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.
Sodium Thiosulfate
Posted by G (USA) on 07/14/2007
★★★★★
Ted, i have been taking sodium thiosulfate in the form of an aquarium water conditioner, removes heavy metals and chlorine. Anyway, am I supposed to feel this good after taking it in my water/tea at the rate of about 7 - 10 drops per pint. Calls for 2 drops per gallon to condition the water, I am way over that. Anyway, within 30 minutes I feel great! Almost like an instant ant-depressant. What's your opinion, on the mode of action?
Wiggle the Toe Method
Posted by Hazel (London, England) on 07/04/2007
★★★★★
I had psychotic depression after my childs birth. I didn't sleep for days. A reflexologist told me this. You wiggle one toe, then the next one, then the next one and so on. Over and over. It works brilliantly, try it tonight!
St John's Wort
Posted by Sarah (Ottawa, Canada) on 01/13/2012
I have been taking B100 complex and Omega 3 (both three times a day) to help me being down day-to-day (depression, I guess).
I tried them separately, but only if I take them both works for me..
Tried 5-HTP for weight loss and saw it decreased my appetite considerably, improved my mood but also made me sleepy. So, I only take it once in the evening.
None of these were helping though with my aweful PMS moods. So gave ST JOHN'S WORT a try. Started taking 2 weeks before my expected period and saw improvements almost in a matter of days.
I had no side effects and now use it regularly 1 week before my period and following week to keep the bitch under control (additional to all above vitamins).
I take 2-3 weeks off and then repeat, so far I'm very happy with the results. It doesn't make me happy, just content but that is way better than being angry for no good reason.
Sam-E
Posted by Sharon (Boston, MA) on 02/04/2007
★★★★★
My husband had a habit of waking up at 2:00am in terrible anxiety every night. The rest of the night was toss and turn, toss and turn. I started him on SamE and overnight, the pattern ceased. Now he loves it and takes it every night. No more insomnia, no more anxiety, no more depression. Good stuff!!
Day Light Lamp, Dietary Suggestions
Posted by Toma (Chicago, IL) on 01/23/2007
★★★★★
Day light lamp not only helps to relieve the symptoms of SAD, but it also works great for depression. Make sure the lamp has a filter that blocks UV rays. Also, the supplement Isocort helps to fight every day stress.This diet will help your mood swings and depression a big deal: avoiding diary products, sugar, caffeine, canned foods, red meat, roasted foods, and alcohol. Doing deep breathing exercise 3 times a day helps to fight anxiety, and, also, a good remedy for panic attacks. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day may help to relieve depression symptoms, too.
Black Tea
Posted by Michael (Adelaide, Australia) on 12/17/2006
★★★★★
L Theanine in Black Tea cured my Chronic Anxiety and Minor Depression.
I have suffered the above symptoms for a large part of the past 15 years. Have been prescribed a host of SSRI's and other drugs during this time. For the past few weeks I have been drinking a lot of black tea (6 cups per day) and the results have been amazing. The depression has lifted and i am more relaxed than i have been in years. I drink the tea straight (no sugar or milk) and let it settle well before drinking. Interestingly i used to drink a lot of green tea but did not get as good a response. I'm very encouraged by my experience of black tea and hope it continues to work.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Raquelle (Auckland, NZ) on 05/13/2008
Man this is the ultimate website! thankyou for your story. It always inspires me!
Lemon Juice
Posted by Jamie (Albuquerque, NM) on 10/19/2006
★★★★★
I didn't know lemons treat the blues, but I found out accidentally one day when I was bummed out that I cannot live without lemons.
