The comments below reflect the personal experiences and opinions of readers and do not represent medical advice or the views of this website. The information shared has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, or prevent any disease or health condition. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for medical concerns.
B12
Posted by Connie (Slc, Ut) on 10/19/2011
★★★★★
Hi Seekthetruth ; I'm an example of a person that's had depression long term. I remember it as far back as pre-school. I remember feeling an utter sadness even watching children's programs on television. It was particularly confusing as a child, but it remained throughout my teens and adulthood. It didn't seem to follow any pattern or even a situation, although negative stressors certainly worsened it. I did feel it throughout my body, though, especially in my chest and gut, along with my psyche. I agree that depression needs to be treated with the full gamut of procedures including, mind, body, and spirit.
But, I have found that the most effective treatment for me has been B12 therapy. I know that it doesn't work alone, but it does work! The rest of the B-complex is just as important for treating depression as well, of course, as amino acids and minerals in good proportion. B12 even aids in making certain amino acids available to the body. Now I feel that my gloomy times are more a part of the natural waves rather than the endless downward spirals. Even the medical community understands depression as a symptom of B12 deficiency, but only to a degree, and they assume that it's only true for elder folks. But it occurs in all ages, even infancy, and it does run in families. I see it my family, both sides. I have responded very well with sublingual lozenges of methylcobalamin, an active form of B12. Some people may respond better to injections. Also, with the other B's, some people respond better by varying the amounts of some of them. Some people increase B3, B5, B6, and Folate for depression. I recommend trying a low dose B-complex daily with extra subs. Of B12 for a few months or less, then try small increases of other B's to find a good proportion. I generally recommend between 1000-5000 mcg. Daily. The other B's may be felt more quickly, but B12 may take a while to be felt, so there could be some frustration with the healing process time.
Inositol
Posted by Granny Laura (Waco, Tx Usa) on 08/25/2011
★★★★★
I am elated to report that after taking inositol for about 2 months I do not have the big, black, depression I've had for the last 2 years! I had read about inositol for depression while researching Pyroluria and Histadelia and decided to try it. I ordered the powdered product, and began taking 1/4 teaspoon 4 times a day. After about a week I started going up on the dose until I was taking 1/2 teaspoon 3-4 times a day. That dose works out to 1200 mg 4 times a day. There was very little change at first but gradually I found that if I hadn't taked a dose that the depressive thoughts would start. After about 2 months I noticed that my mood had smoothed out so I waited about a week and cut my dose in half. That has worked just fine so far.
The powder is relatively inexpensive, and easy to take. The label says there is nothing in the powder but inositol. It is very sweet and I found I like it just fine dumped as a powder into my mouth from the measuring spoon. It would be fine to mix into anything that you drink as it has no taste except for being very sweet. I will try to remember to update if I have any changes in dose. I've never had anything for depression that didn't have really bad side effects so saying I'm very pleased would be an understatement.
Magnesium
Posted by Bess (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) on 08/18/2011
Hi Celia - I like your message about being calm while taking... Calm! I, too, use it nightly - although I only take a teaspoon (about 200 mg) so I probably should increase it. I use it to help me with restless legs and it works. I do get rather vivid dreams, though. I'll gradually up my dose and see what happens. Cheers, Bess
Magnesium
Posted by Debbie (Melbourne, Australia ) on 08/18/2011
I read yesterday that the best way to get magnesium into you is to take it transdermally... Through the skin. A great way is to use magnesium oil and rub it on the skin but the best way is to
swin in the ocean.. it is a veritable magnesium bath. The reason racehorses swim in the ocean after a race to relieve their muscles.
