How Can Homeopathic Remedies Help to Ease Depression & Anxiety?
Homeopathy is an alternative form of medicine that runs on the principle of “like cures like.” This means that the symptoms in the patient are treated with smaller doses of disease causing agent. Although the prevalence of homeopathy dates back two centuries back, the effectiveness is still prominent.
The homeopathic remedies for anxiety and depression are quite prominent and are also backed with conclusive studies. However, modern medical practitioners are clear that homeopathy remains an alternative form of medication in case the mainstream treatments don’t work.
The placebo effect for treating anxiety and depression is considered a potential treatment option in homeopathy. If you are confused about the effectiveness of homeopathy for depression and anxiety, we hope this article answers all your queries.
What is Homeopathy?
Homeopathy is a complementary medicine that focuses on strengthening the body’s immune system with small doses of medication to treat the disease. Professional practitioners believe that the causative agent is potent enough to cure it as well.
This form of medicine involves a range of natural remedies and ingredients diluted in water and then administered to the patient. The level of dilution is quite high, primarily because some of the ingredients are straight up toxic to the human body.
Homeopathic Remedies for Anxiety and Depression
If you are struggling with mental illness, homeopathic medicine for anxiety and depression helps heal the symptoms to enable the individuals to live a life of comfort. However, the studies to back up their effectiveness are not conclusive, so it is always advised to proceed with caution.
Some of the most mainstream homeopathic treatments for depression and anxiety include:
Aconite
In patients with anxiety and depression from past trauma that triggers sudden panic and fear, aconite is an effective treatment of choice. The administration of the medicine has been found to tame the symptoms that come with sudden panic and fear, including dry skin and dry mouth. It helps the patient calm down and refocus at the moment.
Arsenicum album
The use of the Arsenicum album is prominent in treating anxiety and depression in patients who are lonely and have a negative image of themselves. Such patients exhibit signs of hypothermia and often prefer being alone to lead a comfortable life. The medication has been found effective in soothing such symptoms.
Argentum nitricum
This homeopathic medicine for anxiety and depression is suggestive in patients whose anxiety flare up due to uncertainty and other kinds of phobias, including closed spaces and heights. Often, anxiety and depression related to uncertain events in life can trigger gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea and the urge to emotional eating.
Calcarea carbonica
If the patient is a person of habit and is constantly anxious about breaking out of their safe habits, this homeopathy medication has been found to have promising benefits. The anxiety or depressive episodes can flare up when there is a sudden and unannounced change to their patterns and lifestyle, putting them out of the loop.
Ignatia
Often prescribed for patients experiencing grief and loss of a loved one. This medication eases their mood swings and helps bring out the repressed feelings to help them grieve positively. It also treats symptoms related to depression.
Gelsemium
Gelsemium is prescribed for patients who get shy, reclusive and shaky when hit with an anxious episode. This is ideally effective in patients struggling with agoraphobia or social anxiety and afraid of being confronted with a crowd when giving a speech.
Kali phophoricum
Ideally treating stress, this is the best homeopathic medicine for depression, anxiety and stress. If a patient tends to reach their breaking point and show signs of anxiousness, fear or panic when they are extremely stressed, this medication has positive impacts in tending to those signs. These kinds of symptoms can even alter one’s physical well-being for the worse.
Kali arsenicosum
This remedy is ideal for health-based anxiety. It is a very popular choice among hypochondriacs. Not only does it tame the momentary symptoms, but it also has beneficial impacts in soothing the racing thoughts and constant issues with insomnia that many patients struggle with. It treats the signs of hypothermia and the onset of panic attacks in patients.
Lycopodium
If a patient’s anxiety or depression sets off because of an underlying hatred for themself, Lycopodium is an effective remedy for such cases. Not only does it suppress the physical symptoms, but it also tends to the constant fear of not being enough and being afraid in crowds.
Pulsatilla
Often suggested in patients with childlike anxiety, ones that lead to tantrums and feelings of not being enough. It is also effective in treating depressive episodes in patients who need constant reassurance in their lives.
Stramonium
This is often prescribed in a severe form of anxiety and depression, involving sudden panic attacks, fear and night terrors. The symptoms in such patients often flair up when they are alone or in dark and crowded spaces.
Silica
Mimicking the benefits of gelsemium and lycopodium, it is often found in people who fear experiencing adventures in their lives or the introduction of a new routine. The remedy helps them slow down and eventually soothes their constant panic, fear and depression.
Sepia
This homeopathy remedy is ideal for patients who are struggling with anxiety when overwhelmed by a loved one. It helps calm down their racing thoughts and helps them refocus instead of feeling out of control at the moment. It also tends to have gastrointestinal effects.
Also Read:| Homeopathy for Asthma: Effectiveness, Types, and More|
Are there Side Effects of Homeopathy?
The risks associated with homeopathy medications are extremely low and almost close to none. This is one of the reasons why many patients feel safe taking homeopathic remedies for their anxiety and depression.
The effectiveness and the consequences typically depend on how the supplements are made. The level of dilution is what reduces the effectiveness. If the dilution isn’t optimal, it can end up inflicting side effects.
If you witness any kinds of side effects, it is always better to consult your homeopathic doctor or discontinue taking it.
Other Natural Treatments for Depression & Anxiety
Besides the standard homeopathic treatments, a few other natural remedies for anxiety and depression have shown promising benefits.
- Intake of various vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin A, B, C, D, and E, along with magnesium
- Supplements like omega-3 fatty acids, amino acids and a few transmitters like 5-HTP show promising results
- Physical relaxation techniques like meditation and breathing techniques help.
- Herbs like lemon balm, passionflower, etc. have soothing effects.
Take Away
If you are struggling with anxiety and depression, homeopathy treatments are considered quite beneficial. Dr. Shalini Chugh is a leading homeopathic practitioner in India, offering holistic treatment options for physical and mental illness. Remember that you don’t have to struggle and suffer alone when you can get the help you need from an experienced professional.