The best natural antidepressants: how to cure depression yourself. The most famous herbal antidepressants

Many people prefer antidepressants plant origin, as an alternative to chemicals. Natural antidepressants are not addictive; when used correctly and competently, they are absolutely harmless, and they help no worse than expensive pharmaceutical drugs.

But we should not forget that herbal preparations have a number of contraindications. Firstly, there is a risk of developing allergic reactions, secondly, when uncontrolled use high risk of gastrointestinal disorders. Also, many herbs can reduce the effect of any medications. Therefore, herbal medicine or any other therapy should be started only after consulting a doctor.

Natural antidepressants can be in pure form (herbs, roots and decoctions from them) and in the form of combined tinctures. Also included in the list of natural pharmaceutical drugs, which are based on natural ingredients.

Natural remedies from the pharmacy

Pharmaceutical preparations that contain natural ingredients can be divided depending on their composition:

Deprim, Gelarium are created on the basis of St. John's wort. It is believed that St. John's wort helps with depression better than other herbs, so drugs based on it are used to treat depressive syndrome, psycho-emotional disorders, nervous tension. Drugs in this group are used to treat anxiety, depression and causeless anxiety.
Novo-passit, Persen have in their composition a large number of extracts various herbs. The composition contains herbal antidepressants such as lemon balm, valerian and peppermint. These drugs are effective when nervous excitement, with neuroses, sleep disorders, during periods of strong emotional stress.
Nervofluk is a natural antidepressant that has a sedative and calming effect on the central nervous system. Available in the form of a dry substance for making tea. It contains herbs such as lemon balm, lavender and orange flowers, and hop cones.

Natural antidepressants

Few people know that regular products foods are antidepressants. The most widely known of this list is, of course, chocolate. It not only promotes the production of endorphin (the hormone of happiness), but also stimulates the production of serotonin. And the lack of this particular neurotransmitter provokes the development depressive states.

This is where the average person’s knowledge ends, but antidepressant products are much more common. Even in the case of chocolate, in order to get more benefits from consuming this product, it is better to give preference to dark dark chocolate in liquid form. It is hot chocolate that is more easily absorbed, and it is very pleasant and comfortable to consume it during the cold season.

Herbal antidepressants and antidepressants of animal origin, which every housewife has in her refrigerator:

Cereals, wheat bran, red meat, lentils are a storehouse of iron. It is iron and folic acid that contribute to the production of dopamine, a substance responsible for a state of satisfaction.
Fat sea fish, avocado, seeds and nuts. These foods are rich in omega-3 acids, which, in turn, help increase serotonin levels in the body.
Chicken meat, egg white, pork (lean), veal, turkey and seaweed. These foods are rich in B vitamins. A lack of these vitamins leads to incomplete absorption of other vital important microelements Therefore, such products are required in the diet.
Banana. This fruit is not only rich in vitamin B6, but also contains harman, an alkaloid that can cause a feeling of euphoria. To prevent depression, it is enough to eat 1 fruit per day.
Honey is a product containing vitamins, useful acids, iron, chromium and other trace elements that help reduce stress levels. Just 3 teaspoons of honey a day will lift your spirits, give you energy and strength, and relieve depression.
Fresh vegetables and fruits. Any vegetable or fruit contains great amount vitamins and microelements that have a beneficial effect on general state body, on hormonal background and well-being. Therefore, to prevent depression, fresh vegetables and fruits must be present in the diet.

For example, tomatoes are excellent antioxidants, which makes their consumption faster metabolic processes in the cerebral cortex and promotes the synthesis of “happiness hormones”. Fruits, as antidepressants of plant origin, saturate the body with all vitamins: kiwi, oranges, persimmons are the first fruit antidepressants.

Daily diet to combat depression:

Breakfast: bran, oatmeal with honey, raisins, dried apricots, nuts, banana, egg and a cup of cocoa or hot chocolate.
Dinner. Soups with buckwheat, rice, vegetable soups, boiled chicken (broth) or baked fish, gray bran bread, tomato salad, tea.
Dinner. Stewed vegetables, hard cheese.

In addition, between main meals it is important to have a snack: an orange, an apple loaf, a slice of dark chocolate, yogurt, nuts, raw carrots, a glass of kefir.

Herbs to fight depression

Few people know that excellent antidepressants of plant origin sometimes grow right in the beds and flower beds:

St. John's wort. The extract of this herb is contained in many natural preparations. Products containing St. John's wort calm, normalize sleep, and relieve depression.