So if you live near the ocean go for a swim every day to relieve your depression or aches and pains. Or grab a bucket of sea water and soak your feet!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Seekthetruth (Wisconsin, Usa) on 10/18/2011
I am wondering - for those who have suffered a long time with depression (years and years) - and not just the basic 'blues' from time to time - but true depression, if someone can provide me with some advice on how to best proceed. I have a situation where a friend has a child (young adult under 30) that has been depressed and battling it for 10 years. My friend is not open to alternative remedies, but her child is - to a degree. He has been in and out of 'treatment' for depression (at facilities) a few times over the years and always tries to eat healthy, stopped drinking, etc. And still battles with it - he doesn't want to do drugs, and wants to live more simply, with less chaos in his life, but it seems his parents don't agree with that method - (no meds). He is stressed by this as well but would never say so to them. So what my question or need is - do I tell him about these wonderful remedies and offer my personal advice on his situation to him - and risk his parents friendship - or stay out of it. (I have experience with depression in a relative who committed suicide - we didn't know he was depressed until it was too late. ) I was forbidden to tell this friends son about my relative, by his parents.
If those of you who suffered with this depression for years - would let me know - if someone had the sort of info that is offered here and knew it would help you - would you want them to tell you about it - or stay out of it? I am not suffering from depression so I can't know what people who do feel about those who give them advice or tell them what to do - I don't want to be simply 'heard out' and not have it be of benefit because it was unsolicited or unwanted advice.
Let me know how you would want someone in my situation to proceed if you were the one who I wanted to tell about this. I am desparate to know - I feel like time could be short for him - and I want to help this family so much.
Thanks in advance for any help. I'll check back for posts in response to this. I'd also like to hear follow ups on those who have been taking ACV for depression for long periods of time and how it has been going. God bless!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Debbie (Melbourne, Australia ) on 10/20/2011
Seekthetruth, from reading about Earthing, maybe your friend's child could go outside and walk barefoot on the grass. There is science that goes along with this that it has a lot of healthy effects. Youtube has a lot of info on the benefits for the body.
Also vitamin D is good for getting endorphins and also for health, so sitting outside in the sun is very beneficial.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Olga (Mobile, Al) on 11/13/2024
You might want to have your Thiamine-(Vitamin B1) levels checked, preferably ETKA. There are different forms of Thiamine and they need to be paired with magnesium and potassium. The forms preferred are Benfotiamine, fat soluble, and TTFD, which passes the blood brain barrier and goes to work right away Without needing any cofactors. When I need potassium, I use a sports drink called Bodyarmour which has plenty and other minerals. I use magnesium chloride, a few sprays under tongue. Vit B1 deficiency is a major cause of Many symptoms, from diabetes to heart problems and depression, anxiety, etc. Lots of caffeine drinks deplete thiamine and this includes Energy drinks. The truth is B1 is like a miracle worker and it's called the great Mimicker.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Denny (Clarksville, Tennessee) on 06/25/2011
★☆☆☆☆
Tried apple cider vinegar for depression and did it not help.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Tina (Venice Beach, Cali) on 12/20/2009
Holiday Depression
I have been feeling more & more depressed the past month. I don't usually get depressed, so it's strange even though it IS around the holidays, a time when many get depressed. Anyhow, today I realized that maybe my depression has something to do with the radical increase in white flour and sweets, thanks to the constant supply of pastries, cakes, chocolates, candy canes and m&ms at my office during the entire month of December!!!! I normally don't eat much gluten and sugar products, which is why I am making a connection here.
Thank goodness I am on holiday now and don't have to be around the sugary temptations for a couple of weeks, so I am going to detox (stop eating junk food) and see if my depression disappears. I will let you know if I am successful. I know the holidays can be tough times for many people, but maybe we should also be highlighting the fact that people are eating so much crappy food that they might also be going into candida overload.
Thank you for reading! Happy Ho Ho Ho to all.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Tina (Venice Beach, Cali) on 12/23/2009
★★★★★
Update: after one day off sugar and flour products, my depression totally went away. I am back to normal. WOO HOO!!!! Glad that this was such an easy fix and boy, do I feel like a fool for letting it go on for so long before figuring out the overload sugar connection to depression. Hope this helps someone else to cure the holiday blues!
To Carmen, yes yes "glum" is a great description for what I was feeling!
