In homeopathy, there are several active substances with antidepressant properties. However, it is important to match them exactly with the cause of depression in each specific case.

It is possible to try to treat mild depression with these homeopathic medicines, but more severe cases need to be assessed by a specialist doctor, as suicidal thoughts may arise – these are a symptom of depression.

Acidum phosphoricum (phosphoric acid)

is used for chronic depression combined with exhaustion or fears of an uncertain future. Gradually, the patient becomes indifferent to his surroundings and inept at intellectual work. Muscle strength is retained.

Aurum metallicum

is known as the key remedy for depression, manic depression (bipolar disorder) and suicidal thoughts, together with cardio-vascular disorders. Aurum metallicum individuals may have reactive depressive syndromes and switch between hypomanic episodes and seasonal affective disorder episodes.

Depressive phases affecting the elderly are usually treated with Aurum metallicum, when they are either obvious or hidden behind a mask of optimism, activity and joviality. These are accompanied by a mental and intellectual slowdown and by vascular sclerosis.

Cactus 

is used as a remedy for perimenopausal depression, especially if the patient is suffering from mestrual disorders with palpitations and anxiety.

Cimicifuga

This is used as a treatment for postnatal depression, especially when childbirth has been problematic. Sometimes it can be useful for depression in the menopause, when the patient feels the need to move around a lot and has a tendency towards excessive talking combined with anxiety and irritability.

Hyoscyamus niger

is used when the depression is linked to a deeply distressing experience causing concern, mistrust of everything and everyone, despair and hallucinations.

Ignatia amara

The homeopathic remedy Ignatia is used to treat neurotic depression associated with constant crying and wailing, nervousness and extreme anxiety caused by the loss of a loved one.

People affected by Ignatia suffer from reactive depressive syndromes as a result of emotional shocks and hardships. You should consider prescribing Ignatia when: there is fear, setbacks are not coped with, grievances and anger are repressed, the loss or harm of a loved one causes intense pain, there are romantic woes and when there is anticipatory anxiety.

Lilium tigrinum

This is a remedy that works well for reactive depression and behavioural disorders, particularly during the perimenopausal phase in women who have the usual dysmenorrhea. The depression is combined with irritability, nervousness and heart problems. The Lilium tigrinum patient complains of palpitations and purely functional heart pain.

Lycopodium

is a remedy for depression in people who are usually rational and, in their normal state, have a high level of emotional self-control. These people also have a tendency towards solitude and are fearful of the future. Reactive depressions that are associated with Lycopodium are sometimes accompanied by somatisation disorders. These depressive episodes are stress-related.

Natrum chloratum

The homeopathic medicine Natrum chloratum is used for depressions with anxiety, irritability, low blood pressure and a predisposition towards constipation. These people crave salt and salty foods, and feel weak in the morning at around 11am.

Nux vomica

This is a treatment for people who have depression linked to deep-rooted fears, great irritability, anger, aggressiveness and addictive behaviours. These individuals usually have a passion for perfection. Nux Vomicaindividuals can develop reactive depression caused by overwork and other work-related worries or insomnia. Sometimes, even suicidal urges can emerge, despite a fear of death.

Pulsatilla

can treat depressive episodes affecting people who are highly sensitive and have a tendency to whine. This is often combined with irregular periods, and is especially common in young teenage girls.

Sepia officinalis

is a homeopathic remedy that can cure depressive episodes related to anxiogenic or post-partum situations. These are typified by introversion, affective indifference to their surroundings, nervousness and irritability. It can also be used when the baby is rejected, particularly after a traumatic childbirth.