Are there any natural herbs that are truly effective for depression?

Question

I have suffered from moderate to severe depression for 20 years, and have been on every medication ever created. I hate taking meds because of the side effects.

Are there any really effective herbs, or natural remedies that are helpful?

I've tried St. John's Wort - it worked somewhat.

I've tried a light box - it didn't really make a difference.

Answer 1

weed. ha.

Answer 2

There is at least one book on St John's wort, try looking for it at your library. It has to be used in effective dosages for a certain length of time.
Also Sam-e has shown to be effective also.
Exercise is essential. you don't have to run marathons, just walking around swinging your arms is helpful.
My Earl Mindells Vitamin Bible recommends a full range of the B vitamins, amino acids and calcium. Make sure you get a good multi-vit & mineral suppliment.
Avoid alcohol and some prescritpion meds can cause depression. Check with your doc or pharamacist if you are taking any.

Answer 3

Very interesting question. Even though it would be in complete sincerity with good intentions, I'd still have to rebuke the blessing (d). According to my religion, anything other than Christianity is wrong and going against God. Satan would undoubtedly have his hand in it, so it's not something I would accept. I'm sure I'll get thumbs down for this answer, but I'm being sincere and honest as well. I appreciate the well-thought out question and assume most pagans and whatnot won't be surprised with my answer. :)

Answer 4

I never found any OTC or natural remedies that helped me. If you do find something that you would like to try, please do not go off your medication w/o speaking to you doctor; it could be very dangerous.

I know how you feel. I have not found anything that has completely taken away the depression. It is hard to seek out different treatments when you are depressed. I am sure you have been told the usual things, such as exercise and therapy.

Just keep at it and remember you are not alone.

Answer 5

Probably not. A lot depends of the cause of your depression. Long ago and far away (well not that far away) there was only one anti depression medication. It was thought that depression might be caused by a germ or virus etc. Elavil was the only drug available and it worked for depressions that were not associated with the situation of the patients life. Depression is very complex now days and pharmaceuticals abound that supposedly help with all kinds of depression. Some even work occasionally. Have you and your doctor tried Elavil yet?

Answer 6

Two good helpers:

1. Look up Recovery in your area. A self-help group. It is very helpful to talk to others in the same boat on a first-name only basis.

2. Best remedy for depression is doing something good for someone else. Get into some volunteer work for the forgotten. Visit men and women in nursing homes where they have been dumped and rarely see family. They are so grateful for any visit.

Answer 7

St. Johns Wort is the only one I have heard of. Maybe your depression is situational, which means something in your environment is causing it - that is what happened with me. I felt so depressed while in college, because I hated it. I was tired and anxious all the time. I was diagnosed, but didn't get on meds bc I couldn't afford them. When I finished with school though, my mood was so much better. I just didn't realize that school was causing it.

Answer 8

Serotone 5-HTP is excellent, but you Must first always check/talk with your medical family doctor or psychiatrist before taking this, or
st. john's wort. Also Please do this !
"Read the book, 'The Beginner's Guide to Insight Meditation' by: Arinna Weisman and
Jean Smith" This will Most Definitely improve your depression, anxieties, etc. Teaches mindfulness of breathing, and a couple other techniques to people to improve their self-image, and to build up a person's self-esteem,
teaches relaxation techniques, brings a stable peace of mind, builds up our confidence,
helps one generate patience, kindness, endurance, improves one's memory and concentration, and Increases Our Cognitive Thinking skills, to effectively solve all our challenges we might face in life. "Dr. Jon Kabat-Zinn PhD. has proven that meditation improves the cognitive areas of the brain, helping a person to deal with things, people, and situations clearly, with a sound, intelligent mind, while living in the present moment. Also teaches how we can still have peace & happiness while physically sick.
Also helps a person to deal effectively with worry, anger, stress, depression, anxieties, and many other unhealthy mental/emotional
distresses. Creates within us a very Optimistic attitude toward ourselves, others & life. You already have all you need within you to solve any problem, and face any challenge in life successful, with excellence. The book only
serves as a guide. We are personally responsible for our own happiness and peace of mind. This book has helped me a great deal.
"You are intelligent, so decide what is best for your own happiness and peace of mind!"
Thanks for Listening, and have an excellent wk!
P.S - the book, "Life without Stress" by: Dr.
Arthur Sokoloff is excellent too.
Start with the other book mentioned
above first. Read the answers again.
Your an intelligent, wise person, who
will make the right choice for yourself.
Choice, not meaning which answer to
choose, but meaning choices for your
own better health, happiness, and
Peace of Mind.
FROM: Someone who cares !

Answer 9

You could try Seratone 5-HTP which are natural chemicals produced by our bodies to help regulate appetite, mood, sexual desire, sleep patterns and stress levels.It can be bought at most health stores in capsule form.
There's also Rhodiola Rosea Extract which is a traditional herbal remedy used the world over to help combat fatigue, stress and depression.

Answer 10

Try the blood type diet. There are certain foods that affect people thinking and moods. Also take alot of minerals.

Answer 11

evolvulus alcinoides and hydrocotile asiatica(Latin name) Indian penivart (English name)and withania somnifera(Latin name) winter cherry (English name) and valerian is famous in India(in India high use of herb as medicine is there) this is for knowledge only you also need to visit a herbal doctor/naturopath/alternative medicine doctor better you do not treat yourself