Folk recipes suggest the following use: pour a tablespoon of St. John's wort herb into 200 ml of boiling water, boil for 10 minutes and leave for 2 hours. Then strain and take 0.5 cups before meals 2-3 times a day. You can take a bath with the same decoction.

Peppermint. Increases immunity, calms, prevents depression. Folk remedies are prepared according to many recipes, but the simplest is mint tea: pour 1 tablespoon of the herb with 250 ml of boiling water. After 20 minutes, drink in small sips.
Motherwort. Removes nervous tension, calms the central nervous system, relieves depression. Folk recipes for depression rarely contain motherwort alone; most often it is combined with mint, lemon balm and other pleasant-smelling herbs. To treat depression, you can use an infusion: pour 1 tablespoon of herbs with 5 tablespoons of alcohol (you can take vodka). Place in a glass container in a dark place for 7 days, shake occasionally. Take 0.5 teaspoon of the product half an hour before the main meal 3 times a day.

Any, even folk remedies, made from herbal ingredients, can be harmful if taken uncontrolled. Therefore, before starting therapy, it is better to consult a doctor.

When you are in a bad mood, a stressful day, a post-stress situation or apathy, do not rush to take medications. They can help you natural antidepressants: products and healing herbs, aroma oils.

Our mood and emotions depend not only on external circumstances and health, but also on function endocrine glands: hypothalamus and pineal gland. The hormones they produce, the condition immune system, emotional mood and the degree of protection of the body in stressful situations.

The substance melatonin, which is produced by the pineal gland, helps cope with stress, during which intense production of adrenaline occurs, but blood sugar levels decrease.

It is no coincidence that in situations where there is apathy, loss of strength, nervous tension, you want something sweet: chocolate, sweets, cakes, sweet fruits - bananas or dates. It is these carbohydrate-containing foods that stimulate the production of melatonin, which helps you relax and calm down.

Foods that improve your mood.

Our mood is regulated by the hormone serotonin and we can easily control its level and stimulate increased production with the help of certain foods.

The most effective natural antidepressant is dark chocolate. To relieve stress, lift your spirits or cope stressful situation, just a few cubes of chocolate or a cup of aromatic cocoa, which contains phenylephylamine, the main function of which is antidepressant. In addition, cocoa contains zinc, which is essential for beautiful hair and clear skin faces, and substances that regulate blood circulation in the brain.

Antidepressant products also include dried apricots, honey, marmalade, raspberries and strawberries, persimmons, and halva. Of two evils: calories and tension or apathy, it is better to choose the lesser and allow yourself sweets in reasonable quantities. The accumulated calories can be spent either in the pool or.

If your mood long time changes like a barometer, then you need to include in your menu products containing vitamins B1, B2, E and A, as well as trace elements: selenium and zinc.

Vitamin B1 – thiamine

Regulates the state of the nervous system: if it is lacking in the body, it becomes unprotected in stressful situations, and the nervous system is constantly “on the verge of breakdown” and begins to gradually “loose.”

Chronic irritability, dissatisfaction with everything appears: with oneself, with life, and with others, and a depressive state. In addition, there are constant worries and fears about any reason, sleep disturbances and prolonged loss of strength, swelling appears and the aging process of the body accelerates.

Largest quantities vitamin B1 - in brewer's yeast. They are now sold in tablet form in all pharmacies. But yeast is contraindicated in diseases: hypertension, diseases of the bile ducts, gallbladder and liver, obesity and a tendency to be overweight. In these cases, it is recommended to include in your menu increased amount cabbage of all kinds and green peas.

Vitamin B1 is also found in nuts and potatoes, rye bread and eggs, sunflower and pumpkin seeds. To increase the level of vitamin B1 in the body in a week, 100 g per day is enough walnuts or almonds. Their calorie content can be compensated by a low-calorie diet.

Vitamin B2 – riboflavin

Another vitamin that directly affects our mood. The main function of this vitamin is skin health, but it also affects vision, brain health, immunity and nervous system. Its deficiency is characterized by fatigue, frequent nervous breakdowns and irritability, low resistance to infections.

For these symptoms, and for prevention, include liver, veal, brewer's yeast, dairy products, milk, cottage cheese, feta cheese and cheese, wheat sprouts, potatoes and leeks, tomatoes, turnips, green beans, cabbage and green pea.

