Top 8 Homeopathic Remedies for Depression

It is a mood disorder in which a person feels persistently sad and has a loss of interest in everyday activities. Many people feel low, upset, and sad from time to time. It happens to everyone at different times of their lives but being sad is not the same as being depressed. In depression, there is constant sadness accompanied by feelings of hopelessness continuing for weeks together which interfere with everyday activities and affect one’s personal and professional life. This is indicative of clinical/ major depression that requires treatment.

Homeopathy offers a very safe and gentle treatment for cases of depression. Homeopathic medicines are natural remedies that work at a very deep level of the mind to help overcome this condition. The main objective of homeopathy in depression cases is not merely giving symptomatic relief but to effect a cure. With its use, initially the severity of the complaint reduces gradually. Afterwards, a state of well-being is regained. Suppressing a complaint is also not the nature of homeopathic remedies in any form. Homeopathy is helpful both for acute as well as chronic cases of depression. In mild to moderate forms of depression, there are high chances of recovery with homeopathic medicines. But it has limitation in helping very severe forms of depression, especially with suicidal tendencies where other treatment options need to be looked out for.

Constitutional remedies

Homeopathy deals with treating depression with well-selected constitutional remedies which refers to medicines selected based on a person’s emotional, mental and physical state that brings forth his/her personality.  These medicines do not act just superficially, rather work on a deep psychological level and treat the person holistically rather than just the symptoms. With proper constitution treatment in homeopathy, this derangement in the mental health of a person is corrected to offer a feeling of comfort and well-being and restoration of mental health. It leads to effective cure in depression cases.

Highly reliable, alternative treatment choice

Homeopathy is a 200-year-old healing science founded on the basis of fixed principles. So the hit and trial method of treating is not followed here. Right from the case taking, its evaluation, the medicine selection, potency choice, dosage and repetition all are done as per the specified laws of homeopathy. This is what makes it a very reliable treatment option for depression cases. With a complete course of homeopathic treatment as guided by a homeopathic physician in most of the cases of mild to moderate depression, a successful cure follows.

Natural medicines with no side effects

The greatest advantage of using homeopathic medicines for depression is that they are free of any side effects. Homeopathic medicines are prepared from naturally occurring substances. These lack any harmful chemicals or toxins. So, no adverse effects follow the use of homeopathic medicines. On the other hand, the medicines used in conventional mode like antidepressants, sleeping pills, and mood stabilizers are known to cause many side effects. Here, opting homeopathy can help prevent facing such side effects.

Non habit-forming medicines

Homeopathic medicines for depression are non-habit forming means it does not create any dependency thus one doesn’t have to take it for whole life. Its dose is gradually reduced when recovery begins and completely stopped when the patient gets better. But in conventional mode, the medicines are habit-forming and one may become dependent on those medicines. So here too preferring homeopathic treatment is advantageous to save oneself from lifelong dependency on conventional medicines.

Top 8 Homeopathic Medicines For Depression

The top 8 homeopathic medicines for depression are Ignatia, Natrum Mur, Aurum Met, Kali Phos, Sepia, Cimicifuga Racemosa, Lachesis and Coffea Cruda.

1. Ignatia Amara – For Acute Cases That Follows Some Grief

Ignatia Amara is a leading medicine to treat cases of depression. It works wonders in case of acute depression that has just taken off from some sort of grief. For example, depression triggered by acute grief like the death of a loved one, broken relationships and disappointments in life can be treated wonderfully with it. Those who need it remain sad all the time. With this, they have weeping spells. They also isolate themselves and avoid social engagements. They brood all the time ie; lost in deep thought which makes them sad and worried. Along with the above-mentioned symptoms, they may be very irritable. Their mind gets dull with weak memory. Excessive weakness also appears among them. It is also an excellent medicine to treat bipolar disorder.

When to use Ignatia Amara?

It should be the first choice of medicine to deal with cases of depression of recent origin triggered by acute grief like the death of a loved one, broken relationships with marked sadness, and weeping spells.

How to use Ignatia Amara?

Both low and high potencies of this medicine work well, however, it is advised to begin with low potency. So, initially, it can be taken in 30C potency two to three times a day.

