution when it is still hot.
• You should have it for about 2 to 3 times each day.

19. Light Therapy

You can use the light therapy to get relief from the seasonal affective disorder that is a kind of depression which is caused in some people throughout the dark and short days of the winter season.

In fact, light therapy means that you have to sit a place nearing a bright light that mimics outdoor light. Firstly, you should start with 15 minutes and you can increase up to 2 hours per day. This therapy is used to replicate exposure to the sunlight. And this therapy does not treat depression but it can help to ease its symptoms.

20. Green Tea

The people, who get depression, gradually lose energy as well as enthusiasm. And green tea plays a magical role to give enthusiasm and energy. The main ingredient L- Theanine will take the main responsibility for alleviating depression. Green tea acts as a hindrance between blood and brain. Therefore, it is recommended for sipping green tea for a couple of times per day to reduce the stress and depression.

You will need:

• 1 green tea bag
• 1 cup of boiling water

Directions:

• Firstly, you dip a green tea bag in the boiling water.
• Then, you allow it to sit for a few minutes.
• After that, you drink this tea as much as you can.
• You should take this tea regularly for a few times per day until you can get rid of depression.
• In this process, you must take this tea for 5 to 20 times.

Continue reading the writing about home remedies for depression to learn more!

21. Brahmi Or Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha is a common herb that is used in giving relief to patients who suffer from anxiety and depression.

Extracts of this plant are also known to reduce the degeneration of your brain, thereby decreasing the possibility of Alzheimer’s or other mental disorders.

You will need:

• 2 tablespoon of Brahmi
• Or 2 tablespoon of ashwagandha powder
• 1 glass of water

Directions:

• First of all, you mix either ashwagandha powder or Brahmi in the water.
• Then, you drink this solution.
• You should have this water for about 1 to 2 times per day to treat depression.

22. Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo biloba leaves are used in many remedies as well as to treat the disorders like depression. The lipophilic extracts of these Ginkgo Biloba leaves have antistress and antidepressant effects.

In addition, the combination of venlafaxine (antidepressant drug) and the Ginkgo Biloba will reduce the stress-induced brain damage that is a contributing factor for depression.

You can take this herb in tablets, capsules or a beverage form. About 40 to 80 milligrams of this herb is advised to be taken three times per day to reduce the symptoms associated with depression. You need to consult a doctor for the exact dosage and frequency.

23. Soy Milk And Oatmeal

Both soy milk and oatmeal are considered as great ingredients for the overall physical and mental health of a person. They can be used for getting rid of depression, but you should consult your doctor before using them.

You will need:

• 1 cup of soy milk
• 3 to 4 tablespoons f oatmeal
• Honey, nuts, dried fruits, almonds or maple syrup

Directions:

• First f all, you take the soy milk and then you cook the oatmeal in it.
• Next, you add honey, nuts, dried fruits, almonds, maple syrup to it.
• Then, you mix them well and have it.
• You should have it for about 2 to 3 times per day.

This way will help in getting rid of depression and bring the liveliness into your mind.

24. Salt

You can follow two home remedies for depression that use salt.

Way 1: Salt

You will need:

• Salt

Directions:

• Firstly, you heat salt along with water well.
• Then, you allow it to cool for a few minutes.
• Next, you add it to your bathtub.
• Finally, you soak yourself with this water.
• You should do this for 3 to 4 times per day.

Way 2: Salt and jasmine oil

You will need:

• 2 to 3 drops of jasmine oil
• Salt

Directions:

• Firstly, you add salt to the water.
• Then, you add the jasmine oil in it.
• Next, you mix them well.
• Finally, you use this water to wash the body.
• You should do this way for about 2 to 3 times per day.

25. Chlorine, Rosemary Leaves, Soap, And Warm Water

In fact, the pedicure is one of the great ways to improve the beauty of your feet. However, this treatment will change some ingredients that can be very useful in controlling depression.

You will need:

• Warm water
• Chlorine
• Rosemary leaves
• Soap

Directions:

• First of all, you fill a bathtub with warm water.
• Then, you add rosemary leaves, chlorine, and soap to this water.
• Next, you mix them well.
• Finally, you soak your feet in the water for about 15 to 20 minutes.
• After that, you massage them gently.