Vitamin E – tocopherol

Eliminates night muscle cramps, accelerates tissue renewal, gradually disappears in older people dark spots, vision, condition of muscles, skin, blood and lungs improve. And American scientists have found that vitamin E is the vitamin of energy, positivity and joy. In their opinion, it is thanks to this vitamin that a person becomes energetic and cheerful. Vitamin E is not only an antidepressant, but also a powerful antioxidant: it regulates oxidative processes in the body.

Therefore, products containing tocopherol are part of the “star” diets popular in Hollywood. But it is not recommended to start taking vitamin E in higher doses: It must accumulate in the body gradually. And you should not stay in the sun for too long - the content of tocopherol in tissues begins to decrease, so you should always sunbathe in moderation - for health and beauty, and not to cause problems with the skin and health.

To replenish the deficiency of tocopherol in the body, it is necessary to include in your diet daily menu whole grain bread, unrefined cereals, any vegetable oils, young nettle leaves, mint leaves, celery greens, bran, broccoli. But increased content vitamin E - only in sprouts: wheat, oats, peas, soybeans, pumpkin.

All orange, red and orange vegetables and fruits are natural antidepressants. yellow flowers. Most of them contain vitamin A - retinol and provitamin A - carotene: carrots, apricots, pumpkin, beans.

Vitamin A

– a vitamin of beauty and youth, healthy skin, hair and nails. When it is deficient, disease occurs. night blindness"when a person begins to see poorly in the dark.

Vitamin A is also found in liver, yolks, fish oil, cabbage, pumpkin and sunflower seeds.

Of the microelements, it has antidepressant properties selenium. It is found in very small quantities in sprouts, walnuts, cashews, celery, asparagus. But with a nutritious and varied diet, the amount entering the body with food is sufficient.

Anti-stress diet.

In order to improve your emotional background, cheer up, get out of apathy and depression, exclude alcohol, strong tea and coffee from your menu: your nervous system now needs not stimulants, but products that regulate hormonal levels.

For the same reason, exclude spicy, peppery, fried and fatty foods from the menu - you will reduce the load on the body. For a while, you should give up seasonings and spices: pepper, mustard, garlic.

Now the following products will be useful to you: fermented milk and cottage cheese, feta cheese or cheese, cereals, dried fruits, eggs 2-3 per week, fish, chicken, turkey or veal meat, olive, corn or flaxseed vegetable oils, fish or beef liver, nuts, sprouts , vegetables.

Especially necessary: raw or baked pumpkin, zucchini, carrots, green peas, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, parsley and dill. And, of course, dark chocolate and cocoa, fruits and juices, brewer's yeast.

Anti-stress diet menu - you can adjust it daily.

tsp sprouted and washed grains with sprouts 1.5-3 mm long, oat muesli with dried apricots, raisins and nuts, a cup of cocoa, 2 slices of rye bread toasted in a toaster, banana.

Lunch:

orange, 2-3 cubes of chocolate and a cup of green tea, rye or oatmeal bread.

Option 1: vegetable soup, a side dish of brown rice or buckwheat, a piece of chicken or fish, a salad of tomatoes and sweet peppers with vegetable oil, Rye bread, green tea or mineral water.

Option 2: vegetable stew: cauliflower, celery greens, zucchini, 2 soft-boiled eggs, rye bun, juice and apple.

yogurt and lean cookies, raisins, dates, nuts.

stewed asparagus, pepper, kohlrabi, celery root and greens - vegetable stew of your choice, cheese or feta cheese. Juice or biokefir. Before bed - hot milk or a cup of cocoa with milk, rosehip infusion with honey, a brewer's yeast tablet.

In a week of an anti-stress diet, you can completely improve your emotional condition. You only need to monitor the caloric content of the menu, but also not to put additional stress on yourself about a limited diet.

Now the main thing for you is to fill the deficiency of essential antidepressant vitamins and ensure good nutrition to be able to adequately perceive the situation and use the brain as much as possible to find correct solution or a way out of the current situation. And for this the body needs healthy energy, which contains natural and healthy products.

Vegetable broth will help you control your appetite and adjust your weight.

Soothing medicinal herbs and mixtures.

Medicinal herbs that have a sedative effect will help reduce emotional stress and for stress, the root and leaves of valerian, oregano, lemon balm, St. John's wort and hops.

For stress, depression, apathy, it is useful to brew tea from St. John's wort, rose hips, raspberry or strawberry leaves, oregano and mint. It is better to use a thermos: a handful of rose hips, one tablespoon at a time. herbs, pour a liter of boiling water and leave for at least 2 hours. You don’t have to strain, but add boiling water throughout the day. In the morning, prepare a new infusion. This soothing tea can be drunk throughout the day, 5-7 days. Then drink an infusion of rose hips, lemon balm, and thyme.