The Arts
Posted by Phoebe (USA) on 11/28/2005
★★★★★
I have found journalling and painting really helpful in understanding the roots of my depression, which tends to be seasonal and occasional but severe. Making myself sit in the morning and blurting out whatever comes into my head without any censor (it's quite hard - try it!) is brilliant - as long as you do not show it to anybody - the more private you can make it the better it is for having a good old rant at the world without hurting anyone's feelings!! Also taking loads of rough paper and cheap paint and just doing the same with the paint, using colour and shape to express feelings. Learning to allow 'negativity' and 'mistakes' through these processes, is really helpful for moving through depression. Freestyle dancing is also excellent..Read Gabrielle Roth - 'Sweat Your Prayers' for in-depth information on dancing yourself through many states of mind and finding incredible strength. Good Luck! Oh and don't forget the positive thoughts and affirmations!! Phoebe.
Sam-E
Posted by Shelly (Sioux City)
★★★★★
In the fall when the time changes, I often have a very difficult time with anxiety and depression, especially as the holiday season approaches. After being on Effexor for a couple of years, I decided I needed to find a natural solution as I was tired of always feeling 2 steps behind. I experimented with the supplement SAM-e and discovered that it worked wonders fairly quickly. I also realized that some brands are better than others as it is a very unstable molecule. I took the lower dosage 2x a day for about a month. At that point I had to stop taking it for a while because it appeared that my brain chemistry had corrected itself and I no longer needed supplementation. Now I take it as needed, which is about 1 pill every few months. I hope others coming off the anti-anxiety medication will give this supplement a try. It was a wonderful discovery! By the way, doctors in Europe prescribe this remedy more often than prescription meds.
St John's Wort
Posted by Ines (Tel Aviv)
★★★★★
I'm taking Saint John's Wort and it is helping to feel better from mild depression -- being prescribed Paxil, Miro and Prozac -- decided to take first Saint John's Wort and so far so good !!!
Vitamin D
Posted by Sunshine (Everywhere!!!) on 04/07/2025
Vitamin D is is stored in fat tissues. If you fast your body will use fat reserves. So fasting may be good for seasonal affective disorder.
St John's Wort
Posted by Meghan (Los Angeles) on 09/22/2022
I'm so happy for you, Cynthia!
I feel I must caution those currently on antidepressants:
Combining St. John's wort and certain antidepressants can lead to a potentially life-threatening increase in your body's levels of serotonin
Iboga Root Bark, Metta Meditation
Posted by Zeze (London) on 11/18/2024
Hey, how much iboga were you micro dosing per day and were you doing it every day/at certain times / empty stomach etc? I did it in Gabon and brought some back to microdose but found it hard to maintain with full time work, plus wasn't sure of amounts (they didn't recommend how much to take)
Rhodiola
Posted by Mary (San Gabriel, CA) on 10/01/2021
★★★★★
If anyone got the recipe of Oprah Winfrey's tea for depression containing Rhodiola can you please post it here on Earthclinic? I have been searching for it for a long time now. Thank you very much!!
Mary
Palo Santo Essential Oil
Posted by Bart (Athens - Greece) on 11/27/2025
★★★☆☆
Smelling palo santo doesn't heal depression. My ultrasonic aroma diffuser says only use five drops of essential oil per use. That doesn't make much aroma. I then used resins of palo santo on charcoal. Much greater aroma but it just creates a calming atmosphere, it's not a cure.
Gratitude Practice
Posted by J. (Mn) on 02/16/2020
Hi. Very good advice I start and end the day with prayers of thanks. I have cleaned my entire place from top to bottom. Got rid of tons of clutter and I did feel better and less fatigue. When you look at clutter everywhere it's defeating and makes you tired. My problem is keeping up with it and staying on an even keel. I do really good keeping the house in order and then after some days I crash. Too tired to do anything. I don't know if this is a form of chronic fatigue or depression, although I don't think negatively this is not new I've had I would call it poor stamina all my adult life. I have attributed it to having a damaged nervous system from prolonged (like years) emotional trauma in youth. I'll have to do some more research. Thank you everyone for your ideas.