Dietary Changes, Exercise, Supplements
Posted by Luiz (South America) on 12/19/2009
I totally agree with this post. Well being is tightly associated to our diet.
About three years ago I lived on fast-food and frozen processed food. I was addicted to cocaine, got drunk every day, and had bouts of depression all the time where I simply could not function.
I started to change things little by little, first with education by monitoring sites and forums like this, reading books, trying diets and new "real" foods. My theory is that we were made perfect. We just need to put our physical body in a position to heal and maintain itself: literally give our body a chance.
Today I crave things like brown rice, sauerkraut, chilled açaí bowls with granola, steamed vegetables, etc. When I feel like eating something sweet, I have a can of coke (not very often). I no longer crave coffee, but I do drink cups of green tea tea with molasses and VCO. Yum!
I do not crave or desire any of that crap anymore! I have a frozen lasagne in my freezer and ice cream that must have been there for months and months. I just get this stuff for emergencies or when people visit, and end up not needing them.
I still eat meat, french fries, fast food, but it's just not part of my daily diet because my body no longer see that as "food". It's just something to have when there is nothing more nourishing available, a filler.
I learned the difference between being hungry and "feeling like having something to eat". I can also now tell the impact of foods in my life... my mood completely changes after eating a lot of barbecue for example. Coffee now puts me in a state where I feel a anxious and apprehensive about everything, and sometimes a bit shaky.
I still have my struggles with life as everybody else as well. I drink beer more than I should, but things are changing slowly. I no longer have that urge to change everything overnight. That's just not sustainable in the long run. You have to commit a small positive change, and wait a few weeks to see what the impact it. Once you do this over and over, one day you will come to the realisation that you are a whole new person. And also in love with it!
I haven't been sick in years. I take no medication of any kind. No doctor can scare me into doing anything. I'm not opposed to seeking help if I need it either, but I understand now that a good doctor is one that understands that he is an instrument in healing, nothing more. I can't run from pompous doctors fast enough.
Magnesium
Posted by Serach (Jerusalem) on 05/21/2014
I will try the magnesium I tried liquid mag, no luck yet tastes horrible. My chiro put me on homeopathic lithium, and also a combo of bacopa, for brain fog and a few other herbs. I am unbelievabley moody, rage attacks, deep frustration often cannot stop crying and terrible depression. I was on 300 mg of gabapentin for moods, about 3+ weeks ago went down to 250 with drs ok, and feel nuts. Am also on 100mg trazodone for sleep.
I will not go up again, but wonder why I feel so much worse on such a small dose change. My holistic md friend says they make it so that when you withdraw you feel awful and want to go back on it for relief.
I am alos on high doses of valerian, cal poppy, but sleep is awful.
Any ideas? Serach
Cold Showers
Posted by Connie (Manitowoc, Wisconsin) on 08/02/2009
Have you tried eliminating glutamate/excitotoxins from your diet? MSG, aspartame, etc.? I feel much better for it. That and adding borax, vitamin C, and turmeric. This is a great site. :)
Soy and Egg Protein Powder
Posted by Tonya (Chicago, IL) on 02/09/2009
★★★★★
Depression Remedy: I've been suffering from mental anxiety and depression for 3 years, currently on 2 antidepressants. Two weeks ago I started taking ORGANIC SOY & EGG PROTEIN POWDER for weight loss, 80% of depression is gone. Tried to eat eggs and tofu separately, it didn't work. I read when you're depressed, 60% of your food intake should be proteins. (whey protein made me more depressed)
Chromium
Posted by Ashlee (Dallas, Texas) on 12/07/2008
★★★★★
I am taking Chromium Picolinate for minor depression and it has made me feel so much better i've heard that it is good for weight loss too but i havent seen any difference. Magnesium is also good for constipation, depression and other problems that have a tendency to pop up it pretty much can cure what ales you since most people do not receive enough magnesium in their diets.