An infusion of St. John's wort and valerian root will be more effective. Infusion: tbsp. St. John's wort, tsp. valerian root. Prepare and take in the same way as the previous collection.

Try brewing this soothing herbal tea instead of regular or green tea for a week - you will feel a noticeable improvement not only in your emotional state, but also in your entire body.

An infusion of hop and mint cones acts as synthetic tranquilizers, but does not side effects and safe for health. Infusion: tsp. Steam hop cones and mint with a glass of boiling water. Leave for 30 minutes, strain and drink in 2 doses, adding a slice of lemon and a tsp. honey

To ensure a restful and refreshing sleep, you can prepare a sachet from a collection of herbs: hop cones, lavender, oregano, lemon balm. Fill a small pillow made of cotton or linen. Such a fragrant sachet, if left at the head of the bed, will normalize sleep and calm you down. nervous system, will help relieve tension in the body.

Aroma oils will help improve your mood: lavender will calm you down, ylang-ylang will relax you and also reduce tension, cedar helps you cope with anxiety and fears. During the day, aromatic oils will help: orange - tones, reduces mental fatigue, spruce oil also tones and strengthens self-confidence, pine oil stimulates brain function.

Natural antidepressants: herbs, products and aromatic oils will definitely and effectively help you cope with bad mood, apathy and stressful situations. Just remain confident in yourself, your strengths and abilities. And the fact is that all bad things come to an end.

How to detect depression

It is important to know and distinguish between what sadness is and what depression is. The first is a state that begins when some incident comes into our lives that prompts us to have this feeling (breakup with a loved one, death loved one, and so on).

Depression is a situation of more serious sadness because it clinical condition which prevents a person from enjoying life. The development of this mental health disease should always be under the supervision of a specialist.

Among the symptoms of depression, one should note a feeling of deep sorrow, from which a person loses the ability to enjoy life: he does not like communicating with people and has no desire to do anything.

Sleeping and waking habits also usually change, and there may be episodes of insomnia or periods of deep and long sleep. This discrepancy in rest hours worsens the condition further. The desire to leave the house and communicate disappears. If you don't know how to cure depression on your own, start with your daily routine. At first you will have to force yourself to go to bed, get up, walk and eat at certain hours, but then it will become a habit.

Spices for treating depression

Curcumin is a compound found in turmeric and is considered a natural antidepressant. The reason is that after a series of tests, it was found that curcumin can increase serotonin levels and thus make us feel better, happier and calmer. But it also increases levels of the brain neurotransmitter dopamine, which affects emotions.

Cayenne pepper contains another of the best natural antidepressants: capsaicin. This component is found in ginger root. Both of these products are ideal for overcoming this mental disorder.

Capsaicin helps stimulate the production of endorphins, hormones commonly known as the “happy hormones,” so adding this type of pepper, as well as ginger, to your daily diet may help you feel better.

Medicinal plants for treating depression

In the field of herbalism, several plants have been discovered that can help alleviate the symptoms of depression and cause a gradual restoration of joy.

For example, basil is a plant that is ideal for fighting fatigue, as well as depression, and can fill us with energy and the desire to do something. To reap these benefits, all you have to do is include basil salad in your diet. You can take baths using aromatic basil essential oil.

St. John's wort can help survive periods of depression. It contains properties that stimulate vital energy and promotes inner well-being and tranquility as it relaxes. For this reason, by taking an infusion of this herb, you will begin to feel better and calmer.

Foods for treating depression

You must remember that “we are what we eat”, so nutrition also has big influence according to your mood.

The first thing to note is cocoa, an ingredient that has always been known to combat depression. Cocoa is rich in selenium, which helps control mood. You can treat yourself in the morning to a few pieces of dark chocolate with a cocoa content of at least 70-80%.

It has been found that people who frequently suffer from depression have low level fatty acids Omega-3. Therefore, if we restore the balance of nutrients in our body, we therefore feel better. Fatty fish, nuts, linseed oil and spinach are foods rich in this element. You should add them to your diet.
For example, eat baked fish with spinach salad for lunch, with nuts and a spoonful of flaxseed oil.

The same applies to folic acid, nutrient, which is at a very low level when a person suffers from depression. A lack of folic acid can prolong periods of depression. Spinach, beans, asparagus, and green leafy vegetables are foods rich in this element.

