Remedies for Depression
Conventional antidepressants may help for depression, but they don’t work for everyone, and side effects can be a concern. This is why many people look for natural options to lift mood and restore balance.
Flower Remedies
Mustard (Bach)
For sudden, unexplainable waves of deep sadness that descend like a cloud. The depression feels like it has no cause — the person may say, “I don’t know why I feel this way.” This essence is especially helpful when the low mood appears out of nowhere, then lifts again just as mysteriously. Often used when there’s a seasonal or hormonal component to depression. The inner darkness comes and goes unpredictably.
Gentian (Bach)
For discouragement after a setback — a relapse, a failed treatment, a disappointment. The person wants to move forward but becomes easily disheartened. This kind of depression is mild but persistent, and closely tied to external events. Gentian restores faith, perseverance, and hope, especially in those who keep trying but feel it’s never enough.
Sweet Chestnut (Bach)
For moments of total despair and spiritual anguish — the “dark night of the soul.” The person may feel they’ve reached their breaking point, emotionally and spiritually. They may feel abandoned, lost, or as if there is no way forward. This remedy offers support in the deepest suffering, bringing a sense of inner light when everything seems lost.
Pine (Bach)
For depression rooted in guilt, shame, and constant self-blame. The person may feel undeserving of love or happiness and apologize even when they’ve done nothing wrong. They may carry a heavy sense of responsibility for others’ pain. Pine helps release guilt and restores healthy self-worth.
Black Cohosh (FES)
For emotional darkness that feels entangled with trauma, especially past abuse or oppressive relationships. The person may feel emotionally trapped, with surges of fear, sadness, or rage. Also useful for hormonally sensitive depression in women. It brings deep support for those navigating inner shadows.
Peach (FES)
Restores emotional vitality in those who feel too numb, depleted, or overwhelmed to care. Ideal for burnout-related depression where empathy is lost and fatigue leads to emotional withdrawal. Peach helps reopen the heart and rekindle the ability to give and receive warmth, especially in caretakers and empaths.
Gemmotherapy
Ficus carica (Fig)
Balances the nervous system and soothes the gut-brain axis. Many with fibromyalgia have digestive issues tied to emotional stress, and this remedy eases both. Helpful for racing thoughts, anxiety mixed with sadness, and foggy moods that fluctuate with digestion. Brings peace to mind and belly alike.
Tilia tomentosa (Linden)
A gentle, calming remedy for emotional fragility. Linden is especially helpful when depression follows trauma or long-term stress. It eases nervous tension and insomnia, offering comfort and softness to the heart. For people who feel too thin-skinned or overwhelmed by life.
Ribes nigrum (Black Currant)
Supports adrenal glands and improves energy, especially when low mood is tied to chronic fatigue and inflammation. Ideal when depression arises from hormonal imbalance or persistent pain. It brings a subtle lift to both mood and vitality, helping one feel more able to cope.
Rosa canina (Dog Rose)
Restores emotional resilience and openness to joy. Often used when someone has grown resigned to suffering and “given up” on getting better. There may be apathy, emotional numbness, or a sense of isolation. Dog Rose rekindles hope and reconnects a person to their inner brightness.
Cell Salts
Nat Mur (Sodium chloride)
For quiet, stoic depression. These individuals keep their pain hidden and may isolate emotionally, even from loved ones. Past griefs linger silently, and tears are often shed in private. Depression may come with headaches, back pain, and a craving for salty food. Nat Mur softens emotional rigidity and helps release stored sorrow.
Kali Phos (Potassium phosphate)
For depression caused by mental and nervous exhaustion. This person is emotionally flat, disconnected, and overwhelmed. They may feel incapable of coping or enjoying anything. Anxiety, insomnia, or irritability may alternate with despair. Kali Phos helps restore emotional resilience and a sense of connection to life.
Calc Phos (Calcium phosphate)
For low, melancholic moods with discouragement and poor self-confidence. These individuals often feel overlooked or unappreciated. Depression may be subtle and chronic, with a sense of defeat. Can be helpful in periods of recovery when the person feels stuck and progress is slow.
Homeopathic Medicines
Ignatia amara
For acute grief, emotional heartbreak, or unresolved loss. Mood swings, sobbing, and a lump in the throat are typical. The person may sigh often, have nervous spasms or sudden laughter followed by tears. Ignatia helps when emotions are too intense to process or are held in by sheer will.
Natrum muriaticum
For long-term, internalized sadness. The person may be withdrawn, hypersensitive, and slow to trust. They carry unresolved grief and dislike being comforted. Often suited to people who are perfectionists, reserved, and emotionally self-contained. Depression may be accompanied by migraines, fatigue, and sleep disturbances.
Pulsatilla
For soft, gentle individuals who feel unloved or emotionally abandoned. They cry easily, seek affection, and feel better with company and fresh air. Depression often follows hormonal changes or separation. Pulsatilla helps restore emotional warmth and a feeling of belonging.
Sepia
For those who feel emotionally burned out, especially caregivers or women with hormonal imbalances. The person feels numb, irritable, and wants to be alone. May become indifferent to family or responsibilities. Depression may be accompanied by pelvic issues, chilliness, or hair loss. Sepia restores vitality and reconnection.
Aurum metallicum
For intense, serious people whose depression stems from perceived failure or guilt. There may be suicidal thoughts, deep despair, and loss of self-worth. Often suited to those who are high-achieving but feel spiritually lost. Aurum helps reconnect to purpose and soften harsh self-judgment.
Lachesis
For highly expressive, passionate individuals whose emotions are easily triggered but often suppressed. Depression worsens from repression or jealousy. The person may talk excessively, feel worse in heat, and have a fear of being suffocated or confined. Lachesis helps release emotional pressure and restore inner balance.
I’m Dr. Rodger Douglas, DMH, a South African-born homeopath now based in Osaka, Japan. With a psychology degree from Nelson Mandela University and a diploma from the Hahnemann College of Heilkunst, I specialize in holistic care for fibromyalgia. I serve clients by phone or video across the US, Canada, the UK, and beyond.