Herbal remedies for depression have been used for a very long time. They have also been proven to be very effective too. Most of the focus is on St. John’s Wort which has proven to be just as effective as prescription antidepressants without the side effects. However, St. John’s Wort should not be taken with any other antidepressants or indinivir (a protease inhibitor used for HIV), oral contraceptives, theophylline, warfarin, digoxin, reserpine, cyclosporine, and loperamide.
Other people use different herbs for depression and depression related symptoms. Valerian root has been shown to alleviate the insomnia that is commonly associated with depression. Prescription antidepressants can cause sexual dysfunctions so many then turn to Damiana which will reduce these side effects. Ginseng helps the body to fight off stress which is very helpful when a person suffers from depression.
When people have a low dietary intake of omega-3 fatty acids their brains do not function at 100%. Our bodies can’t make omega-3s on their own, so we must obtain them through our diet. Studies have shown that in countries that eat more fish they have a much lower depression rate than that of North America. Cold water fish such as salmon, sardines, and anchovies are the richest food source of omega-3 fatty acids. Fish oil capsules are considered the cleanest source of omega-3 fatty acids.
It has been found that depressed people usually lack vitamin B which is also called Folic acid. Folate is found in green leafy vegetables, other vegetables, fruit, beans, and fortified grains. There are many factors that can lead to a vitamin B deficiency such as a poor diet, certain conditions, and some medications. Besides food, folic acid is also available as a supplement or as part of a B-complex vitamin. People who have a low folate level will likely have a difficult time having a positive response to antidepressants.
Diet plays a big role in depression too and many people don’t realize that. Such things as a lot of sweets will cause your blood sugar levels to soar but make for a very bad mood in a while. Caffeine and alcohol both dampen mood. Alcohol temporarily relaxes us and caffeine boosts energy, but the effects of both are short-lived. Both can worsen mood swings, anxiety, depression, and insomnia.
Most people do not get enough magnesium in their diets. Good sources of magnesium are legumes, nuts, whole grains and green vegetables. Like vitamin B6, magnesium is needed for serotonin production. Stress depletes magnesium; therefore you need to replace that magnesium from another source.
There are obviously lots of herbs available that can help to deal with depression. With some research or help from someone who understands herbs, you can learn to control your depression using herbal remedies.
Shannon Pollock has been teaching people about natural health remedies for many years. She is a specialist with experience in natural remedies for both people and animals.
For more information on the benefits of herbal remedies, as well as other natural health related topics, visit Shannon’s website called Natural Health Remedies and More
Ear infections are very common in children. However, a good number of adults suffer from it too. Ear infections often arise when there’s a build up of pus and fluids in the middle ear. When that happens, the pressure inside the ear rises and the ear drum sustain some damage, causing severe pain and eventual loss of hearing. Symptoms of ear infection include inflammation, itchiness, and discharges coming out of the ear.
There are several herbs that you can use to relieve ear infection and the aches associated with it. A pillow of hops is a good example. Just warm the hops herbs, wrap it in an equally warm cloth, and place it against the painful area. Eventually, the level of pain would go down.
Oil of bays is another type of herb that can be used for ear infections. The oil is usually dropped into the infected ear a few times within the day. It is known to relieve pain. Try to find oil of bays from herb stores or pharmacies and use them as indicated.
Tea tree oil can be used against ear aches too. This herb is very popular nowadays and can be easily bought from herb shops. Tea tree has mild antibacterial properties that can help cure ear infections. However, it can also irritate the skin so you better check if you are allergic to it or not before using it. Put one drop of tea tree oil at the back of your ear and see if redness would occur. If not, it should be safe to put just a small drop on the infected part of the ear.
Garlic can also be used against ear infections. The natural oil of garlic should be carefully extracted and that would make a good cure for ear aches. Garlic is an effective anesthetic. It can treat various diseases naturally.
Aside from garlic, St. John’s Wort is believed to have the same effects on a patient with ear infection. In fact, St. John’s Wort is often combined with garlic to achieve the best effects. There’s even a medicine called Otikon that is being used for ear infections. Otikon has both garlic and St. John’s Wort as its main ingredients. However, you have to consult with your doctor on how to use this medicine as it may produce side effects.
Other good herbal remedies for ear pain are:
? Bishop’s weed for Ear Pain: Bishop’s weed is used for a long time now as an herbal remedy for ear pain.
It is normally prepared as herbal ear drop. It can effectively reduce pain and ear swelling. Heat half a teaspoon of bishop’s weed seeds in 30 ml milk. Filter it. Apply 2 to 3 drops to the ear twice daily.
? Ear Pain and Dhatura leaves: Juice at least 25ml of Dhatura leaves and boil it with a few drops of oil in a tin basin over gentle fire. Filter and preserve the resulting solution on a clean bottle. Apply a few drops of the oil in the ear to treat the pain.
? Cloves as earache Remedy: Cloves help provide relief for earache. Sautee cloves on sesame oil and wait until it warms. Put 2 to 3 drops of the solution in the affected ear two to three times a day.
? Treat Ear Pain with basil: Extract the juice of basil leaves and put 2 to 3 drops of it into the affected ear. Basil is considered very helpful for the treatment of ear pains.
? Marigold for Ear Pain: Marigold is one of the most effective herbal treatments for earache or ear pains.
Bring to boil several pieces of marigold leaves and let it warm. Extract the lukewarm juice and put 2 to 3 drops on the ear to relieve the pain.
These natural herbal remedies for ear infections and ear aches are the best alternative to the common medicines prescribed by doctors. If you want to treat diseases the natural way, it is best that you try any one of these suggested herbs and experience the relief they can provide.