Activities and ways to get out of depression

Apart from these foods that can help overcome depression, it is also important to do certain things every day to boost your mood and bring back your joy. Meditation, for example, is one of the best methods that you can do. Meditation is aimed at reducing stress, it helps you reconnect with your center and gain inner peace.

But it is also recommended to be active in sports to burn energy, feel in life and ensure that the brain produces endorphins on its own naturally(It is known that when we exercise, our brain releases these substances, so after exercise we feel very comfortable and relaxed).

Laughter is also one of the best views weapon against depression, as it removes the stress hormone. Therefore, it is recommended to start by watching movies and comedy programs, talking to people, laughing and enjoying your company.

Antidepressants are medications that are active against depressive conditions. Depression is a mental disorder characterized by decreased mood, weakened motor activity, intellectual poverty, erroneous assessment of one’s “I” in the surrounding reality, and somatovegetative disorders.

Most probable cause The occurrence of depression is a biochemical theory, according to which there is a decrease in the level of neurotransmitters - nutrients in the brain, as well as a decreased sensitivity of receptors to these substances.

All drugs in this group are divided into several classes, but now let’s talk about history.

History of the discovery of antidepressants

Since ancient times, humanity has approached the issue of treating depression with different theories and hypotheses. Ancient Rome was famous for his ancient Greek physician named Soranus of Ephesus, who offered for treatment mental disorders, and depression including, lithium salts.

As scientific and medical progress progressed, some scientists resorted to a variety of substances that were used against the war against depression - from cannabis, opium and barbiturates to amphetamine. The last of them, however, was used in the treatment of apathetic and lethargic depression, which was accompanied by stupor and refusal to eat.

The first antidepressant was synthesized in the laboratories of the Geigy company in 1948. This drug became. After this we carried out clinical researches, but they did not begin to release it until 1954, when it was received. Since then, many antidepressants have been discovered, the classification of which we will talk about later.

Magic pills - their groups

All antidepressants are divided into 2 large groups:

Thymiretics– drugs with a stimulating effect, which are used to treat depressive conditions with signs of depression and depression.
Thymoleptics– drugs with sedative properties. Treatment of depression with predominantly excitatory processes.

Indiscriminate action:

Selective action:

block serotonin uptake– Flunisan, Sertraline, ;
block norepinephrine uptake— Maproteline, Reboxetine.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors:

indiscriminate(inhibit monoamine oxidase A and B) – Transamine;
electoral(inhibit monoamine oxidase A) – Autorix.

Antidepressants of others pharmacological groups– Coaxil, Mirtazapine.

Mechanism of action of antidepressants

In short, antidepressants can correct some processes occurring in the brain. Human brain consists of a colossal number nerve cells called neurons. A neuron consists of a body (soma) and processes - axons and dendrites. The neurons communicate with each other through these processes.

It should be clarified that they communicate with each other by a synapse (synaptic cleft), which is located between them. Information from one neuron to another is transmitted using a biochemical substance - a transmitter. On this moment About 30 different mediators are known, but the following triad is associated with depression: serotonin, norepinephrine, dopamine. By regulating their concentration, antidepressants correct impaired brain function due to depression.

The mechanism of action differs depending on the group of antidepressants:

Neuronal uptake inhibitors(non-selective action) block the reuptake of mediators - serotonin and norepinephrine.
Neuronal serotonin uptake inhibitors: Inhibit the process of serotonin uptake, increasing its concentration in the synaptic cleft. Distinctive feature this group is the absence of m-anticholinergic activity. There is only a slight effect on α-adrenergic receptors. For this reason, such antidepressants have virtually no side effects.
Neuronal norepinephrine uptake inhibitors: prevent the reuptake of norepinephrine.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors: monoamine oxidase is an enzyme that destroys the structure of neurotransmitters, resulting in their inactivation. Monoamine oxidase exists in two forms: MAO-A and MAO-B. MAO-A acts on serotonin and norepinephrine, MAO-B acts on dopamine. MAO inhibitors block the action of this enzyme, thereby increasing the concentration of mediators. The drugs of choice for treating depression are often MAO-A inhibitors.

Modern classification of antidepressants

Tricyclic antidepressants

Information is known about effective reception antidepressants as an auxiliary pharmacotherapy for early ejaculation and smoking.

Side effects

Since these antidepressants have a variety of chemical structure and mechanism of action, side effects may vary. But all antidepressants have the following characteristics: general signs when taking them: hallucinations, agitation, insomnia, development of manic syndrome.

