Depression?

[Erithan]

Hey all,

Was wondering if anyone knew of any herbs that help out with depression, but that do not interfere with conventional anticonvulsants.

Thanks a bunch,
Erithan :)

[ELM]

I already recommended Udo's Choice oil to shy Hawk for bloating, but the oil does help with depression too because it helps maximise brain function. As far as I know it is safe to use in any situation, providing you don't have an alergy to any of the ingrediants. Other things that may help with depression are certain essential oils, use them in the bath or dab on as a perfume to life the spirits. Rosemary and/or Rose are good, but what ever makes you feel happy when you smell it will work. For Udo's Choice oil it is available in all good health food shops, and the staff there may be able to give you further advice. I suffered from depression for a few years, and have recently recovered. The Udo's oil helped me, but more than that the opportunity to change my situation did the trick.
Hope that helps some, and hope you recover soon.
Blessings.
ELM

[ELM]

Just re-read my post there. I should explain that Udo's Choice oil is an oil that contains all your essentia fatty acids and cleanses the liver. They always say that you should eat fish before an exam, this is because the essential fatty acids in fish increase the efficiency of the brain. Same goes for this oil. There have even been studies into useing essential fatty acids in the diets of offenders, and it has been shown that criminals who have had this in their diet are more easily rehabilitated and less likely to commit crime again. You can take the oil off the spoon, or use it on salad. It should never be used for cooking with though. And it should always be kept in the fridge. A months supply costs, £16, after a month you should see results. Outwardly there will be improvment in your skin hair and nails, inwardly you will feel stronger physically and emotionaly. But as I said it is only part of the cure.

[Earth Walker]

NEW-MOWN HAY BOUQUET
----------------------------------
Woodruff Oil
Tonka Oil
Lavender Oil
Bergamot Oil
Oakmoss Oil

New-mown hay pil is used to "turn over a new leaf,"
to attain a fresh perspective on a difficult problem, and
especially to break negative habits(such as addictions)
and thought patterns.

[Lavender]

Hi Erithan,

Herbs for depression...are you talking about feeling a bit sad, depressed or MAJOR clinically Depressed? For small "d"-depressed, you can try St. John's Wort, Licorice, or Siberian Ginseng just to name a few. There are lots of other herbs too. They each have their pros & cons. Long term use of licorice can cause headaches, water retention, lethargy. St. John's Wort can cause you to be more sensitive to sunlight. But before using any herbs, you should read up on them & perhaps talk to a certified herbalist.

What about using essential oils? Here's a blend of oils that's really nice...
20 drops lavender
15 drops geranium
8 drops lemon
4 drops bergamot
3 drops rosewood
3 drops patchouli
Blend all these in a small glass essential oil bottle. Drop a couple of drops into a diffuser.

- Wildwood

[Fawn]

Another good herb to try and it will not interfer is Kava-Kava but I am not sure if it is availbale in canda my knowledge of there is rather limited. Best to you and good thing to do is practise mediating to controling your breathing for a certain number of times a day at the same time actually will help. Best to you !

[Erithan]

Hey all,

Thank you all for your suggestions, I'm going to look into them, and will probably go see a herbalist at some point. It turns out I have major clinical depression (yay, what fun ;p) and am also epileptic - hence the anticonvulsants. I already knew that St. John's Wort is a bad combination with most anticonvulsants and I wasn't sure what other natural options are out there (I'm pretty fed up with modern western medicine ;).

At least now I know that there are other options out there. :)

Thanks again,

Eri :)

[Fawn]

Since you are on anticons. then ask your nuerologist to prescribe a seizure medication with an antidepressant medication with it---they are out there and do work and Kava-Kava is safe for those taking the same meds you are.

[ELM]

I'd forgotten about Kava-Kava, I used to use that in tincture form. It was actually very helpful, especially in emergency situations, like when you think you're going to burst into tears in front of loads of people. A bit like a rescue remedy in that respect.

[cydira]

I don't know how alcohol would interact with your medication, but here's two things that I've read of. ONe I have tried, the other I haven't tried yet.

Rose Wine

Steep 1 or 2 handfuls of rose petals in a bottle of white wine for 1 moon cycle. Strain and throw away the petals and rebottle the wine. Drink 1 glass per day, when needed.

Lavander Wine

Steep several sprigs of lavander in a bottle of white wine for 1 moon cycle. Strain and throw away the lavander and rebottle the wine. Drink 1 glass per day, when needed.

Store both of these away from light. Rose wine is for mild depression, it is also reuputed to be an aphrodisiac. Lavander wine is for more intense depression. I've heard that you can infuse violet blossoms in wine and get the same effect as the lavander, but I don't know. I do know that the rose wine works well, and it's reputation may possibly be well earned. ;)

Aside from that, something that I found that helps me when I'm mildly depressed is take 2 or 3 teaspoons of honey and stir that into 8 ounces of spring water. Let that stand on a sunny windowsill or in direct sunlight for a day and then drink. It usually helps me. Also, my grandmother has told me that eating dandilion blossoms can help with mild depression. She has an excellent recipie for battered and fried dandailion blossoms. I can ask her for it if you'd like.

