Can natural remedies help with SAD?

The shortest day has passed and we are getting lighter evenings – however the next few months can be very difficult for those who experience SAD – or Seasonal Affective Disorder. People often ask me, “Can natural remedies help with SAD?” Read on to discover the answer!

Why has SAD become more prevalent?  

The seasons have often merged in recent years, and we have long periods of wet and dull days. Those bright, cold, and frosty days seem to be fewer and far between. Give me a blue sky, and I am fine, but even I struggle with relentless grey.

As we come out of what has felt a long period of grey and dull, the weight of cloud on our heads has felt heavy, those of you who experience SAD will no doubt be trying to get through.  If you have the SAD lamp out then I am sure it will be in good use or have had a vitamin boost. There’s every possibility you’re looking for other remedies; if so, keep reading!

What is SAD?  

SAD manifests itself in several ways. Symptoms can include;

• A persistent low mood
• A loss of interest in daily activities
• Irritability
• Feelings of despair and worthlessness
• General lethargy
• A tendency to sleep during the day
• A desire to sleep for longer
• Difficulty getting out of bed in the morning

The precise cause of SAD is unknown. However, research suggests it can be related to the lack of sunlight. Sunlight helps the hypothalamus to work correctly, and when the sun is missing, we produce more melatonin (the hormone that makes us sleepy).

Sunlight may also affect the production of the feel-good hormone serotonin. We can link low levels of serotonin to depression.

Finally, there is also a link to our circadian rhythm, our body clock. The body uses sunlight to time various functions throughout the day, so lower light levels can disturb our circadian rhythms.

Can natural remedies help with SAD?  

I’m aware that there is a vast range of products and solutions that can help you manage the symptoms of SAD. However, if you want a proven natural remedy, Bach Flower remedies are a great place to start.

Dr Bach said that throughout his studies to produce the remedies, he aimed to treat the mind to help treat the brain. Below, I’m outlining some of the remedies that I have used to provide relief for some of the symptoms associated with SAD.

Symptoms & Remedies:  

Irritability and impatience:  

Remedy – Impatiens  

This remedy can help with a short temper or general feeling of irritability. Impatiens allows a more sympathetic and less hasty person to come through and enables you to cope calmly and carefully during a problematic time. It is also good if you find your impatience turns inwards and becomes directed at yourself. This remedy gives you some gentle TLC.

Despair:  

Remedy – Gorse  

Despair is one of the more extreme effects of SAD. Gorse allows a feeling of hope to penetrate despite the current emotional state. It makes the patient feel brighter and happier even though the circumstances have not changed.  Gorse can change a negative emotion to a positive and can be incredibly useful in the recovery from an illness.

Difficulty getting out of bed:  

Remedy – Hornbeam  

If you experience reluctance to get out of bed and start moving in the morning, I would recommend Hornbeam to rid yourself of the Monday morning feeling. This remedy provides emotional strength to help you face the day. It also offers relief from procrastination and mental relief to enable you to resume everyday life. Once you have started work in the morning, the feeling will go away, and you will be well on your way to feeling much better.

Lethargy: 

Remedy – Olive 

If you have been trying to work through the symptoms of SAD, you may be left feeling lethargic. This is where the remedy Olive comes into its own. It can help revitalise your strength and restore your energy levels while inspiring you. 

Anxiety & anguish: 

Remedy – Sweet Chestnut 

Getting through this period of winter can create a lot of anxiety and anguish. To aid this, I suggest using Sweet Chestnut. This beautiful creation provides the light at the end of a tunnel. It will lift that feeling of despair and allow some faith and hope to return while at the same time leaving you feeling brighter and more hopeful.

The Effects of Bach Flower Remedies:  

Each remedy can help calm you and bring some metaphorical sunshine. The result of taking the remedy is very subtle; you won’t notice drastic, sudden changes, but you will gradually start to feel better.

You will feel calmer, brighter, and more able to manage. The remedies will help lift the dark moments. Your life will have a new purpose, and you will have a new sense of purpose and energy.

Ready to banish SAD? 

Let’s chat to discuss your symptoms.

I will blend up to 7 of the remedies into a dropper bottle and post them to you. You take 16 drops a day for the next 5-6 weeks; this should start to alleviate your symptoms and help you feel better.

I’ve covered just a tiny sample of the remedies that can help with this problem, and we can do so much more to assist in its relief. If you are struggling at this time of year and have been asking yourself, “Can natural remedies help with SAD?” The answer is yes. Please get in touch to arrange your online consultation.