Thymoleptics cause psychomotor retardation, drowsiness and lethargy, decreased concentration. Thymiretics can lead to psychoproductive symptoms (psychosis) and increased.

The most common side effects include:

constipation;
mydriasis;
urinary retention;
intestinal atony;
violation of the act of swallowing;
tachycardia;
impairment of cognitive functions (impaired memory and learning processes).

Elderly patients may experience - disorientation, anxiety, visual hallucinations. In addition, the risk of weight gain, the development of orthostatic hypotension, neurological disorders ( , ).

With long-term use - cardiotoxic effects (cardiac conduction disturbances, arrhythmias, ischemic disorders), decreased libido.

When taking selective inhibitors of neuronal serotonin uptake, the following reactions are possible: gastroenterological - dyspeptic syndrome: abdominal pain, dyspepsia, constipation, vomiting and nausea. Increased anxiety levels, insomnia, increased fatigue, tremors, impaired libido, loss of motivation and emotional dulling.

Selective norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors cause side effects such as: insomnia, dry mouth, dizziness, constipation, atony Bladder, irritability and aggressiveness.

Tranquilizers and antidepressants: what's the difference?

From this we can conclude that tranquilizers and antidepressants have different mechanisms of action and differ significantly from each other. Tranquilizers are unable to treat depressive disorders, therefore their appointment and reception is irrational.

The power of "magic pills"

Depending on the severity of the disease and the effect of use, several groups of drugs can be distinguished.

Strong antidepressants - effectively used in treatment severe depression:

– has pronounced antidepressant and sedative properties. The onset of the therapeutic effect is observed after 2-3 weeks. Side effects: tachycardia, constipation, difficulty urinating and dry mouth.
Maprotiline,– similar to Imipramine.
Paroxetine– high antidepressant activity and anxiolytic effect. Taken once a day. Therapeutic effect develops within 1-4 weeks after starting treatment.

Mild antidepressants - prescribed in cases of moderate and mild depression:

Doxepin– improves mood, eliminates apathy and depression. A positive effect of therapy is observed after 2-3 weeks of taking the drug.
- has antidepressant, sedative and hypnotic properties.
Tianeptine– relieves motor retardation, improves mood, increases the overall tone of the body. Leads to the disappearance of somatic complaints caused by anxiety. Due to the presence of a balanced action, it is indicated for anxious and inhibited depression.

Herbal natural antidepressants:

St. John's wort– contains hepericin, which has antidepressant properties.
Novo-Passit– it contains valerian, hops, St. John's wort, hawthorn, lemon balm. Contributes to the disappearance, and.
Persen– also contains a collection of herbs peppermint, lemon balm, valerian. Has a sedative effect.
Hawthorn, rose hips - have sedative properties.

Our TOP 30: the best antidepressants

We analyzed almost all antidepressants that were available for sale at the end of 2016, studied reviews and compiled a list of 30 the best drugs, which have virtually no side effects, but at the same time are very effective and perform their tasks well (each to their own):

Agomelatine– used for episodes of major depression of various origins. The effect occurs after 2 weeks.
– provokes inhibition of serotonin uptake, used for depressive episodes, the effect occurs after 7-14 days.
Azafen– used for depressive episodes. The treatment course is at least 1.5 months.
Azona– increases the content of serotonin, is part of the group of strong antidepressants.
Aleval– prevention and treatment of depressive conditions of various etiologies.
Amizol– prescribed for agitation, behavioral disorders, and depressive episodes.
– stimulation of catecholaminergic transmission. It has adrenergic blocking and anticholinergic effects. Scope of application: depressive episodes.
Asentra– a specific serotonin uptake inhibitor. Indicated for the treatment of depression.
Aurorix– MAO-A inhibitor. Used for depression and phobias.
Brintellix– antagonist of serotonin receptors 3, 7, 1d, agonist of serotonin receptors 1a, correction of depressive states.
Valdoxan– a stimulator of melatonin receptors, to a small extent a blocker of a subgroup of serotonin receptors. Therapy.
Velaxin– an antidepressant of another chemical group, enhances neurotransmitter activity.
– used for mild depression.
Venlaxor– a powerful serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Weak β-blocker. Treatment of depression and anxiety disorders.
Heptor– in addition to antidepressant activity, it has antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects. Well tolerated.
Herbion Hypericum– a herbal-based drug, part of the group of natural antidepressants. Prescribed for mild depression and.
Deprex– antidepressant has antihistamine effect, used in treatment.
Deprefault– a serotonin uptake inhibitor, has a weak effect on dopamine and norepinephrine. There is no stimulating and sedative effect. The effect develops 2 weeks after administration.
– antidepressant and sedative effects occur due to the presence of St. John's wort herb extract. Approved for use in the treatment of children.
Doxepin– blocker of H1 serotonin receptors. The action develops 10-14 days after the start of administration. Indications -
Miansan– stimulator of adrenergic transmission in the brain. Prescribed for depression of various origins.
Miracitol– enhances the effect of serotonin, increases its content in the synapse. In combination with monoamine oxidase inhibitors, it causes severe side effects.
Negrustin– an antidepressant of plant origin. Effective for mild depressive disorders.
Newwelong– serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor.
Prodep– selectively blocks the uptake of serotonin, increasing its concentration. Does not cause a decrease in the activity of β-adrenergic receptors. Effective for depression.
Citalon– a high-precision serotonin uptake blocker with minimal effect on the concentration of dopamine and norepinephrine.

