depression

December 5, 2001

Hi All..

As long as I'm on a roll tonight I'd like to say a few words about depression. I saw a post one day about it.. but I just was unable to sit down and reply at the time.

IMO if anyone ever feels depressed.. sad.. loney.....stressed out...or a reasonable facsimile.... TALK to someone...reach out....hold their hand if you can. Find some soul that is willing to listen and be supportive. There are plenty of people out there... Do NOT go to a psychiatrist. Learn about natural medicine. Psychotropic drugs are very very damaging and dangerous.

Beth

December 7, 2001

Have you tried Black Cohosh?

Marcia from Arkansas

December 8, 2001

Hi Tom...

I agree with you completely about diet as well as exercise.... all being necessary to keep a healthy balance and those depressions at bay. There is no question how impactful what we ingest is.. I am highly affected by foods. Another trigger for me is mold and strong chemicals. Depressions are insidious for sure. I thank you for sharing your experience with me. I have never tried Red Clover tea.. I am familiar with the others...I will look it up. Thanks..

Beth

A few Days of Eating well, light exercise, St Johns wort, valerian and lots of red clover tea always makes those big problems look small again.My depression always seems to sneak up on me, and every time its at a time when my diet has gone to the dogs,eating junk food on the run,flat out working and not sleeping and basically living all the wrong ways.Stress is created within, and if we put the right stuff in there with it, it will have less of a chance of impacting heavily upon us.as I say this is just my fast diagnosis and cure, turns me around in a matter of days.it may be as simple as the fact that I believe everything I have said here.

In my case believing I know the problem and then believing in the solution certainly helps.

Tom

December 8, 2001

Hi Marcia...

I have not as of yet tried Black Cohosh.. but read about it medicinal properties recently as well as I believe it was Blue Cohosh?..for the hormones. Thanks for the reminder. I will be stopping at the health food store today.

Beth

Have you tried Black Cohosh?

Marcia from Arkansas

December 8, 2001

Couldn't have said it better myself Beth. Welllllllll, maybe (LOL, ;o)

Love,

Doc

Ian "Doc" Shillington N.D.505-772-5889Dr.IanShillington

-

LJaguar2212

herbal remedies

Wednesday, December 05, 2001 1:11 AM

Re: [herbal remedies]Depression

Hi All.. As long as I'm on a roll tonight I'd like to say a few words about depression. I saw a post one day about it.. but I just was unable to sit down and reply at the time. IMO if anyone ever feels depressed.. sad.. loney.....stressed out...or a reasonable facsimile.... TALK to someone...reach out....hold their hand if you can. Find some soul that is willing to listen and be supportive. There are plenty of people out there... Do NOT go to a psychiatrist. Learn about natural medicine. Psychotropic drugs are very very damaging and dangerous.

December 9, 2001

I've never heard of blue cohosh. Guess I'll search for it.

Marcia from Arkansas

March 13, 2002

Kath wrote: << I am working thru depression. >>

There are likely multiple possible causes for or contributors to depression.

Here are two things to think about.

*** 1 ***

I have a bookcase of books about holistic health. One is a classic titled

_Sugar Blues_, first published in paperback in 1976. At the beginning the

author writes, " Sugar Blues - multiple physical and mental miseries caused by

human consumption of refined sucrose ... commonly called sugar. "

Cane sugar starts out as a whole food product, complete with vitamins,

minerals, and enzymes. By the time it's changed into common white table sugar

it's be robbed of its WHOLE FOOD value. One example of that -- when children

in Cuba chew on raw sugar cane, it doesn't cause them to get cavities in

their teeth.

I'd also warn against the sugar substitute Aspartame.

<A HREF= " http://www.dorway.com/ " >comprehensive site about Aspartame</A>

*** 2 ***

In my opinion the Standard American Diet is SAD. We just don't get the

nutritional value our bodies need from typical SAD food. People routinely

figure their bodies should be able to " run " on ANYTHING. Using that same

logic, a person with a luxury car would put soda pop into his the crankcase

of his engine instead of oil and assume that the engine should run just fine

anyway.

