Homoeopathic Remedies for Depression
Arsenicum album: Anxious, insecure, and perfectionistic people who need this remedy
may set high standards for themselves and others and become depressed if their expectations
are not met. Worry about material security sometimes borders on despair. When feeling ill,
these people can be demanding and dependent, even suspicious of others, fearing their
condition could be serious.
Aurum metallicum: This remedy can be helpful to serious people, strongly focused on
work and achievement, who become depressed if they feel they have failed in some way.
Discouragement, self-reproach, humiliation, and anger can lead to feelings of emptiness and
worthlessness. The person may feel worse at night, with nightmares or insomnia.
Calcarea carbonica: A dependable, industrious person who becomes overwhelmed from
too much worry, work, or physical illness may benefit from this remedy. Anxiety, fatigue,
confusion, discouragement, self-pity, and a dread of disaster may develop. A person who needs
this remedy often feels chilly and sluggish and easily tires on exertion.
Causticum: A person who feels depressed because of grief and loss (either recent or
over time) may benefit from this remedy. Frequent crying or a feeling of mental dullness and
forgetfulness (with anxious checking to see if the door is locked, if the stove is off, etc.)
are other indications. People who need this remedy are often deeply sympathetic toward others
and, having a strong sense of justice, can be deeply discouraged or angry about the world.
Cimicifuga: A person who needs this remedy can be energetic and talkative when
feeling well, but upset and gloomy when depressed—with exaggerated fears (of insanity,
of being attacked, of disaster). Painful menstrual periods and headaches that involve the neck
are often seen when this remedy is needed.
Ignatia amara: Sensitive people who suffer grief or disappointment and try to keep
the hurt inside may benefit from this remedy. Wanting not to cry or appear too vulnerable to
others, they may seem guarded, defensive, and moody. They may also burst out laughing, or into
tears, for no apparent reason. A feeling of a lump in the throat and heaviness in the chest
with frequent sighing or yawning are strong indications for Ignatia. Insomnia (or
excessive sleeping), headaches, and cramping pains in the abdomen and back are also often
seen.
Kali phosphoricum: If a person feels depressed after working too hard, being
physically ill, or going through prolonged emotional stress or excitement, this remedy can be
helpful. Exhausted, nervous, and jumpy, they may have difficulty working or
concentrating—and become discouraged and lose confidence. Headaches from mental effort,
easy perspiration, sensitivity to cold, anaemia, insomnia, and indigestion are often seen when
this remedy is needed.
Natrum carbonicum: Individuals who need this remedy are usually mild, gentle, and
selfless—making an effort to be cheerful and helpful, and avoiding conflict whenever
possible. After being hurt or disappointed, they can become depressed, but keep their feelings
to themselves. Even when feeling lonely, they withdraw to rest or listen to sad music, which
can isolate them even more. Nervous and physically sensitive (to sun, to weather changes, and
to many foods, especially milk), they may also get depressed when feeling weak or ill.
Natrum muriaticum: People who need this remedy seem reserved, responsible, and
private—yet have strong inner feelings (grief, romantic attachment, anger, or fear of
misfortune) that they rarely show. Even though they want other people to feel for them, they
can act affronted or angry if someone tries to console them, and need to be alone to cry.
Anxiety, brooding about past grievances, migraines, back pain, and insomnia can also be
experienced when the person is depressed. A craving for salt and tiredness from sun exposure
are other indications for this remedy.
Pulsatilla: People who needs this remedy have a childlike softness and
sensitivity—and can also be whiny, jealous, and moody. When depressed, they are sad and
tearful, wanting a lot of attention and comforting. Crying, fresh air, and gentle exercise
usually improve their mood. Getting too warm or being in a stuffy room can increase anxiety.
Depression around the time of hormonal changes (puberty, menstrual periods, or menopause) can
often be helped with Pulsatilla.
Sepia: People who feel weary, irritable, and indifferent to family members, and worn
out by the demands of everyday life may respond to this remedy. They want to be left alone and
may respond in an angry or cutting way if anyone bothers them. They often feel better from
crying, but would rather have others keep their distance and not try to console them or cheer
them up. Menstrual problems, a sagging feeling in internal organs, sluggish digestion, and
improvement from vigorous exercise are other indications for this remedy.
Staphysagria: Quiet, sensitive, emotional people who have difficulty standing up for
themselves may benefit from this remedy. Hurt feelings, shame, resentment, and suppressed
emotions can lead them to depression. If under too much pressure, they can sometimes lose
their natural inhibition and fly into rages or throw things. A person who needs this remedy
may also have insomnia (feeling sleepy all day, but unable to sleep at night), toothaches,
headaches, stomachaches, or bladder infections that are stress-related.
Homoeopathy Dosage Directions
Select the remedy that most closely matches the symptoms. In conditions where
self-treatment is appropriate, unless otherwise directed by a physician, a lower potency (6X,
6C, 12X, 12C, 30X, or 30C) should be used. In addition, instructions for use are usually
printed on the label.
Many homoeopathic physicians suggest that remedies be used as follows: Take one dose and
wait for a response. If improvement is seen, continue to wait and let the remedy work. If
improvement lags significantly or has clearly stopped, another dose may be taken. The
frequency of dosage varies with the condition and the individual. Sometimes a dose may be
required several times an hour; other times a dose may be indicated several times a day; and
in some situations, one dose per day (or less) can be sufficient.
If no response is seen within a reasonable amount of time, select a different remedy.
For more information, including references, see What is Homoeopathy? and Understanding Homoeopathic Potencies.