Blackstrap Molasses
Posted by Lisa (Jerusalem , Israel) on 08/19/2008
Dhea
Posted by Debbie (South Bend, IN) on 05/22/2008
Brian,
Please don't discount D3 so quickly. If you are deficient it can take months to rebuild your levels.The RDA that the gov. has been recommending is way below what we need. Please, everyone, have your vitamin D levels checked. It's not a vitamin, it's an essential hormone and every single cell in your body has a receptor for it.
Please visit http://www.vitamindcouncil.org for current and improtant information on vitamin d.
Debbie
South Bend, IN
Dhea
Posted by Joylie (Solana Beach, Ca) on 08/18/2011
★★★★★
I like 5-HTP very much. I take one of the smallest dosages, 50 mg., but it has been very helpful.
Couch Exercise
Posted by Gary (Mesa, AZ) on 05/08/2008
★★★★★
Dear Earth Clinic, I may have some good advice on how to drastically cut or eliminate depression/anxiety. An exercise. I lay over the edge of the couch face down with my lower stomach on the arm. Keeping my legs straight on the couch I lean down with my torso and back up straight. This works the back muscles and takes pressure off the spine and nerves. Also, a simple visit to the chiropractor helped tremendously.Thanks, Gary.
EC: We emailed Gary for more details...
Couch Exercise
Posted by Ben (Kansas city, ks) on 08/02/2023
B3 or niacinamide definitely helps with depression
Rhodiola
Posted by Henry (San Francisco, California) on 05/20/2008
Who knows what these acronyms mean? Please speak in plain English. What are UTI's, VCO??
EC: UTI: Urinary Tract Infections VCO: Virgin Coconut Oil
Rhodiola and 5-HTP
Posted by S. B. (Louisville, KY) on 01/18/2008
★★★★★
Just wanted to echo the positive experiences reported here. After a bit of internet research, I kind of guessed at a regimen that might work for me, which is one 250mg rhodiola capsule before breakfast, one before lunch, and then 50mg 5-HTP before bed. In fact I found this site because I Googled "5-HTP" and "rhodiola" to see if there was any danger in taking them both, but I see several of you have also come up with a similar plan. Very assuring, and I have to say I felt a bit of triumph for having arrived at the same conclusion that others have made of my own accord.
Anyway, I've been taking it for a short while and I am still flabbergasted at how effective it is. I really just can't get over it. I could feel the effects after the very first dose of rhodiola. Not only did it improve my mood, it made me feel, well, happy! And it improved my personality. Low seratonin levels were impacting my life in many negative ways but now I am a new person.
Also it seems to have eliminated my morning headaches and neck stiffness, but I can't say whether that is attributed to the rhodiola or the 5-HTP. From what I've read it may likely be the 5-HTP.
However as others have stated, I would take caution in the dosage of rhodiola. I have found that if I take the afternoon dose too close to the morning dose, I do become a bit jittery and restless. Still happy--not nervous--but jittery and restless nonetheless.
Rhodiola is obviously powerful stuff and I'm sure it's not for everyone, but if you are the type of person that it can benefit, then like the others here that have reported positive experiences, I think you'll be astounded as to how effective it can be.
Pink Salmon, Green Veggies, Blueberries
Posted by Rachel (Baldwin, WI) on 12/06/2007
★★★★★
re: euphoria remedies -- I have found that after eating pink salmon, followed by green veggies and then 1/2 cup of blueberries, I get extremely happy, almost giddy. The first time it happened, I didn't realize that it was from what I ate and forgot about it. Then on another day, I ate the same thing and it happened again; and found that it repeatedly works for me. I don't know if it would work for everyone, but for me it is a depression cure!
Magnesium
Posted by Doris (Murfreesboro, TN) on 12/05/2007
★★★★★
My son suffered from anxiety and depression after his divorce. I read an article by George Eby about Magnesium Glycinate for depression. I bought my son some of the magnesium and after a few days he started feeling better and talked about having more energy and concentration. He took 800-1000 mgs. for a few days to build it up in his system, then backed down to 400 mgs. The Magnesium Glycinate really changed his life.