Since it's so hard to get adequate nutritional value from the SAD, I believe

that routine supplementation makes sense. It's amazing how many conditions

can be significantly improved when the body is given the " ingredients " it

needs to do its job.

With regard to nutritional supplements, there's a family business in my home

town that rents out portable toilets. They've told me how routine it is that

when they're cleaning them out after a rental, they see INTACT vitamins in

the waste material, such that the brand name on the vitamin can still be

read. Talk about money down the toilet!

So with vitamins, what you put in your mouth is not as important as what gets

USED by your body.

Rich in Minnesota

What is the highlight of a cannibal wedding?

Toasting the happy couple

<A HREF= " http://EarnSave.homestead.com/testimonies.html " >examples of health

success stories</A>

March 13, 2002

In a message dated 3/13/02 7:43:34 AM Pacific Standard Time, ISE777

writes:

> 5) Some nutrients- B vitamins, Vit. C, magnesium, and St. Johns Wort are

> all important.

>

What about EFAs? Like fish oil, olive oil, etc. I have read some good studies

on these in regards to depression.

Elaine

March 13, 2002

Right on Rich.

" Sugar Blues " , was a great beginning.

Fortunately some in the medical community listened and have researched it.

Her's an info full 4 page article on the underlying cause of most western

diseases.

http://www.mercola.com/2001/jul/14/insulin.htm

rusty

-

<rputman

Wednesday, March 13, 2002 5:20 AM

Re:depression

> Kath wrote: << I am working thru depression. >>

> There are likely multiple possible causes for or contributors to

depression.

> Here are two things to think about.

>

> *** 1 ***

> I have a bookcase of books about holistic health. One is a classic titled

> _Sugar Blues_, first published in paperback in 1976. At the beginning the

> author writes, " Sugar Blues - multiple physical and mental miseries caused

by

> human consumption of refined sucrose ... commonly called sugar. "

>

> Cane sugar starts out as a whole food product, complete with vitamins,

> minerals, and enzymes. By the time it's changed into common white table

sugar

> it's be robbed of its WHOLE FOOD value. One example of that -- when

children

> in Cuba chew on raw sugar cane, it doesn't cause them to get cavities in

> their teeth.

>

> I'd also warn against the sugar substitute Aspartame.

> <A HREF= " http://www.dorway.com/ " >comprehensive site about Aspartame</A>

>

> *** 2 ***

> In my opinion the Standard American Diet is SAD. We just don't get the

> nutritional value our bodies need from typical SAD food. People routinely

> figure their bodies should be able to " run " on ANYTHING. Using that same

> logic, a person with a luxury car would put soda pop into his the

crankcase

> of his engine instead of oil and assume that the engine should run just

fine

> anyway.

>

> Since it's so hard to get adequate nutritional value from the SAD, I

believe

> that routine supplementation makes sense. It's amazing how many conditions

> can be significantly improved when the body is given the " ingredients " it

> needs to do its job.

>

> With regard to nutritional supplements, there's a family business in my

home

> town that rents out portable toilets. They've told me how routine it is

that

> when they're cleaning them out after a rental, they see INTACT vitamins in

> the waste material, such that the brand name on the vitamin can still be

> read. Talk about money down the toilet!

>

> So with vitamins, what you put in your mouth is not as important as what

gets

> USED by your body.

>

March 13, 2002

Marcie

thanks for all of this. i was dxed bi polar 5 yrs ago and im on meds for it but

still get lostr in the shuffle sometimes. i looked into a fewof the books you

suggested and i will find them to read. The estrogen thing got me.. i had a

hystorectomy 9 yrs ago and last june went off all of the estrogens they gave me

as i was allergic to them. it made me very sick so i know im low if not empty on

estrogen

thanks for the tips i really appreciate it !!

Kath

March 13, 2002

thanks rich for your email. nice to meet you. the cannibla joke was funny

Kath

September 6, 2002

G'dday.

