Depression is a word we throw around so insensitively these days; we use it to categorize anything from a bad day to a breakup; however, anyone who has faced depression will know that it is much more than that. 
Depression can make everything challenging; it takes over your life to the point where even the things that you once enjoyed become dull, and you can’t comprehend if you were or ever will be truly happy again.
Though everything might seem hopeless now, trust my depression can be defeated. Depression is curable through emotional support and therapy, however, with the effect that depression has on our minds, and thought process, it can be difficult to attend your therapy sessions, and honestly acknowledge the support of your friends and family.
Therefore, antidepressants are used to temporarily decrease depression symptoms so that patients can gain full benefits of psychotherapy. But the problem is that these medications can have side effects, and over time, people can develop a dependency on them. Therefore, many patients look for alternative herbs and supplements to counter depression, and here are six that you should consider.
Cannabis:
Cannabis is quite a popular substance, granted that this popularity is more for the recreational effects of weed, but the awareness about its medical applications is also increasing rapidly. Over the previous decade, a lot of research has been done on the medical effects of cannabis, and it has also been legalized in most of Canada and the US. You can buy weed online in Canada and Alberta and find the best strains for your needs.
One of the most prominent medical benefits of cannabis is that it can help counter depression. In an extreme generalization, we can say that depression is the deficiency of pleasure hormones in the body.
The cannabinoids in weed can interact with our endocannabinoid systems and cause hormones like dopamine to be released. Which is a pleasure hormone, and can provide effective relief from the symptoms of depression.
Therefore, checkout High Voltage Extracts to get some high-quality buds and weed extracts like CBD oil and edibles.
Zinc:
According to an analysis in Biological Psychiatry, a deficiency of zinc levels in our blood is associated with depression. Zinc is an essential nutrient that can be linked to several mental functions, including behavior and learning abilities.
According to a study, taking 25 mg of zinc supplements every day can significantly reduce depression symptoms over 12 weeks. A healthy amount of zinc in the body can also increase omega-3 fatty acids’ availability, which is another essential nutrient for our mental and physical health.
Instead of supplements, you can also get the required amount of zinc naturally through a healthy diet. Red meat and poultry contain zinc, and so do foods like beans, nuts, whole grains, dairy products, and certain kinds of seafood like lobster and crab. Oysters contain more zinc than any other food.
St john’s wort:
St John’s wort is an herb native to Western Asia, Northern Africa, and Europe. It is commonly used as a natural treatment for depression in Europe.
St John’s wort works by increasing the serotonin levels in our body. Like dopamine, serotonin is also a feel-good hormone, and it can be beneficial in alleviating the symptoms of depression. Serotonin is the same hormone that is naturally released when we win at a game; someone compliments us.
People with depression are usually low of such feel-good hormones, which is why St John’s wort is an effective alternative to antidepressants. According to a review of 29 studies, conducted in 2008, it was found that St John’s wort can be as effective as antidepressants when it comes to mild to moderate depression.
SAM-e:
SAM-e is an acronym for S-adenosylmethionine, a supplement that acts as a synthetic form of the natural feel-good hormones in the human body. Since one a hormonal level, we can say that depression is a severe deficiency of mood-boosting hormones; SAM-e can be quite helpful.
The FDA does not consider SAM-e as a medicine; it is classified as a supplement, so you don’t need a prescription for it; however, its excessive use can cause side effects like constipation and an upset stomach, so consult your physician before you use this supplement.
Moreover, keep in mind that using SAM-e with antidepressants can also be problematic, so use either one at a time.
Folate:
Some studies suggest that there may be a link between folic acid deficiencies and depression. Studies have shown that 500 microgram supplements of folic acid can help decrease the symptoms of depression and improve the effectiveness of other medications.
However, instead of taking folic acid supplements, you should add folate-rich foods to your daily diet. Foods like lentils, beans, leafy greens, avocados, and especially sunflower seeds are rich in folate, and they can be an excellent addition to the diet of a person.
Kratom:
Kratom is a tropical plant native to Southeast Asia, and it is especially popular in countries like Thailand and Indonesia.
It has been used as a form of alternative medicine for a long time, and thus, people buy it from kratom online store to counter disorders like depression and anxiety.
Though Kratom is a controlled substance in some Southeast Asian countries, it is classified as a dietary supplement in the USA and is not regulated by the FDA. That being said, the FDA doesn’t approve of Kratom as a treatment for depression yet.
Several studies show that Kratom can help alleviate symptoms of depression and relax the mind since it works quite similarly to opioids like morphine and codeine. Mitragynine, the active chemical in Kratom, binds to our opioid receptors and relieves pain, and symptoms of depression.
Still, there is a lot of research required before we can be sure about Kratom’s effectiveness as a treatment for depression.
It can be confusing to know how much to take, so we recommend doing some online research for guidance.
The best capsules for depression are White Maeng Da Capsules.
Final thoughts:
Depression is a very severe and dangerous disorder that ruins the lives of many people. Though pharmaceutical drugs are used for their treatment, they can be considered as a permanent solution.
The only way to cure depression is psychotherapy; however, since it can be challenging for people to undergo emotional therapy when going through a depressive episode, antidepressants are necessary. However, you can try out the herbs and supplements mentioned above, which can be quite useful in countering depression, with minimal side effects.
