When ‘put some music on’ or ‘go for a walk’ just don’t cut it as solutions when you’re in a ball on your bed unable to move from crippling depression or anxiety, actual medicine may seem like your only option. If you’ve been thinking about medicating but don’t want to rush into prescription meds just yet (perhaps you’ve heard that being on antidepressants isn’t a walk in the park), maybe you should try natural antidepressants instead. Just remember, always consult your doctor before trying any of the remedies suggested in this article.

Why Choose A Natural Antidepressant?

So many people suffer from depression nowadays. It’s more prevalent than ever before, making it a modern disease (if you lived in the olden days, you’d probably have typhoid instead). Almost half of all adults in the UK are on happy pills because it basically really sucks being sad.

Although prescription antidepressants have helped a lot of people with severe depression regain the ability to go about their normal lives, socialise and even smile again, they can really wreak havoc on your psyche. There are many side-effects you could have to deal with, especially in the initiation phase, not least of which are nausea, dizziness, weight gain (or loss) and insomnia. Natural antidepressants are made from all natural ingredients hence no nasty side-effects (although not everyone has the same reaction), they aren’t addictive, and you can get them at your local pharmacy, health store and even online.

11 Best Natural Antidepressants

We’ve found a selection of the best natural antidepressants for you to choose from and try out to alleviate the blues.

1. St John’s Wort

St John’s Wort has been around for yonks and is one of the most popular natural methods used for dealing with stress, anxiety and depression. It’s a plant with yellow flowers. There has been some scientific evidence that St. John’s wort may be helpful in treating mild depression. It’s been claimed that it works just like regular antidepressants in that it inhibits the reuptake of the neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.