Question by 으로 하늘을 가리: What are some Natural/Herbal Remedies for Depression?
Also, does StJohns Wort help to treat mild- to severe – depression? I’m currently living in a third world country where there is NO access to doctors or any other professional help, so I am wondering if I can help my mates and myself with some natural supplements to treat depression.
Thanks a lot everyone. I appreciate it.
Best answer:
Answer by jessica
I suggest getting sunlight. I know that sounds silly but a lack of sunlight can cause depression. There is something you can get called “feel bright light” it works great but costs about 200.00 and it is well worth the money. Vitamin D deficiency will cause depression so if you are able to get supplements that also may help. One thing that helps me is to listen to upbeat music.I am clinically diagnosed with Bipolar disorder, with major depressions and have found these things helpful. I hope i have helped you have a nice day
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August 8th, 2011 at 6:57 am
Identify the cause: http://curezone.com/dis/read.asp?C0=108 and if applicable; http://sfhelp.org/gwc/wounds.htm Was there a triggering event? If so, it is probably reactive (situational) depression: counselling, psychotherapy, or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is indicated. Or, was it a more gradual thing, with no apparent cause? (a nutritional deficiency, hypothyroidism, environmental toxicity, or reactions to some medications, such as Advil etc., becomes more likely). St. John’s Wort helps most people; tolerance doesn’t develop, and the few side effects don’t occur often, and even then are normally not severe (neither antidepressants, nor the wort, nor supplements should be relied on as a sole treatment). It doesn’t cause sleeping problems, or weight change, but usually takes at least 2, and generally 4 – 6 weeks to become effective, but can sometimes work quicker than antidepressants. See http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10759336?dopt=Abstract A recent, independent German double blind study showed it to be as effective as a commonly prescribed antidepressant, in cases of major depression, with far fewer side effects, and those were generally better tolerated, with a lower rate of discontinuation. Unlike antidepressants, where sexual dysfunction is a common side effect, it is far less of a problem with SJW. A multidimensional approach to treating depression without medication follows. All except for no. (7.) are safe to use with medication, but not SJW, because of interactions, and it’s sensible to check out anything else first, like Ginkgo Biloba, Gotu Kola, or supplements, such as SAMe, 5-htp, or L-phenylalanine, with your doctor.
(1.) Take at least 4 Omega 3 fish oil supplements, daily: (certified free of mercury) it is best if consumed with an antioxidant, such as an orange, or its FRESHLY SQUEEZED juice. If vitamin E is added, it should be certified as being 100% from natural sources, or it may be synthetic: avoid it! In the winter months, if not getting sufficient daily exposure to strong light, see http://drbenkim.com/vitamin-d-facts.htm & http://articles.mercola.com/sites/articles/archive/2008/12/16/my-one-hour-vitamin-d-lecture-to-clear-up-all-your-confusion-on-this-vital-nutrient.aspx Go to a doctor and ask for a 25(OH)D, also called 25-hydroxyvitamin D, blood test. When you get the results, don’t follow the typical “normal” reference range, as these are too low. The OPTIMAL value that you’re looking for is 45-52 ng/ml (115-128 nmol/l)”. The company which tests your levels has to be one of those using the correct form of test, and this topic is addressed via the searchbar at Mercola.com – “vitamin D3; testing”. Also take a vitamin B complex which is certified as being 100% of natural origin; the deficiency in vitamin B9 (folate, or folic acid) that most depressed people have, is known to cause depression. Around 30% – 40% of depressed people have low vitamin B12 levels. (2.) Work up slowly to at least 20 minutes of daily exercise, or 30 – 60 mns, 5 times weekly in daytime, outside. Too much exercise can cause stress; unwanted when dealing with depression. (3.) Occupational therapy (keeping busy allows little time for unproductive introspection, and keeps mental activity out of less desirable areas of the brain).
(4.) Practice a relaxation method, daily, and when needed, such as: (free) http://www.drcoxconsulting.com/managing-stress.html or http://altmedicine.about.com/cs/mindbody/a/Meditation.htm or http://www.wikihow.com/Meditate or Yoga Nidra, (no flexibility required) on page 11 at your-mental-health.8m.com Tai Chi, Qi Gong, or yoga. Give the EFT a good tryout, to see if it helps you. It is free via the searchbar at http://www.mercola.com “EFT” & “EFT therapists” – Professional is best. There is a version for use in public places, (you could claim to have a headache, as you use the acupressuremassage/tapping on your temples. (5.) Initially, at least, some form of psychotherapy or counselling; later, perhaps either Cognitive Behavio(u)ral Therapy, (a free E course in it, which may well reduce the time needed in therapy, as should *, & ** is at: http://ecouch.anu.edu.au/welcome ) or Rational Emotive Behavio(u)ral Therapy for up to 6 months. (6.) Maintain a mood chart, and daily activities schedule**. (7.) As options, if desired, either a known, effective herbal remedy, such as St. John’s wort, (get a German variety, if possible; local ones may vary in effectiveness. Perika, Jarsin, and Kira brands have been recommended as being effective. Take with a meal), Supplements, such as SAMe, 5-htp, L-phenylalanine: see: http://www.indepression.com/depression-natural-remedy.html (from vitamin and health food stores, some supermarkets have old/inferior types, or mail order: Google: ” … ; supplies”), St. John’s Wort, etc. 80% of people in the Western world have low magnesium levels; which can cause depression.
August 8th, 2011 at 7:08 am
Rhodiola rosea is a great herb for stress, anxiety and depression. It used to be really popular in Russia and is now used around the world. Some people have been helped by it. Here’s some more info about it and how to take it.