Four Natural Treatments For Seasonal Affective Disorder

Do you know about natural treatments for seasonal affective disorder? You may not be able to escape from winter, but these natural cures can make it more bearable for you.

Vitamins For Depression

Research is showing that deficiencies in certain vitamins may cause you to feel blue.

Many people don't get enough vitamin D in their diets, especially during the winter months. Vitamin D is called the "sunshine vitamin" because your body needs sunlight to make it. During the winter months, days are shorter, and often cloudy. Plus people tend to hole up inside more. It's no wonder you feel down when you don't get enough sun.

Low levels of B-complex vitamins, along with B-12, have also been associated with the blahs. These vitamins are essential for your mental and physical well-being. They're destroyed by caffeine, alcohol, nicotine, and refined sugar, so it's possible to be deficient in these vitamins, and not even be aware of it. But your body knows.

Herbal Remedies For SAD

People have been using certain herbs for centuries to take the edge off ragged emotions and to improve mental well-being. Here are two well-known herbal remedies that may help.

Passionflower - used in traditional medicine to moderate moods and soothe emotional upsets

St. Johnswort - used widely today to relieve moodiness and improve your outlook on life

Homeopathic Remedies For The Winter Blues

These remedies can alleviate the feelings of sadness and depression that are associated with winter.

Calc carb (6c) - good for people who don't like the cold, and who feel tired during the winter

Aurum met (30C) - if you feel like a cloud is following you around and hanging over your head, this helps to lift your spirits

Alumina (30C) - a boost for those who just want to curl up and hibernate all winter long

Nat mur (6X) - supports brain health by improving transport of nutrients in and out of cells

Kali phos (6X) - nerve nutrient that's found in all brain and nerve cells; helps to calm you down when you feel like you're "on the edge"

Light Therapy

Also known as phototherapy, this works by resetting your "biological clock," or circadian rhythm. There are two ways to do this therapy:

Sit near a light box while your work on your computer or read. The time needed varies from between 30 minutes to two hours.

Dawn simulation - this works while you sleep. A timer turns on a low-intensity light before you wake up in the morning. It gradually gets brighter, simulating the natural sunrise.

You do need to keep doing phototherapy all winter long, or the blues will come back.

Don't let winter depression make you miserable for half the year. These natural treatments for seasonal affective disorder can help you get through the winter months while keeping a cheery outlook on life.