2. Natrum Mur – For Chronic Cases

Natrum Mur is preferred to treat cases of chronic depression. It suits those who are very sensitive and sad, accompanied by sporadic episodes of weeping. They remain absorbed in grief all the time and dwell on the unpleasant memories of the past. They don’t like consolation, and it worsens the complaints. They tend to get offended easily.  Along with it, they don’t have an interest in doing any sort of work. It is also beneficial to manage depression in women before their periods.

When to use Natrum Mur?

Natrum Mur is the best choice of medicine to manage cases of chronic (i.e. long term) depression with sadness, weeping, and aversion to being consoled.

How to use Natrum Mur?

Use of this medicine is advised in 30 C potency that can be taken one to two times a day.

3. Aurum Met – For Suicidal Thoughts, Hopelessness, Worthlessness

Aurum Met is useful to those who have constant suicidal thoughts with extreme sadness accompanied by hopelessness. Along with this, they feel that they are worthless and of no value. They assume negative thoughts and the future seems dark to them. They feel that life is a burden, it’s useless to live, and they long for death.

When to use Aurum Met?

This medicine can be selected for managing depression when suicidal thoughts, hopelessness are prominent with sadness.

How to use Aurum Met?

It is best suited in 30C potency that can be taken up to 2 times in a day.

 4. Kali Phos – For Depression With Intense Stress and Worries

Kali Phos is the next top-listed medicine for depression. It mostly helps people who are over-stressed and have much to worry about. They remain constantly sad, and gloomy. With this, they have negative thoughts in their minds. Those who need it feel mentally and physically exhausted. Other symptoms that they may present include anxiety attacks and spells of weeping. Apart from the above-mentioned symptoms, complaint of sleeplessness is another major concern among them.

When to use Kali Phos?

It is suitable for managing depression attended with extreme stress and worries with marked exhaustion.

How to use Kali Phos?

This medicine is usually recommended in 6X potency. Kali phos 6X can be taken three to four times a day depending on the intensity of the problem.

5. Sepia – For Depression During Menopause

Sepia is an excellent medicine to deal with cases of depression in women during menopause. The most important symptoms present in them are sadness, aversion to seeing family members, and loss of interest in doing any work either mental or physical, even missing out on daily routine activities. There is also indifferent behaviour towards life and family. Such people are constantly lost in worries and are stressed with self-pity. They are very irritable and get offended easily. Sporadic weeping spells seeking consolation, and sympathy. Loss of sexual desire is another major complaint in them with the above symptoms. Apart from depression, during menopause, it is also helpful to treat such cases triggered after childbirth.

When to use Sepia?

It is a highly preferred medicine in women who suffer depression around menopause time with sadness, indifferent behavior, lack of interest in any work, and aversion to family members.

How to use Sepia?

Sepia can be taken in 30 C potency once a day. To use its high potencies like 200C one needs to consult a homeopathic physician.

6. Cimicifuga Racemosa – When It Begins After Childbirth (Post-Partum Depression)

The use of Cimicifuga is highly considered in cases of depression among women that begin after childbirth. Women who need this medicine suffer extreme sadness. They feel that they are enveloped in darkness from which it is difficult to come out. They also feel exhausted by these symptoms. Other symptoms that accompany the above-mentioned symptoms are excessive talking, indifferent behavior, fear of death, and fear of going mentally insane.

When to use Cimicifuga Racemosa?

The use of Cimicifuga Racemosa is especially suggested for managing depression in women triggered after childbirth with extreme sadness and the sensation of darkness all around her.

How to use Cimicifuga Racemosa?

It works most wonderfully in 30C potency and can be taken once or twice a day.

 7. Lachesis – When Delusions Attend Depression (Psychotic Depression)

Lachesis is well-indicated among cases where delusion is present along with depression, such as in cases of psychotic depression. Delusions are false, fixed beliefs that cannot be shaken off even when evidence is provided against that belief. Lachesis is administered when people have sadness, feelings of being abandoned, excessive talkativeness, and delusions. Such persons indulge in excessive talking and frequently jump from one subject to another. A lot of ideas crowd their mind at a given time. Sometimes violent anger and a state of madness are witnessed. When it comes to delusions, a person may get suspicious and he or she may feel as if someone may poison or harm him or her. Other symptoms that appear in them are restlessness, aversion to work, and running away from the world.

When to use Lachesis?