There's something for everyone

Antidepressants are most often not cheap, we have compiled a list of the most inexpensive of them in ascending order of price, with the cheapest drugs at the beginning and the more expensive ones at the end:

The truth is always beyond theory

To understand the whole point about modern, even the best, antidepressants, to understand what their benefits and harms are, it is also necessary to study the reviews of people who had to take them. As you can see, there is nothing good in taking them.

I tried to fight depression with antidepressants. I quit because the result was depressing. I looked for a lot of information about them, read many sites. There is contradictory information everywhere, but everywhere I read it, they write that there is nothing good about them. I myself experienced shaking, pain, and dilated pupils. I got scared and decided that I didn’t need them.

Three years ago, depression began, while I was running to clinics to see doctors, it was getting worse. There was no appetite, she lost interest in life, there was no sleep, her memory deteriorated. I visited a psychiatrist, he prescribed Stimulaton for me. I felt the effect after 3 months of taking it, I stopped thinking about the disease. I drank for about 10 months. Helped me.

Karina, 27

It is important to remember that antidepressants are not harmless drugs and you should consult your doctor before using them. He will be able to pick up the right drug and its dosage.

You should monitor your mental health and contact specialized institutions in a timely manner so as not to aggravate the situation, but to get rid of the disease in time.

A bad mood is probably familiar to every person, however, if fatigue and apathy do not leave you for a long time, and negative thoughts constantly “climb” into your head, this condition can be called depression. Of course, the diagnosis is made by a doctor, but any person who does not suffer from serious mental pathologies can prevent the development of depression. Many people, of course, resort to help chemicals against depression, but we will go a different way. We invite you to use the most natural natural antidepressants - products and herbs. In nature there are a huge number of plants and healthy products that can lift your spirits and relieve depression. Enjoy your health!

Nature to the rescue

Pharmacies are now full of antidepressant drugs, and many of them are effective, but side effects provide a lot; Moreover, you cannot take such drugs without a prescription from a specialist. In contrast, folk remedies - natural antidepressants, act more gently and do not cause addiction, and sometimes the result is not worse, but even better, than the most modern drugs.

True, it is rarely possible to get by with “herbs” and products alone. You can get rid of depression only by completely changing your attitude towards yourself: changing your lifestyle, diet, circle of acquaintances, and often work - health is much more expensive. However, herbal infusions and decoctions are very popular among the people, and official medicine also uses them quite often: experts recommend taking them both for prevention and for various diseases.

Healing herbs

In nature, a huge number of medicinal plants, and many of them help cope with depression. Let us briefly list some antidepressant herbs that are known and widespread in Russia.

St. John's wort helps improve brain function and inhibit the production of stress hormones; Hawthorn relieves fear, anxiety and insomnia - it is often prescribed for severe shocks and nervous disorders; valerian – generally accepted depressant, reducing anxiety and improving sleep.

Mint, lemon balm, black milkweed, and motherwort are also well known in Russia - many scientific works have been written about each of these herbs.

Ginkgo biloba does not grow here, but it is not a deficiency. The preparations of this plant allow you to restore damaged brain cells, even out the emotional background and increase stress resistance - a mental property that is necessary for everyone today.

Adaptogen herbs also “destroy” depression: for example, tea with Eleutherococcus, ginseng, Schisandra chinensis or Echinacea purpurea helps.

Folk recipes

Here are a few simple recipes, which are easy to use at home.