-

" Fahad " <fahad111

Wednesday, September 04, 2002 2:38 AM

[herbal remedies] depression

>Does anyone know any herbs for depression my friend is very deppresed .

Depends on the reason for the depression.

If the depression is circumstantial, no amount of medical or herbal remedies

will lift it until the circumstances in their life have been changed.

If the depression is clinical (that is, due to imbalances or dietary factors

rather than due to negativity in their life), then if it is a dietary

deficiancy, they need to work out what elements they are not getting in

their food and supplementing it. If it is down to brain chemistry or

endochrine balance, again, they need to be assessed to see what is out of

balance before you can decide which herbs are likely to be helpful and which

are likely to fail.

I find in circumstantial cases, Bach Flower Remedies, while not wholly

solving their life-problems, do tend to make it easier for them to manage

symptoms such as fear, anxiety, sadness, deep grief, anger and the like.

..Nisaba Merrieweather

168019764

September 7, 2002

Herbs really don't work on depression. Not even St. Johns Wort, which is the

most widely recommended one.

Best remedy for depression is a good friend.

Seriously, depression is a spiritual problem, and is best handled with

spiritual resources. A good Mullah or pastor who has some knowledge of

nutrition would be the best help. And for me, the most important thing in

combatting depression was to avoid people (even members of my own family, and

even deceased people) who made me feel hopeless.

On Tue, 3 Sep 2002 21:38:36 +0500 Fahad <fahad111 wrote:

> Does anyone know any herbs for depression my

> friend

> is very deppresed .

>

> Thank u,

>

> fahad

>

September 7, 2002

Herbs don't help with depression? That statement is not an absolute truth. What

if we don't happen to have a " good friend " who will HONESTLY listen? What if our

belief system happens to differ from yours? There is no ONE single reason for

depression. St. John's Wort has been shown to treat mild to moderate depression.

Do a web search and you'll see the evidence. Other herbs that can help with very

mild cases are Lemon Balm and Lavender.

September 8, 2002

Have seen too many people use herbs without handling the root causes of

depression. A few months later, they're back in the same old same old,

wondering what happened.

It shouldn't be so socially acceptable for people to run around isolated

without friends. Many media portrayals have made this seem attractive, but

it's not. Those competent lone wolf types you see in action movies really

don't exist.

If your belief system differs from mine, you will suffer the consequences of

yours, and i will suffer the consequences of mine. That's just the way

things go. But there are certain underlying spiritual phenomena that

contribute to depression, such as certain people distributing hopelessness.

These things can transcend religions. There are also good things that

transcend religions, like kindness to neighbors. You're probably in a

position to lift someone's depression right now, and you might even do it today.

At 05:25 PM 9/7/02 -0000, you wrote:

> Herbs don't help with depression? That statement is not an absolute truth.

What if we don't happen to have a " good friend " who will HONESTLY listen?

What if our belief system happens to differ from yours? There is no ONE

single reason for depression. St. John's Wort has been shown to treat mild

to moderate depression. Do a web search and you'll see the evidence. Other

herbs that can help with very mild cases are Lemon Balm and Lavender.

>

-- Michael Riversong **

Professional Harpist, Educator, and Writer **

RivEdu ** Phone: (307)635-0900 FAX (413)691-0399

http://home.earthlink.net/~rivedu -- Educational Site

December 1, 2002

--1 SAMe a.m.

100mg b-6, 100mg.magnesium, 50 to 100mg 5-htp p.m.

Works like a charm and helps joint pain too.

(If magnesium upsets your stomach, bathe in epsom salts to absorb the

mag.)

- In Gettingwell, " Melanie :-D " <dalemd__@h...> wrote:

> Hello,

> I am looking for naturopathic information regarding the treatment

> of depression. In general I do not like to take drugs if it is not

> necessary. Zoloft is being used for treatment, and I am looking for

> something else that may not have the digestive side effects. I have

> such a sensitive stomach, and don't want to feel like I have the

flu

> all the time!! Any suggestions?