Cold Showers
Posted by Jeffy (Chicago, IL) on 07/26/2008
The 78 percent likelihood of death from cold showers is indeed a reality in our society today. There is a study on Cold Shower Death I read in college, and I am certain I have experienced it!
Cold Showers
Posted by Cayita (Fenwick, Ontario) on 04/27/2010
Lol, Jeffy, you have a great sense of humor
Cold Showers
Posted by Elise (Perth, Australia) on 03/11/2011
Yes, cold showers can be ever so deadly... It actually boosts your immune system im afraid... Unlikely cause of death.. Perhaps try sky diving :/
Sodium Thiosulfate
Posted by Ted (Bangkok, Thailand) 391 posts
The mode of action of sodium thiosulfate is to reduce the free radicals (from heavy metals and toxic chemical accumulation) that can most likely cause depression. Depression in this case is due to toxicity and free radicals. Sodium thiosulfate is unique in the neutralization of chemical toxicity in the liver.
While it has an anti-depressant effect, I also use it to help with my sleep too. Most natural supplements take about 30 minutes to have an effect while aromatherapy effect is more faster.
Sodium thiosulfate has a strong relaxing and calming effects. So in event of depression or even a child with behavioral problems (ADHD, tantrum, etc) it is the detoxifying effect of sodium thiosulfate of toxic things, such as heavy metals, fluoride, and other toxic substances that helped depression and other psychological problems.
There are also other common everyday remedies that can do this also such as a a tiny amount of borax, baking soda, niacinamide B3 300 mg, garlic, and certain aromatherapy such as narcissus oils or lavender where the mode of actions have similar effects as well. One thing I also used as an antidepressant for myself is the amino acid supplements in soybean oil, that seems to work for me as well.
Therefore being depressed is very much due to toxic environment, heavy metals, vitamin deficiency, and for me, amino acid imbalance. It might have been the L-Phenylalanine and L-Tyrosine which are responsible, however, since those are not available locally, I used the amino acid supplements instead. There are also certain amino acids such as 5-HTP, tryptophan, and SAM-e that also have anti-depressants.
With all these natural supplements and prices at a fraction of med's anti depressants, I think therefore it is a lot safer and more effective to treat the cause by dealing with directly with reducing toxicity and resolving deficiencies.
Apple Cider Vinegar and Baking Soda
Posted by Lila (London, England) on 02/18/2007
★★★★★
Hi ... I started taking 2 tablespoons of acv mixed with about a quarter of a teaspoon of bicarbonate of soda mixed in about 8 floz of wa ter(250 mls) for about a week now.I do not suffer from any illnesses so I'm just taking it for general well being. Verdict: I have a lot more energy and feel less tired towards the end of the day, and I have more regular bowel movements, I have increased saliva production(is this something good?). Also I feel that it has improved my mood as I feel much happier and cheerful now.I dont know maybe its all psychological or maybe it's the acv working.
5-HTP
Posted by Karin (Arlington) on 08/29/2005
★★★★★
5HTP has been one great discovery for me and several of my friends. We used to all take Valerian root which worked great but smelled awful. St. Johns wort wasn't bad either, but there was concerns about taking before surgeries. We've been taking 5HTP for over a year now and there is always this significant sense of calm.
Sunshine
Posted by Davidnvegas (Las Vegas, Nv) on 10/23/2009
With all do respect to Anita, do not use sunscreen period! They are full of cancer causing toxins and block Vitamin D production. "Search the web for "cancer and sunscreen use". For prolong sun exposure wear a wide brim hat and a long sleeve shirt and pants.
Sunshine is a great way to get Vitamin D and most Americans are deficient. Vitamin D improves the immune system and with out a strange immune system you will be sick! Studies show that it can reduce your risk of cancer as well. It also improves mental well being. You need only 15-20 minutes of sun exposure a day over at least 50% (the more the better) of your skin if your fair skin, longer exposure if you have a darker skin tone. Search the web for "Vitamin D and Sunshine health benefits".
