What are some home/herbal remedies for major depression?

Question

i've been diagnosed as having major depression, and the drs. were unsure if I am bipolar. i have tried several medications and have had awful side effects,from hallucinations to becoming a complete insomniac. i therefore do not wish to try any more medications. i am severely depressed, for an extensive period(around 8 months) and have put on a substantial amount of weight, socially isolated myself for the most part and generally just don't care. i am looking for any home or herbal remedies. thank you.

Answer 1

There is some evidence to suggest that Bipolar individuals do not assimilate the B vitamins properly so some doctors recommend injectable mega doses of B complex for them. This is a anti-stress vitamin complex anyway.

Also, highly recommended is a combination of Fish oil caps and Evening Primrose oil. St. John's Wort is a mild anti-depressant but should not be taken in conjunction with other anti-depressants as this could overdose your seritonin levels.

Aerobic exercise is also proven to release good chemicals in the brain.

If you are Bipolar, it is important for you and/or loved ones to keep track of your phases so that you can discontinue any anti-depressants when you shift to normal phase. If you don't they can possibly trigger a major manic episode. This is dangerous.

Answer 2

Arctic root comes highly recommended (health food stores or online) & St.John's Wort is popular, but can affect other medications: always tell your health care providers what supplements & herbal remedies you are taking. Also take a vitamin B complex, and 4 fish oil supplements, daily. See http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris on page 2: depression. Exercise, relaxation methods, affirmations, positive thinking, etc., are all part of a multi-pronged approach: persist!

Answer 3

Calms Forte by Hyland or Bach Flower Remedies' Rescue Remedy both have helped me with stress, especially negative feelings following the death of someone close. Both can be found at any health food store. Hang in there and best of luck to you...

Answer 4

Make no mistake about it. There are no "herbal
remedies" for depression. (I suffered from it my-
self, for a total of two years.)
Depression is a very serious medical condition;
it can be helped, and even cured, by a number
of medications which your doctor would know of.
But if your doctor diagnosed you with depression
and then even just suggested, (e.g.), St. John's Wort...
then you'd better get yourself a second opinion.
And you might also ask your doctor if he happens
to like ducks: because he'd be what's known as a
"quack"!

Answer 5

5-HTP, SaMe, St. John's Wort

Also there are other things that you can do to help. I have a book on dealing with depession naturally and it speaks of aroma therapy, hot and cold therapy, massage therapy, and things like that. Maybe you could find such a book and that would be helpful to you as well.

Answer 6

Start drinking this formula: In a blender 1 cup of spinch leaves,1 cup green cabbage, 1/2 cup parsley tops, 3 cups carrot and apple juice,2 cups spring water. Blend all ingredients , drink 6 ozs in the morning and evening.

Answer 7

Get Exercise, eat right and try to take the medications. Sometimes it takes time for them to work out how much you need to take. Herbs are not going to help you. You need much more in the way of therapy and drugs.

Answer 8

st johns wort, and sam-E have good results i have heard . calms forte can help with anxiety.
excersize and relaxation are VERY helpful.excersize will release endorphins and you will really feel a difference. try walking 2 miles a day for 2 weeks...keep a journal about how you are feeling...and then review if you feel it has helped.i am nearly certain it will :)
all the best!

Answer 9

There is a good Bach Flower Essences remedy for general depression and anxiety which I have found very useful.
Take Rescue Remedy mother tincture.
2 drops on your tongue twice daily for one month.

Hope it will help you.