Gratitude Practice
Posted by Nonnie (Canada) on 11/27/2019
Hi Veronicah S. from Switzerland
- I enjoyed reading your post about gratitude / self love / self compassion. It's always good to have a gentle reminder of how much we have to be thankful for - regardless of our circumstances in life. Another great book (there are so many) is "Attitudes of Gratitude" by M.J. Ryan. I read it many years ago and I have to confess that I used to write in a gratitude journal but stopped for no particular reason. Now I'm going to make it part of my daily routine . . .
Thanks again and best wishes.
Brain Zap Recovery Supplements
Posted by Jane (Massachusetts) on 05/24/2019
I have not been able to find anything on Brain Zaps. From what I've read it is related to serotonin levels. People coming off of anti-depressants seem to get them. However my elderly father is now experiencing them and I'm wondering if it's due to aging and depletion of serotonin levels. I've read Omega 3 oils, b-6, b-12 and 5HTP are very effective. Has anyone had luck with these remedies?
Dietary Changes
Posted by Bart (Athens - Greece) on 11/27/2025
'They are in inverse proportion of each other: as Acetylcholine goes up, Serotonin goes down.'
The above is false according to chatgpt.
Low BCAA Protein Diet
Posted by Timh (Ky) on 04/28/2016 2041 posts
L: Have you ever tried supplementing the amino acid Tyrosine?? It's one of my favs for mood & energy.
Test for Hypothyroidism
Posted by April (La, Ca) on 01/06/2016
My temp is 97.1@noon usually. Not normal. Which desiccated hormone therapy did u take? Armour? Maybe I didn't take enough. I had dep fr pms and the pms specialist prescribed that as well as hormones. But still fighting. So it vanished? None was fr life circumstances nor neg thinking? Sounds like purely physical???
Weaning Off Medications
Posted by Stellysue (Oregon) on 08/24/2014
I've been on Sertraline (Zoloft) for over 12 years, with the dosage going up or down (currently at 100mgs.) depending on how crappy I felt. Two weeks ago, after a visit to the Dr, I started taking half doses with no withdrawal symptoms. Is there an average weaning length of time, and if so, how long? I just started on 5-htp today also. My Dr. is an internist and was somewhat vague about this issue.
OTC Natural Lithium
Posted by Mama To Many (Tennessee) on 07/25/2014
Dear Dave,
I, too, am so sorry for your loss.
I and many here at EC so appreciate your love and friendship and hate to see you hurting.
I love John and the Psalms, too.
You are in my prayers.
~Mama to Many~
OTC Natural Lithium
Posted by Om (Hope Bc Canada) on 07/25/2014
Dear Dave, I would like to add myself to those here who have expressed their feelings over your loss. It is a heart ache only time can lessen.
it is one of the experiences here on this planet that has hidden wisdom and it is a journey for all.
Perhaps if your mind sometime can dwell on the fact that in the not to near future, wisdom will dawn to take the pain and sorrow away for good. May your heart be soothed with the knowledge that wisdom will dawn to an understanding of the purpose of life transcending the mind.
Much Love, Om
OTC Natural Lithium
Posted by Kbugg (Kcmo Area) on 07/25/2014
Dear Dave,
I, too, weep for your loss....
Death is not natural, so, no, even though you knew the expected outcome, NOTHING can prepare you for that moment.
Continue to find comfort in the scriptures, my friend.....That alone can ease any shock or depression.
Grieving has its own time-line & is different for all. It can not be analyzed. Just endured and even embraced. The more you fight it, the more difficult, I believe......(Beware anyone who suggests you should 'medicate' your grief, even though herbs / supps / therapies may be needed to help with the side-effects of the grieving---you know, like lack of sleep & such)
So glad you found some comfort here from EC friends.......
OTC Natural Lithium
Posted by Suzanne (Fort Wayne, Indiana) on 07/26/2014
Dave from Fountain Inn SC. Thank you Dave for sharing those sweet last minutes spent with your beloved wife. You have a kind, gentle way about you in your writings and are much appreciated. The deepest hurt, no doubt, is losing the one we have spent a lifetime loving. My heart goes out to you. I thank God that grief comes in spurts as we would not survive otherwise. On losing my father I came across a line from CS Lewis that helped me a bit to understand my brokenness, "No one ever told me that grief felt so like fear" . This was true for me as I had lost direction and hope. God bless you and hold you close.