Best of health
Fish Oil
Posted by Ethan (Nashville, Tennessee) on 11/20/2008
★★★★★
I take fish oil at least twice a week. I have been doing this a year now. Though it has not cured my depression it seems to help. I also take a multi vitamin occasionaly. I was skeptical of a natural cure working after having tried ST Johns Wart because it did not seem to work for me but I gave it a shot and I have been doing fairly well. I still get depressed but not for such long periods of time like I used to.
Meditation and Movement Arts
Posted by Ed (West Milford, New Jersey)
★★★★★
I suffered from hereditary clinical depression and I tried getting rid of it with every way possible naturally. I had thoughts of killing myself and thoughts that I didn't matter and no one cared about me. I personally think the best way to cure depression is to meditate and do yoga/some sort of japanese or chinese martial arts. If you sip tea and stare out at the sunrise as well it puts a lot of things into perspective that the world is larger than yourself but you are still a major piece of it. I personally meditated for about 3 hours a day in complete focus of happiness and forced away bad and depressing thoughts. I also tried a therapist but its more of a temporary relief because in actuality they are just in it for the money. I hope this advise helps
Proper Mental Diet
Posted by Cindy (Illinois, USA) on 02/10/2024
Another substance that I love is LABS - I.e. the lactic acid bacteria cultivated for the serum used in KNF (Korean Natural Farming) - which is also O3! This just keeps getting more and more interesting...
5-HTP
Posted by Brendan (UK) on 10/03/2024
I have just been recommended to this website.
I am currently taking SSRI's (Mirtazipine) for anxiety and depression. They are working only up to a point, maybe 80% effective. I dont want to increase the dose any further and/or become too dependent on them I'm very interested in what has been posted on here about 5-HTP. Can I take 5-HTP alongside my current medication or would I first need to come off the SSRI's?
Iboga Root Bark, Metta Meditation
Posted by IbogaQueen (Philadelphia, PA) on 06/04/2022
★★★★★
I found amazing temporary benefits from low dose iboga root bark for my depression. Low dose ayahuasca was also great.
But taking any substance isn't a long-term solution. A better approach that works instantly and costs nothing is metta (loving kindness) meditation. You imagine sending love to your inner child, then to someone you love, then to someone you like, then to a stranger, then to someone you dislike, then to someone you hate. Or you can do it impersonally and just send love in all directions. Ajahn Brahm has good guided metta meditation vids on youtube.
Gratitude Practice
Posted by Anon (Anon) on 11/26/2019
I am grateful for your suggestion :) Cutting out the negative programming is good, too. No violent tv shows, no toxic relationships, no foul books or pictures. Get rid of drab furnishings, broken things, gifts people gave you that you don't really want, even photos of yourself you dislike; be ruthless, depression is serious business. Keep your house clean, metaphorically and literally. You think you don't want to clean because you are tired, but having a messy house can actually make you feel tired, too. Use nontoxic cleaning products like baking soda, vinegar, or yummy essential oils. Throw out those cheap probably toxic air fresheners, bath bombs, body care products, etc. Stale apartment air needs to be ventilated. This is not a time to be frugal, your life is at stake.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Sheilds (Wash) on 07/18/2018
★★★★★
Foods that help with depression - Broccoli and ginger help me.
St John's Wort
Posted by Tif (Maryland) on 01/15/2018
Natural treatments are cheaper only when comparing with the full price of the prescrption medication. Many people with insurance only pay $3, $5, $10 or possibly a $20 copay. Many supplements can cost $29-$69 or more. Oftentimes the prescriptions end up being far less expensive. Unfortunately, natural treatments aren't affordable to many on a tight budget.
St John's Wort
Posted by Charity (Faithville, Us) on 01/16/2018
I was reading about using it for depression. I think it said it can cause sensitivity to sun exposure like some drugs also cause. Glad it works . Sun bathing works amazing for me for depression but it 's winter so I have to wait for the right season to soak up the vitamin D and whatever else the sun is giving me.