> Melanie :-)

December 1, 2002

> I am looking for naturopathic information regarding the treatment

> of depression.

First, determine why you have the depression. Sometimes people get

depressed because they are not being true to themselves. The classic

example is someone who continues working at a job s/he hates because

the pay and benefits are good even though the person is better suited

to another career. Another example is someone who stays in an

abusive or unsatisfying relationship becaues of fear. Or, a person

who refused to speak up or be him/herself. Personally, I don't

believe in using anything for depression due to not being true to

oneself because they cover up the pressure from the inside to make

changes in one's life that would be very healthy and beneficial.

Depression can come from certain viral infections. Mononucleosis is

a good example. What is called for in these cases are not

antidepressants but getting the viral infection under control with

things like vitamins C & A, minerals zinc and magnesiusm, herbs like

echinacea, etc. (BTW, Mg plays some key roles in the body's immune

response.)

Some people tend to get depressed and feel frustrated when they do

not get enough rest. Others are affected by the length of the day -

SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder). In the case of SAD, the treatment

is to increase the amount of light the person gets during winter

months.

Hypothyroidism can result in depression. If there are other signs of

hypothyroidism like slowness of movement and speech and reflexes,

feeling cold a lot and having problems warming up, edema, fatigue,

etc., you may want to discuss this with your doctor.

Some cases of depression are due to the person not getting enough

Omega-3 Essential Fatty Acids.

These are all I can think of right now. Others might think of other

possibilities and list those. You also may want to research St.

Johns Wort. This is one of those herbs that can make one sensitive

to sunlight.

The best search engine I've found for researching topics is Google.

Victoria

December 2, 2002

I really second the SAM-e suggestion, because it has been researched and

found to be as effective as prescription antidepressants without all the

side effects, and it's been invaluable for me, because I couldn't tolerate

antidepressants at all.

I would just add a bunch more suggestions to give you lots of options.

One of the things I'd suggest is that increasing blood circulation to the

brain can improve depression. Gingko Biloba, and exercise are two things

that help increase blood circulation. Also, improving oxygenation to the

brain, so some types of breathing exercises, (such as Andrew Weil's

breathing exercises) and supplements like vinpocetine, which improves

oxygenation of the brain, or supplements that can decrease hypercoagulation

problems such as Turmeric, and bromelaine can increase oxygenation to the

brain.

And not to forget that toxins can contribute to depression. Mercury is one

very common one, and I've known a number of people who eliminated depression

by eliminating mercury amalgam fillings and chelating. But having a leaky

gut or having intestinal disbiosis can increase depression because they also

increase the toxin load of the body.

One other thing that some people find beneficial for depression is the use

of biomeridian based therapies such as EFT or TAT, which can be used " on the

spot " when emotions are difficult to deal with, and can also deal with past

issues. Some types of biomeridian therapies like N.E.T. can be especially

beneficial at treating both depression and physical problems at the same

time.

And of course there is bioneurofeedback therapy which can be used to retrain

brain wave activity and can increase brain activity in depressed areas.

There are light/sound alpha wave stimulation devices that can have an

immediate effect, and electrode computer training devices that are like

EEG's to retrain brain wave activity. There are all kinds of

bioneurofeedback types of devices. And there are also subliminal things and

relaxation/meditation types of things. And magnetic therapy is also a

growing field in treating depression.

Linda Jones

lindaj

-

" Melanie :-D " <dalemd__

Sunday, December 01, 2002 11:39 AM

Depression

> Hello,

> I am looking for naturopathic information regarding the treatment

> of depression. In general I do not like to take drugs if it is not

> necessary. Zoloft is being used for treatment, and I am looking for

> something else that may not have the digestive side effects. I have

> such a sensitive stomach, and don't want to feel like I have the flu

> all the time!! Any suggestions?