This way will rejuvenate your mind as well as relieve depression.

26. Lemon Balm

Lemon balm is one of the effective home remedies for depression. It helps to enhance your spirit and improve the problem. In addition, it will alleviate the brain fatigue. In fact, a cold concoction of the herb is excellent for your nerves due to the calming properties in it.

You will need:

• 30 grams of lemon balm
• Cold water

Directions:

• Firstly, you place the lemon balm into cold water for at least about 12 hours.
• After that, you strain the mixture and have it.
• You should consume this strained mixture in small dosages during the day.

27. Drink Chamomile Tea

Depression often goes with the problems of the sleep. It is like you cannot get out of your bed during the day, but you cannot fall asleep at night. Chamomile contains a particular flavonoid that contributes to the relaxing properties of it. You should have a cup of this tea before going to bed with a little milk and honey to help you relax.

You will need:

• Boiling water – 1 cup
• Dried chamomile – 2 teaspoons
• Or 1 tea bag of chamomile
• Milk and honey (optional)

Directions:

• First of all, you boil water.
• Then, you pour the dried chamomile (or a tea bag of chamomile) into this water.
• Next, you allow it to steep for about 5 to 10 minutes.
• If you use a teabag, you allow it to steep for 15 minutes.
• After that, you strain it and add a little honey and milk into this tea.
• Finally, you drink this tea for 30 minutes before going to bed.

28. Peppermint

In fact, peppermint has widely been used since long as one of the effective home remedies for depression. When ingest, or inhale the peppermint oil it helps to calm down the frazzled nerves and brings about a cooling effect, therefore, relieving the stress and depression.

Way 1: Peppermint oil

You will need:

• Peppermint oil – a few drops
• Tea

Directions:

• Firstly, you can prepare a tea that you like.
• Then, you add peppermint oil to it.
• Finally, you can enjoy it slowly.

Way 2: Take a bath with peppermint oil

You will need:

• Peppermint oil – a few drops
• Water
• A cotton ball

Directions:

• First of all, you add the peppermint oil into the water.
• Then, you take a bath with this water every day.
• Another option, you can put the peppermint oil on a clean cotton ball and you use it to massage your body for at least 3 times per day.

Way 3: Peppermint leaves

You will need:

• Peppermint leaves
• 1 cup of water

Directions:

• First of all, you grind some peppermint leaves properly.
• Then, you add this finely grinded powder to water.
• Next, you boil it.
• Then, you allow it to steep for a few minutes.
• After that, you strain it.
• Finally, you drink this peppermint tea.
• You should take this tea for 2 to 3 times per day to get rid of the symptoms of this problem.

29. Rose Petals

People use the rose petals as an antidepressant. Therefore, rose petals are used as one of the natural home remedies for depression.

You will need:

• 1 glass of water
• Rose petals
• Sugar

Directions:

• Firstly, you boil the water.
• Then, you add rose petals along with a little sugar into it.
• Next, you allow it to stand for 1 to 2 hours.
• After that, you can consume it slowly as a coffee or tea.
• You should take it for about 1 or 2 times per day.

30. Lemon

Lemon is one of the simple home remedies for depression that you can follow it.

Way 1:

You will need:

• 2 to 3 lemons

Directions:

• First of all, you cut the lemons into small pieces.
• Then, you consume them daily along with your daily food.
• Another option, you can also take 2 to 3 glasses of fresh lemon juice every day.

Way 2:

You will need:

• 1 cup of tea
• A few drops of lime juice

Directions:

• Firstly, you take the tea and then you add lemon juice to it.
• Then, you mix it well and you drink it.
• Another option, you can also drink a glass of lukewarm water and then you add a little honey and 2 to 3 drops of lemon juice to it and you have it.
• You should have it for at least 2 times per day.