The use of Lachesis is highly recommended for cases of depression with marked delusions, sadness, excessive talkativeness, and suspiciousness.

How to use Lachesis?

This medicine can be used in 30C potency just once a day.

8. Coffea Cruda – For Managing Sleeplessness

Coffea Cruda is very effective for managing sleeplessness in these cases. It is indicated when there are constant chains of thoughts in the mind that lead to sleeplessness. There is marked restlessness at night with tossing and turning. Other symptoms include mood changes, irritability, anxiety, weeping, and weakness.

When to use Coffea Cruda?

This medicine can be prescribed to manage complaints of sleeplessness in depression cases.

How to use Coffea Cruda?

Consider its use in 30C potency once or twice a day.

What Causes Depression?

The causes of depression are not fully understood. But certain factors are thought to play a role.

These are as follows:

1.Genetics – Those with a family history of depression are at risk of developing it. The exact genes involved here are not known but research is going on to ascertain the genes that are involved.

2. Changes in brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) – It is through the transmission of these chemicals from one nerve cell to the other that the communication of the brain with its different parts occurs. The chemicals include serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. They play a role in controlling a person’s feelings, moods, emotions, happiness, and pleasure. An imbalance between these chemicals is thought to play a role in causing depression.

3. Hormonal changes – Certain hormonal changes can be involved in causing the onset of depression. These changes can arise during pregnancy, after childbirth, during menopause, and due to thyroid.

4. Some changes in the structure of the brain, and the frontal lobe being less active are the other reasons that can trigger depression.

5. Having a history of disorders like anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder
(PTSD) and bipolar disorder increases the risk of depression.

6. Those having some chronic illness, chronic pain, and chronic disease are also prone to develop depression.

Who Is At Risk of Depression?

1. Those having some blood relatives suffering from depression

2. Those who have low self-esteem and are self-critical

3. People with negative thinking

4. Who have long-term stress

5. Women are more at risk as compared to men

6. Having a history of mental trauma like the death of a loved one, physical or sexual abuse

7. Those going through financial problems, difficult relationships, issues at workplace or job loss, divorce

8. Who have some serious chronic illness like cardiovascular disease, cancer, chronic pain

9. Those abusing recreational drugs, and alcohol

10. People taking medicines like sleeping pills, certain medicines to control high blood pressure, and corticosteroids

What Are Its Symptoms?

Persistent sadness and depressed mood are the main symptoms. Many other symptoms accompany depression.  These mostly include hopelessness, tearfulness, lack of pleasure, interest in activities that were previously enjoyed, isolation, and withdrawal from social engagement.

Other symptoms that may appear with this are feeling of guilt, feeling of worthlessness, negative thoughts in mind, tiredness, changes in sleep (either excessive sleep or loss of sleep), and loss of sexual desire. In severe cases, thoughts of death and suicide may come across one’s mind.

In addition to the above, the rest of the symptoms that may appear include outbursts of anger, irritability, anxiety, concentration difficulties, difficulty in completing tasks, appetite changes (either loss of appetite or increased appetite), weight loss or even weight gain.

Some physical symptoms may also appear that include headaches, body aches, and gastric issues.

It can affect relationships with family members. Certain conditions can also get worse due to depression like heart disease, joint pains, asthma, obesity, cancer, and diabetes.

A) Among men, the main symptoms are sadness, hopelessness, anger, aggressiveness, anxiety, irritability, lack of interest in activities that previously gave them pleasure, tiredness, drugs /alcohol, thoughts of death, decrease in sexual desire, difficulty in concentration, changes in sleep patterns (excessive sleep or no sleep), bodyache, headache, digestive complaints.

B) In women the main symptoms are sadness, hopelessness, irritability, social withdrawal, loss of interest in activities, thoughts coming slowly/ talking, changes in sleeping habits (excessive sleep, difficulty in sleep or early waking), thoughts of suicide, decreased energy levels, changes in weight/ appetite, pains, and headaches.

C) Among children, irritability, mood swings, anger outbursts, feeling of incompetence, refusal to go to school, a decline in academic performance, and avoiding friends.

Are there any tests to diagnose it?

There are no tests that can diagnose it. The diagnosis is made based on clinical symptoms. Sometimes thyroid tests and Vitamin D and B12 tests are conducted as they can trigger depression.