[Ellegon]

I use St. John's Wort...and it was even recommended by my doctor. It has turned my outlook to a more positive view. But, I have no problems with sunlight...lol

[Moonwillow]

Hi Erithan,

Please be very, very careful trying herbal remedies with anti con's.

Believe me I understand completely!!!

What type of anticon are you taking right now?

You said you were diagnosed with clinical depression. Just depression, or mania to? I have over 20 years experience and have been on everything that has been manufactured. Most of it is garbage. Don't know if you are aware, but bipolar (people who suffer from depression and mania) are treated with some of the same meds as epilepsy (anticons). I currently take a med called Topiramate (Topamax). Some of the newer meds like this one and one called Lamotragine have zero side effects and also act as a mood stabilizer. I have been able to drop all my anti depressent meds since being on this Topiramate and can't believe the difference in how I feel! It is quite expensive, but figuring the consequence, quite worth it.

The times that you still get depressed, meditation and chakras cleansing are two methods that I have recently turned to as alternatives (since herbal remedies are no-no's for us). I have found them to be very effective, they take time to learn, but you can always turn to your family (if they are understanding) or friends here to help lift your spirits in the interim!!

Erithan, I have seen the bottom, been at the bottom and found my way back up, be strong my friend, there are many caring people there for you...

[Erithan]

Moonwillow,

Thanks for your response :)

I just have depression, not mania. Also, about the topiramate. My neurologist tried that on me first...but it had no effect. The only ones that appear to work on me are Dilantin and/or Valproex (I am currently just on epival, but was on both before). I could try lamotragine - he has mentioned it to me, but Im wary of switching once again (I've already been through 3 or 4 drugs already in an attempt to find one that will work).

As for meditation and chakras - I do do some meditation, but have no experience with the chakras, though I'm interested in finding out more. Do you (or anyone for that matter ;)) have any suggestions of URLs or books which have good info on them?

Once again, thanks a bunch :)

Eri

[Mairwen]

Originally posted by Fawn
Another good herb to try and it will not interfer is Kava-Kava

Take Kava-Kava before retiring ~ regardless if that's daytime, nighttime ~~> whatever your regular sleep-schedule is. I've seen people try to take it and go to work and wonder why they're groggy all day. Duh. Take it and go to bed.

[Mairwen]

Also effective is lavender tea ~ but I'd read up on it to make sure it doesn't interfere with your meds. That's another thing you take just as you're going to bed (I found out the hard way). Steep a teaspoon (no more, no less) in a cup of boiling water for 10-15 minutes, add a tsp of honey to sweeten (if you need it) ~ and drink it at your bedside just before you lie down.

[Ellegon]

Originally posted by Mairwen
Also effective is lavender tea ~ but I'd read up on it to make sure it doesn't interfere with your meds. That's another thing you take just as you're going to bed (I found out the hard way). Steep a teaspoon (no more, no less) in a cup of boiling water for 10-15 minutes, add a tsp of honey to sweeten (if you need it) ~ and drink it at your bedside just before you lie down.

Yes....I agree, lavender tea is good also...I use it also.

Elle )0(

[sherry]

I'm not sure which anticon. you are taking but depression is an adverse reaction in many of them have you contacted your MD yet ? It is just a thought maybe it isn't something you need to add maybe its a change of medication that you need!!

OOPS the nurse in me just slipped out again!!

[Moonwillow]

Hi Erithan,

I understand about trying different meds, but if you can find one that really works well (like I did) its sooo well worth all the BS!? Lamotragine has no side effects either, the only advice I have on that one if you try, is to up your dose VERY slowly. NEVER go up more than 25 mg/week. It might take you 3 months to get your prime dosage, but it is more effective.

ANYWAY,.... try www.enchantedencounters.com for the chakras cleansing and other meditation and breathing exercises. It certainly can't hurt and it's very relaxing!

Good luck!

[Lilu]

I used the following Bach Flower Essences and Homeopathy Minerals to combat my depression.

Bach Flower Rescue Remedy - it's a pre-mixed solution which gives you a really uplifted feeling.

Homeopathy - Kali Phos and Gelsemium

Crystals to carry - Amethyst, Smoky Quartz, Citrine, and Rose Quartz.

Do keep in mind that the Bach Flower Essences are usually preserved in an alcohol of some sort - you only take a drop or two under the tongue at a time, but if you are in any way allergic to alcohol, recovering, sworn off it etc etc then you will want to investigate what it's preserved in.

You can also make crystal essences using the above crystals. Place in a glass of water, let sit for 8 hours in the sunlight, and then drink. I have been making crystal essences for many years, I can actually FEEL the different energies different crystals put in the water, it's fabulous!

Bright Blessings,
Lilu

[Yvonne Belisle]

In light of recent comments in the cramps of doom thread I thought this would come in handy.

[Yvonne Belisle]

And once again we go bump..... Hope this helps.

[Raevyn]

St John's Wort links

http://www.hypericum.com/
http://www.sjwinfo.org/