Depression has many underlying causes. Great loss, as in the death of a loved one, bottled up anger that is turned inward, negative emotional behavior, often learned as a child, a biochemical imbalance, and certain prescription drugs can cause depression. Other causes include sugar imbalances, food allergies, high copper levels, hypothyroidism, and prolonged stress. If left untreated depression may develop into paranoia or another manic depressive disorder.

Symptoms of depression include a variety of things. Waking very early, sleeping longer than usual, over eating, under eating, increased use of tobacco, alcohol, or drugs, other self destructive behaviors, social withdrawal, negative thinking, difficulty concentrating, irritability, poor digestion with constipation, and loss of sex drive are a few of the most common. Other symptoms may be less obvious such as manic episodes, excessive self reproach, guilt, disorientation, memory loss, headache, sweating, palpitations, weight loss, weight gain, and thoughts of death or suicide.

One type of depression is the “winter blues” or seasonal affective disorder and is due to insufficient light. Many body functions fail to work properly causing abnormal sleep patterns, anxiety, and moods swings. Bright light treatments usually solve this problem.

Essential oils are especially suited for treating depression. Jasmine, ylang-ylang, neroli, and bergamot essential oils are refreshing and especially suited for lifting dark moods. Lavender essential oil is multi-purpose and helps bring relaxation or energy depending on need. A combination of basil and geranium or rose oil can provide uplifting effects. Clary sage and orange essential oils can also help. Use full strength in aromatherapy or mix with carrier oil for massage and bath.

There are many herbs that can treat depression. St. John's Wort is considered by many herbalists to be nature's nerve pill. St. John's Wort helps the body deal with stress by activating secretions of dopamine, the pleasure hormone.

Oats also show promising results. Take oat extract 3 times a day and eat oatmeal as a cereal. Borage, lemon balm, monrada, and basil are also recommended. They can be added to salads or made into tea. Other herbs to try include ginseng, ginkgo biloba, milk thistle seed, rosemary, and mint.

Dandelion is a great herb for treating depression due to suppressed anger and disappointment. Put in one tablespoon of chopped root per cup of boiling water and steep for thirty minutes. Strain and sip 2 or 3 cups a day.

Depressed people should avoid cheese, sugar, alcohol, caffeine, artificial sweeteners, and preserved foods. Adding pumpkin seeds, wheat germ, and lecithin granules to the diet may help. The addition of Vitamin B complex, Vitamin C, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, and potassium is also recommended.

Exercise is a great way to relieve depression. Sunlight, deep breathing, stretching, and massage can also give many benefits.

Cases of light depression can be treated with an herbal pillow. Stuff a small pillow casing with freshly dried rosemary, lavender, California poppies, lemon balm, rose petals, and mint. Use in bed and while resting.

* Do not use essential oils in pregnancy without consulting a healthcare professional. Always consult with a healthcare professional before using any herbal remedies especially if taking Prozac.