OTC Natural Lithium
Posted by Rsw (Uniontown, Oh) on 07/26/2014
Dave,
I am so sorry to read your posting about the loss of your wife. How could anyone ever be prepared for that? When you mentioned her eyes, I couldn't help but think of Steve Jobs last words, "Boy, of boy! " and I wondered if that was her reaction to her first glimpse of heaven? I hope you can draw strength from happy memories you have from your many years together, and if you have children, you will see she still is with you in them. All of us in your Earth family are here to support you in any way we can. Trust in God and lean on your friends until one day when the weight of this loss becomes bearable. Take care.
OTC Natural Lithium
Posted by Sp (Wb, Nj) on 07/26/2014
Dear Dave, thank you for sharing so openly. I am truly sorry for your loss. It sucks to be left behind, doesn't it?
OTC Natural Lithium
Posted by Bess (Calgary, Alberta, Canada) on 07/26/2014
Hi Lilac - In your reply to Dave about depression, I read your comment about the book Great Sleep - Reduced Cancer by Hansler. I checked our library (they didn't have it) but I was able to get a Kindle version for less than $1 on Amazon. I haven't read it yet but I did check the customer comments on Amazon. I'm ready to get amber lights and glasses to see if it helps with insomnia. Thanks again Lilac - I love learning something new! Cheers, Bess
OTC Natural Lithium
Posted by Timh (KY) on 07/27/2014 2041 posts
Lilac: Thanks for the wonderful literary references. One line in particular that's always stuck on me is "heart for any fate" by Longfellow. More recently the prog rock Yes's "children of light - don't be afraid".
As for the NDE's, I bought & read one of the first publications on the subject authored by Gallop editors back in the late 70's as these reports kept coming in and validation was mounting for empirical after-life legitimacy. Then another from a Christian publisher in the 90's, and recently after loosing my mother, my kitty family, and what little health I had left, began reading all NDE accounts on the web. Some of mom's last words, as she glimpsed into the heavenly realms, were "It's beautiful - so beautiful".
Not to fall victim of liberal or romantic idealism, there is certainly cause for caution & alarm for people who live lawless and corrupt lives. Move on to all the horror stories of Alien abduction, livestock mutilation, and reptilian overlord mind and planet control. I have always been rather conservative and careful in assessing such nonconventional subjects but a long-standing disability has put me in the cross-hairs of what's really going on. It's where living w/ your back against the wall gets truly educational as suspicious after suspicious events are unambiguously validated.
To conclude, it is most imperative to do one's best at living an honest and sincere life, as there are spiritual beings that will absolutely deceive the blind into yet another slave world existence. I think they call it "energy harvesting" where these (trans-dimensional and thousands yrs old) overlords continue sucking the awareness directly from sentient beings consciousness, leaving the subjects not knowing the difference between what is and what is not. What's the Biblical New Testament record from St John "Little children, let no one deceive you".
I don't like making such long post of extraordinary subject but the importance cannot be overstated.
I particularly loved Andy's NDE account were millions of little lights grew closer and stronger until they were felt as wonderful spiritual beings that proclaimed they had known & loved him from all eternity. Then as the folks back on earth were reviving him from drowning an angel told him he was going back home, but Andy declared this place was his home and he didn't want to go back to earth.
OTC Natural Lithium
Posted by Carly (Usa ) on 07/26/2014
Dave,
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you. She was a lucky woman to have had such a good and thoughtful husband for so many years. Bless you both.
OTC Natural Lithium
Posted by Om (Hope Bc Canada) on 07/27/2014
Hi Timh ---- well said. This is what counts. The Golden Age is not far off and there is enormous effort to deceive souls and keep them focused on media, etc.