31. Cabbage

It is proved that cabbage is an excellent food that can protect your body from most kinds of cancers, hypertension, heart disease, various types of the infections, and the most importantly, the anxiety, stress, and depression. Cabbage is rich in vitamin B6, vitamin K, and vitamin C. Besides that, it also has an excellent source of folate, vitamin B1, potassium, copper, dietary fiber and manganese. These ingredients are very helpful in boosting your mood.

Directions:

• You can drink the soup of cabbage or include the cabbage in your daily diet.
• For instance, you can fry it or mix it in your dish.
• Another option, you can consume your salad that includes the sliced cabbage.

32. Exercise

Exercise will work as antidepressants that can help to boost up your mood and make you get quick relief from depression. In fact, exercise, especially aerobic exercise will help you to release the mood-elevating chemicals in your brain and reduce the stress hormones. You should choose the exercise that you are interested in practicing it like playing any outdoor games, going to gym, walking, gardening, dancing, etc. that will help you to uplift the mood and make you feel better. Therefore, you should do exercise regularly for about 30 to 40 minutes to get rid depression.

33. Cashews

When you suffer from depression, the zinc level in your body will drop significantly. Therefore, an awesome treatment to get you back a healthy and positive mood is to consume the zinc-rich foods in your daily diet.

In fact, cashews are rich in zinc. A portion of it can give your body by 11% of your daily requirement of zinc. It is really important for you to remember that our bodies are not designed to store the zinc. Therefore, you have to make sure that you include a few cashews in your diet plan. In addition, you can consume them in a fried or raw form.

34. Pumpkin Seeds

Pumpkin seeds have healthy fats and magnesium, which can help you to lighten the mood. They also have L-tryptophan, an amino acid which is involved in the serotonin production.

You will need:

• Pumpkin seeds – 1 cup

Directions:

• You can eat the pumpkin seeds one time a day. Another option, you can sprinkle a little salt over it to boost their delicious and nutty flavor.

35. Licorice

You can take 1 to 3 cups of licorice tea per day to alleviate depression. In addition, you can also consume licorice powder with milk.

Precaution: Breastfeeding and pregnant women avoid consuming licorice in any form. Moreover, people with high blood pressure, and the renal, liver, and heart diseases, and those take warfarin (Coumadin), aspirin must abstain from consuming licorice.

36. Sage And Basil Leaves

You will need:

• Sage – ½ teaspoon
• Basil leaves – ¼ teaspoon
• Hot water – 1 cup

Directions:

• First of all, you add sage and basil leaves into the hot water.
• And then, you can drink it.
• You should take it for about 1 to 2 times per day to reduce depression.

37. Diet Plan

Diet can also help you to treat this depression soon. Therefore, have a perfect diet that includes the following things.

• You should consume the food which has omega-3 fatty acids like herring, salmon, albacore tuna and other foods to get relief from depression.
• You should include the food that is rich in magnesium because your body will need this mineral to contract and relax the muscles. It is also necessary for growth and support of your bone. Therefore, consume the food such as nuts and seeds (pumpkin, sunflower, sesame seeds, cashews, and almonds), beans (soybeans, navy beans, black beans), dark green leafy vegetables, and legumes, whole grains etc. in the daily diet.
• You should consume the food that is rich in vitamin C such as the citrus fruits, bell peppers, dark leafy greens, tomatoes, etc. because vitamin C can help to get relief from the symptoms of depression.
• You should include the food that has vitamin B because this will help in getting rid of the symptoms of depression.
• You should drink plenty of water, vegetables, and fresh fruits in your diet that can help to provide your body the essential vitamins as well as the minerals for its functionality.
• You should consume the food that is high in tryptophan, which can stimulate the release of serotonin (to enhance your mood) like chicken, milk, lean turkey, etc.
• You should reduce the intake of sugar because it will make the problem worse if you consume it more in quantity.

If you want to know more about natural, at home remedies for other diseases and conditions go to our main Home Remedies page. After reading the article of top 37 quick & natural home remedies for depression in adults, hope that it can help you find out the best solution to get rid of depression quickly and easily. However, the article is only for the informational purpose, thus, you should meet your doctor to get advice before applying any at home remedy.

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