> Melanie :-)

December 2, 2002

Odd coincidence, someone just told me about SAMEe last night. Could you

tell what it is? I know it has a clinical name: adeno-something. Thanks!

peace, s

anagrammys [anagramy]

Sunday, December 01, 2002 5:30 PM

Gettingwell

Re: Depression

--1 SAMe a.m.

100mg b-6, 100mg.magnesium, 50 to 100mg 5-htp p.m.

Works like a charm and helps joint pain too.

(If magnesium upsets your stomach, bathe in epsom salts to absorb the

mag.)

- In Gettingwell, " Melanie :-D " <dalemd__@h...> wrote:

> Hello,

> I am looking for naturopathic information regarding the treatment

> of depression. In general I do not like to take drugs if it is not

> necessary. Zoloft is being used for treatment, and I am looking for

> something else that may not have the digestive side effects. I have

> such a sensitive stomach, and don't want to feel like I have the

flu

> all the time!! Any suggestions?

> Melanie :-)

December 2, 2002

On 12/1/02 12:39 PM, " Melanie :-D " <dalemd__ wrote:

> Hello,

> I am looking for naturopathic information regarding the treatment

> of depression. In general I do not like to take drugs if it is not

> necessary. Zoloft is being used for treatment, and I am looking for

> something else that may not have the digestive side effects. I have

> such a sensitive stomach, and don't want to feel like I have the flu

> all the time!! Any suggestions?

> Melanie :-)

>

> Getting well is done one step at a time, day by day, building health

> and well being.

>

> list or archives: Gettingwell

>

> ........ Gettingwell-

> post............. Gettingwell

> digest form...... Gettingwell-digest

> individual emails Gettingwell-normal

> no email......... Gettingwell-nomail

> moderator ....... Gettingwell-owner

> ...... Gettingwell-

>

December 2, 2002

> One of the things I'd suggest is that increasing blood circulation

to the

> brain can improve depression. Gingko Biloba, and exercise are two

things

> that help increase blood circulation. Also, improving oxygenation

to the

> brain, so some types of breathing exercises, (such as Andrew Weil's

> breathing exercises) and supplements like vinpocetine, which

improves

> oxygenation of the brain, or supplements that can decrease

hypercoagulation

> problems such as Turmeric, and bromelaine can increase oxygenation

to the

> brain.

B12 can help in some cases. Many medical conditions - like diabetes,

CFIDS, etc. - can result in higher than normal percentages of

nondiscocytes. These are mishapen, inflexible red blood cells that

have trouble making it through the smallest capillaries, creating

circulation and other problems. The hypothalamus in the brain is

particularly rich in these small capillaries. The hypothalamus plays

some key roles in emotional equilibrium. B12 promotes the formation

of healthy, flexible discocytes. (See the work of L.O. Simpson, MD,

for more details.)

>But having a leaky

> gut or having intestinal disbiosis can increase depression because

they also

> increase the toxin load of the body.

Sometimes this also can result in horrible dreams that go very heavy

on symbolism of decay and corruption - like decaying corpses. A

teaspoon of thyme (available in spice section of supermarket) steeped

for 20 minutes in a cup of hot water can work wonders for this. I

usually add fennel seeds too because they are good for digestion.

BTW, among other things fennel seeds sometimes are used in both

Western and Chinese herbalism for treating allergies. Leaky Gut

Sydrome will result in allergies.

> And of course there is bioneurofeedback therapy which can be used

to retrain

> brain wave activity and can increase brain activity in depressed

areas.

Several years ago I was told that biofeedback is contraindicated in

cases of depression because it can " precipitate a psychosis in

susceptible individuals " . Has this changed?

Thanks,

Victoria

December 2, 2002

Victoria - thank you for this. i have had recurring bad dreams with

themes of rotting etc for my whole life. I also have intestinal problems

- which of course am always trying to address, but never realized they

cd be influencing the dream world

Will try yr protocol. Thx again, scarlett

victoria_dragon [victoria_dragon]

Monday, December 02, 2002 12:14 AM