These are tests. Practising keeping in the light and doing good works without expectations. That is for this age as well repeating the names of the Lord for protection.
Remember the story of Lot in the bible when they fled the city. She turned back and became petrified. This goes for all the evil effort today. Be in the light and be the light.
Namaste, Om
OTC Natural Lithium
Posted by Kelly (Cambridge, Ma) on 07/27/2014
I am so very sorry for your loss, Dave.
My heart broke for you as I read your post. I am all too familiar with the emotions you are experiencing.
You are in my thoughts and prayers.
5-HTP
Posted by Alla (California) on 01/14/2024
What is worm tablets?
Weaning Off Medications
Posted by Jillery (Rawlly, NC) on 07/28/2014 84 posts
I weaned myself off my meds for BP about 10 years ago. I took lots of stuff and was still moderately depressed and still crashed big time...so why was I taking them? I used truehope and s-l-o-w-l-y went off my meds and took tons of their vitamins. It took me about 5 months to get off all meds. My shrink was very supportive. I did well for about 5 years and then started having blips (depression) here and there. Upping vitamins, vit D, taking aminos and meditation helps. I am going to try acupuncture too.
Weaning Off Medications
Posted by Amanda (USA) on 05/08/2013
I have been on Effexor 75mg er for about 6 months for anxiety and depression. I have had bad side effects and weight gain. How do I get off this poison and what do you recommend to help in this process? All help will be appreciated.
Weaning Off Medications
Posted by Liz (Boston, Massachusetts) on 05/08/2013
The good news is, since you're taking a low dose and haven't been on it all that long, tapering off should be relatively easy for you.
The best advice is to go slow. The slower the better. Since you're taking the extended release version, the only lower dose is the 37.5mg capsules. (The immediate release goes as low as 25mgs and since they're tablets, they can be split into lower doses for a slower taper. The XR cap's don't go lower than 37.5mg.)
It's typically recommended to take the 37.5's for a week to ten days, then take a 37.5mg capsule every other day for a week to ten days, then you go off entirely.
I think you'll do well since your dose is low and you've only taken them for six months. All best!
Weaning Off Medications
Posted by Wishing (You, Well) on 05/09/2013
I googled and read that some people go off Effexor by bridging with Prosac. I believe Prosac has fluoride in it so be aware of that.
Wishing YOU well!
Weaning Off Medications
Posted by Lou (Falmouth, Cornwall, England) on 04/22/2013
Hi, Having read your tips it states that it is useful for you to know the following:
Age: 33
Gender: female
Race/ethnicity: white, british
Blood type: unknown
General health/weight: Health is very good. The only issue is that I have been diagnosed with post traumatic stress syndrome about 10 years ago and depression since then. Have been on Citalopram 40mg for the last two years and am now slowly weaning myself off them (am currently at a dose of 20mg). Weight= 69kg which is slightly over what's considered normal for my height of 5'3".
At the moment I am feeling well but I want to do everthing in my power to make sure I stay well without the need for taking citalopram.
My question for you guys is- Will lithium orotate help me to come off citalopram and if so how much is a safe dose to take and what makes should I be looking at or avoid. I hope you can help.
Thank you! Lou
Medication Side Effects
Posted by Jenifer (San Francisco) on 07/03/2014
Seems to me being suicidal is worse than just being depressed! I had a friend who was on an antidepressant and she did take her life this past year. Sigh...glad you are doing well now.
Medication Side Effects
Posted by Casey (Montebello, Ca) on 07/04/2014
Please, Joy from Battleground, Wash. tell us what is your normal dose. Since double dose may cause heart palpitations, we would like to know the amount. Thank you.
Dietary Changes
Posted by Somya (Hyderabad, India) on 02/15/2013
I have been diagnosed bipolar disorder, am using oxetol 450mg, amixide in the night, flutop 20mg on alternate days. I feel very sad for no reason, feel like crying, sensitivity in head. What diet can cure my low mood?
