Depression

Depression is an illness that involves body, mind and thoughts. It is not a physical weakness that will vanish within days but it's the state that interferes with the daily chores of life resulting in poor performance or output. It gives rise to a negative feeling for each and every thing. It may also be defined as allergy, which triggers and unhappy reaction.
Depression seems to be related to a chemical imbalance in the brain that makes it hard for the cells to communicate with one another . Depression also seems to be genetic (to run families). The major risk in extreme cases of Depression is suicide.

Causes :
Early life experiences, environmental factors, deficiency of vita-B complex, genetic causes, biochemical causes, hormonal changes, trauma and stress, other physiological disorders like anxiety disorders and eating disorders.

Symptoms :
Acute sense of loss, inexplicable sadness, loss of energy, lack of interest in the world around, loss of appetite, giddiness, itching, nausea, irritability, low body temperature, low blood pressure, hot flushes and shivering.

Home remedies for Depression :

• Take 20-30 rose petals and put them in a glass of water and boil it for 15 minutes. Allow the mixture to stand and cool. Take this mixture 2-3 times a day.
• Shatavari (asparagus) root is very commonly used in it. Grind its root into the poweder form and give it to the patient 1-2 times a day.
• Take 25-30grams of lemon herbs and put it in to cold water. Allow it to stand for 12-14 hours. This ointment can be used 2-3 times a day.
• Natural fruits have significant role in keeping us fit and strong. Apple helps in reducing depression. Add pieces of apple in milk with 1-2 tsp of honey and give it to the patient of depression.
• Enjoy a favourite recreation.
• Call up your friend or make a surprise visit at his place.
• Lying down in a dark room , may be getting a 1/2 hour of sleep, will always make you feel better.
• Tea made of Indian basil (Tulsi) and Sage. Use 1/4 tsp Tulsi ans 1/2 tsp of Sage per cup of hot water, drink twice a day.
• Drink fresh orange juice in the morning time with breakfast.
• 10 to 12 Almonds should be immersed in water overnight and taken outer skins removed.
• A neutral immersion bath for one hour daily is also helpful.
• Mix 1/8 tsp of nutmeg powder with 1 tsp of freshly extracted amla juice. Consume this thrice a day.
• In 1 cup of rice milk or soya milk, cook 3-4 tsp of oatmeal. Add nuts, almonds, dried fruits, maple syrup and honey to it.

Herbal remedies :

• Brahmi is a nervine tonic that enhances learning, academic performance and improves mental ability. It acts as an anti-anxiety agent and also calms restlessness in children and is used in several mental disorders.
• Ashwagandha is very effective herb in reducing stress and depression. It has the requisite properties to remove negative thoughts from the mind.
• Cardamom is also used in relieving stres and depression. It has a very pleasing odor which can soothe the nerves. You can prepare a tea by putting it.
• Turmeric has very curative property.
• Guggul improves the nervous coordination and hence is useful. It is more effective in depression caused due to seasonal affective disorder.
• Jatamansi helps in bringing calm effect on the mind and removes the depression thoughts.

Exercise :

• Exercise also plays an important role in this treatment. It provides recreation and mental relaxation. It is nature's best tranquilliser.
• Various yogic asanas such as Halasana, Paschimottanasana, Sarvangasana, Shavasana, Vakrasana, Bhujangasana and pranayams like kapalbhati, bhastrika are highly beneficial.

Relaxation and Meditation :

• Meditation will help create a balance in the nervous system. This will enabla the hormonal glands to return to a correct state of hormonal balance and there by over come the feeling of depression.

Do's and Don't :

• Take light foods that are easy to digest.
• Avoid hot, oily, spicy foods and pulses like Bengal gram.
• Restrict your intake of meats and milk products.
• Avoid too much intake of caffeine, chocolates, junk and fried foods.
• Vita-C is anti depressant so include lots of vita-C in your diet.
• Take balanced diet rich in green vegetables, fruits, grams , brown rice, wheat flour, fresh juice, etc.
• Don't believe all of your negative thinking.
• Avoid drugs and alcohol.
• Avoid making big life decisions when you are depressed.