Amino Acids
The natural therapies that most closely resemble antidepressants in their action are certain amino acids. Tryptophan (L-Tryptophan) is the precursor of the neurotransmitter serotonin, and thus has an affect that is similar to those antidepressants that replenish the supply of serotonin in the brain cells. It has not been shown to be as effective as antidepressants, but may appeal to patients who are prejudiced against antidepressants or dislike the side-effects. Effective dosage range is 4-6 grams daily. It can take Trytophan ten days to start working. It can also improve sleep because the brain creates melatonin from serotonin, and melatonin tells the brain to switch off and go to sleep. Too much Tryptophan causes dizziness. Normally, it should not be combined with antidepressants; this can cause serotonin syndrome, which can cause death in extreme cases (although some doctors may combine Tryptophan with antidepressants in rare cases where a patient does not respond to antidepressants alone).
Another amino acid that can help with depression is Tyrosine (L-Tyrosine), which is the precursor of adrenaline, noradrenaline and dopamine. By replenishing these important nuerotransmitters, Tyrosine can lift the mood of a depressed patient, especially patients who have had a "breakdown" through overwork or are burned out for the same reason (a condition which comes about because of a depletion of the adrenal system). Like Tryptophan, Tyrosine takes approximately ten days to start working. The effective dosage range is 1-2 grams daily. Excess use causes insomnia. Tyrosine can be combined with Tryptophan but not antidepressants.[2][3][4]
S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe) has also been shown in clinical studies to fight depression,[5][6][7] among other ailments. SAMe can be purchased over-the-counter, usually in 200mg enteric-coated tablets at a suggested dosage of 400mg per day.
Bach Flower Remedies
These remedies are created from various flowers and plants. They are completely safe and it is impossible to take an overdose (although you might get tipsy from the brandy that is used as a preservative). There are four remedies that help specifically with depression. Normal dosage is four drops 4x daily.
Gentian is for very mild depression or pessimism, although it can help with more serious depression to some extent.
Gorse is for more severe depression.
Sweet Chestnut is for truly severe depression -- "the dark night of the soul".
Mustard is for depression that comes from within and is not related to external circumstances.[8][9][10]
Australian Bush Flower Essences
These essences are similar to Bach Remedies and are mostly made from Australian plants and flowers. Normal dosage is seven drops 2x daily, preferably first thing in the morning and last thing at night.
Waratah is the essence that is specifically intended to help with depression.
Sunshine Wattle helps with pessimism and defeatism, especially after a long run of bad luck.[11]
Tissue Salts
Developed by the biochemist Dr William Schuessler, tissue salts are twelve alkaline salts used in homoeopathic strengths. Kali. Phos. (potassium phosphate) is the tissue salt that can bring some short-term relief to depressed patients. Normal dosage is four tablets daily, but it can be taken in much higher quantities (one tablet every half hour) in a crisis. It is not possible to take an overdose of Tissue Salts (you would probably choke on the tablets before reaching a toxic level).[12]
Acupuncture
This treatment is now widely used in western countries. It is based on the Chinese system in which certain points on the body are considered to be connected to various organs. Needles are inserted into the points to bring about "balance" in the system. Acupuncture can bring some short-term relief to depression, but is expensive compared to some of the other therapies.[12][13]
Hypericum (St John's Wort)
Hypericum is a herb that is offered as an alternative to antidepressants by some naturopaths. Some research and experience in Germany has shown that Hypericum can help with mild depression, but not necessarily clinical depression. It can be combined with amino acids but not antidepressants. Recent research has shown that Hypericum can combine adversely with a range of medications, so its "harmlessness" should not be taken for granted.[14]
Reiki
Reiki is a therapy that originated in Japan in the early twentieth century. It is a form of energy healing in which the practitioners "channel" energy into patients through their hands. The practitioners allegedly develop this ability by going through "attunements" that are supposed to make them better channels for the energy. This energy is used primarily for physical problems; Reiki practitioners claim that it can also treat deep emotional problems, but without providing any evidence. Reiki is very unpredictable and results can vary massively from person to person. In the case of depression, Reiki can provide some temporary relief, which may be partly due to the close contact with another person.[15][16][17][18]
Meditation
Meditation has been proved to be of benefit in a number of ways, including lowering blood pressure and stress levels. Using meditation for clinical depression, however, is fraught with danger, because one of the main symptoms of depression is the inability to concentrate. If a severely depressed person tries to meditate, there is a real danger that they will make themselves worse because of their inability to concentrate. The most helpful and gentle form of meditation for a clinically depressed person may be the repetition -- silently or out aloud -- of a mantra like Aum Namah Sivaya, for example, providing it is not overdone.[19][13]