St. John's wort, cornflower and motherwort herbs (1 tsp each) are poured with boiling water (3 cups) and left for 15 minutes. Place on low heat and cook for about 20 minutes, cool and strain. Drink 1/3 glass 3 times a day after meals. The course is 10 days, then a ten-day break and repeating the course again.

Herbal tea - an excellent natural antidepressant that banishes apathy and eliminates the effects of stress, is obtained from the leaves of mint and oregano, raspberries and strawberries, rose hips and St. John's wort.

The ingredients are poured into a thermos (1 tablespoon each), brewed with a liter of boiling water, closed for 2-3 hours - the antidepressant tea is ready. You can drink it throughout the day, like regular tea, 2-4 cups each, adding honey or sugar to taste. It is not necessary to strain: tea can be poured through a strainer, adding boiling water to the thermos.

Similar to antidepressant medications, but without negative influence An infusion of mint and hop cones works for health. Pour 1 tsp into a glass of boiling water. mint leaves and hop cones, leave for half an hour, filter. Take the infusion 2-4 times a day, ½ cup, adding honey and lemon to taste.

You can drink herbal teas regularly, replacing regular tea, black or green, or at least mixing herbs with tea. Within a week you will notice that not only your mood has improved, but also your overall well-being.

And you can improve your sleep by placing a small sachet next to your pillow, made of linen or cotton fabric, and filled with a mixture of aromatic antidepressant herbs: the same hops and mint, lemon balm, oregano, lavender, chamomile, wormwood, linden, etc. .

You can and should take soothing baths with all of the herbs listed. A strong decoction or infusion (1-2 l) is poured into bath water, and 7-8 drops of your favorites are added essential oils. For example, 1-3 drops each of lavender, neroli, geranium, sandalwood, jasmine, bergamot, etc. oils.

Products for depression

Natural antidepressants can be considered ordinary food products - of course, only natural and fresh. Such products contain substances that help the body maintain normal hormonal levels. Both “plant” and “animal” products will help cope with depression: fresh vegetables and fruits, berries and dried fruits, freshly squeezed juices, cottage cheese, kefir and other “fermented milk”, low-fat and mild cheese, eggs, fish and seafood; meat and offal – veal, turkey, chicken, liver; unrefined vegetable oils, “pure” chocolate, nuts and seeds. Among vegetable crops, cabbage (broccoli, white cabbage and cauliflower), peas, carrots, zucchini, pumpkin, parsley and dill are especially useful.

Anti-stress diet

There are even special anti-stress diets: you can choose a set of natural antidepressant products for yourself and create a diet “to your taste.” Let's give an example of such a diet.

You can eat a cup in the morning oatmeal(it's better not instant cooking), with the addition of sprouted wheat (2-3 tsp), nuts, raisins and dried apricots; dried rye bread (2 slices), banana; drink a cup of cocoa.

Lunch: again dried bread, made from rye or oatmeal, orange, unsweetened green tea, 2-3 slices of dark chocolate.

Lunch options may vary. For example, vegetable soup, buckwheat or brown rice with a piece of fish (chicken), with a salad of sweet peppers and tomatoes for the main course, black bread and green tea. Or: vegetable stew of zucchini, several types of cabbage and parsley (celery, dill), soft-boiled eggs (2 pcs.), apple, Orange juice, rye bread (unsweetened bun).

For an afternoon snack: natural yogurt with dates, raisins, nuts and diet cookies.

In the evening: boiled beans, sweet peppers, kohlrabi salad with celery, a piece of cheese (100-150 g), a glass of kefir or juice.

For the night: warm milk or rosehip infusion with 1-2 tsp. honey, brewer's yeast (sold in tablets at the pharmacy).

According to reviews from those who have tried a similar diet, their emotional state improves within a week; The daily menu can be varied as desired. It is interesting that, although the diet is not specifically aimed at correcting body weight, weight begins to tend to normal: when overweight a person begins to lose weight, and if not enough, to gain weight. However, if you feel hungry, it is worth adding herbs to the menu that soothe and reduce appetite (bearberry, plantain, nettle, dandelion root, hawthorn, burdock, fennel, corn silk), in the form of infusions and decoctions, and seaweed (not canned). This will avoid additional stress and give the body the necessary energy.

Using regularly, in combination and different ways at least these natural antidepressants listed here, you can get rid of the manifestations of depression and completely forget about bad mood. However, if irritability, anxiety, apathy and depression do not go away, you should consult a specialist - a neurologist or psychologist.