Natural Remedies for Depression | Holistic Treatments & Supplements

L-Methylfolate

Posted by Tree (Green, Pa) on 03/18/2013
★★★★★

My daughter suffered from severe deppression with signs starting at the age of 3!!! For years helped her work thru the bad episodes until she was ready for therapy then she went on meds around the age of 11 they helped but the need to increase them or change them every 2-6 months was getting very scary! She was on pretty high doses by the time she was 16 we were thinking about trying natural remedies last summer while she was out of school. I started talking to my MD who believes in pharmicalogical and homopathic med and he suggested Methyl folate, which is available by rx only even though it is a vitamin. It is a type of folic acid that crosses the blood brain barrier it then reteaches the brain how to produce the right amounts seretonin neroephneprine ect.... needed.

You start to take it while on your antidepresents then slowly decrease the amounts of the antidepresents until you are off of them then you continue the Methylfolate for 6 months then stop them. WOW, she is a different person! She has not taken anything since the begining of December 2012 she has 1 sometimes 2 bad days a month (around the time of menstruation) but so far is able to work thru those without meds!!! We all have bad days!!! Hers are just more intense.

This is not well known in the med field or the phyc Drs are somehow for some reason not going with natural cures. This is really sad so many people young and old can have a normal state of mind again!!! We were lucky my MD gave us samples for her. Rx policies will not cover vit's it is almost $400 over the counter but the company that makes it has a web site pharm were it is only $48 for a three month supply they have no patient asst program were it is free if you finacialy qualify. You still have to get an Rx from a DR if you have to go to your pcp for it just do it!!! THIS IS THE REAL DEAL!!! It comes in 7.5 and 14mg she took the 14mg. dose once a day. REMEMBER YOU HAVE TO GRADUALY DECRESE YOUR PHYC MEDS!!! YOU ALL KNOW THAT THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT IT CAN BE VERY DANGEROUS TO STOP THEM ALL AT ONCE!!! REPEAT DON'T DO THAT!!! GOD bless and be with you all!!!

St John's Wort

Posted by Oscar (Syracuse, New York) on 03/08/2013

I agree with Heather from San Diego, St. John's wort is a dangerous herb. It is well known to cause serious skin problems for cattle that graze on St. John's wort, and is fatal to cattle that eat too much of it as discussed here at wikipedia:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/St_John's_wort#Livestock_.E2.80.93_forage_poisoning

Vitamin D

Posted by Tim (Cincinnati, Oh) on 03/07/2013

I assume that you mean 1000 I.U. of vitamin D instead of mg. Vitamin D is usually sold in I.U. and 1000mg of vitamin D is equivalant to 40,000,000 I.U.

Vitamin D

Posted by Heather (San Diego, Ca) on 03/07/2013
★★★★★

Yeah. This is a no brainer for depression. If you are depressed, and not getting sunshine (10 minutes a day) get at least 1,000 mg per day of Vitamin D. Double that in the winter. Some people may need more. Generally, if you live in an area known for sunshine (in the States that would be California, Hawaii, Florida, Texas, Arizona, etc.) 1000 mg per day might be enough, unless you live in a house with the windows closed and rarely go outside.

If you live in the north, where there is less sunshine, at least 2,000 mg supplement is needed; doubled in the winter.

This helps enormously with depression, much more successful than any anti depressant prescription medication.

Give it a few weeks to see how you feel.

Don't take it if you are a surfer, outdoorsy type, or don't wear sunblock.

I had good Vitamin D levels per the doctor before supplementing it because I drank milk with Vitamin D. That is not enough, however, to help with depression. San Diego is known for its sunshine, but that didn't help me because I was depressed, rarely left my house, and would apply sunblock to my face and wear a hat in the sun for wrinkle prevention. (The one year I didn't do this, hoping to get more vitamin D, I got lots of new wrinkles on my fair skin.)

Vitamin D is CHEAP, especially at Costco where you can get 250 USP pills for $9.

Walking

Posted by Heather (San Diego, Ca) on 03/07/2013
★★★★★

Yea. Even the shrinks know that walking is a better cure for depression than antidepressants. It's the first thing any shrink will tell you to do.

Trouble is, depressed people often don't feel like walking.

Force yourself to walk, but if the idea really sucks to you, and makes you miserable thinking about it, try to put a (fake if necessary) smile on face and start counting your blessings - finding things to be grateful about, instead of focusing on the fact that you don't want to take a walk.

I try to notice things while walking -- birds, what the road construction crews are working on, what is making a particular noise, children, trees. This gets me out of my head and away from my troubles, and also prevents me from getting too bored while walking.

Walking daily increases health and happiness, and helps a person to sleep better.

St John's Wort

Posted by Heather (San Diego) on 03/07/2013
★☆☆☆☆

Eagerly tried this years ago. No help with depression, caused acne breakouts which were worse than any I'd ever had. There are better supplements - Mag Citrate, SAM-e, taurine, Ted's alkalizing formula. I've never tried Rhodiola but maybe I will some day.

Cold Showers

Posted by Annie (Portland, Or) on 03/06/2013

Yikes! Tell your friend to lighten up on the jokes. A true friend will totally understand.

Dietary Changes

Posted by Ken (London, Uk) on 02/15/2013

Eliminating gluten and sugar might be a good place to start for your depression. I also recommend at least 45 minutes of cardio exercise 3-4 times a week. This will help immensely. Also check your magnesium levels.

B Complex

Posted by Anon (USA) on 02/15/2013
★★★★★

For severe depression, you might need b50 or 100 or at least b3. You could get a hair mineral test and see exactly what you are deficient in.

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?

Water

Posted by Mmsg (Somewhere, Europe) on 02/11/2013

Desmond, you are right, plain water in large amounts do NOT help, at least did not help me for any issue and only made my mouth strangely dry... Then I read to have a lick of salt - I take grey sea salt - with each cup of water. I now drink much less with much better results.

Water

Posted by Desmond (Blawclee, Leinster, Southern Ireland) on 02/10/2013

DEAR SIR OR MADAM: Just as a matter of interest, what happens if I take, say, 2 liters of water every day to dispel my depression? I mean, won't the water just flush out all the vitamins and minerals that my body has inside? I really would welcome a reply for which I thank you.

5-HTP

Posted by Frank (Lebanon, Beirut) on 02/10/2013

Other supplements for anxiety and depression include: omega 3 vitamin D, Magnesium zinc and B12

Also B6 B9 and (Vitamins A, C, E and selenium to help you get rid of the extra toxin load causing your anxiety)

Vitamins are best absorbed through food. for example omega 2 through flax seeds, zinc and b12 through liver of goat, or sheep or chicken or even cow.

vitamin d through sunlight or you can take pill 5000IU a day cuz its very imp
vitamin a: carrot juice apricots
vitamin c brocoli lemon guava kiwi strawberries parsley yellow bell pepper etc
magnesium through magnesium chloride oil rub
vitamin e through almonds, spinach, almond oil, hazelnuts spinach
selenium through brasil nuts, mustard seeds and garlic are the best sources.

These are power foods that can be used instead of supplements if used properly.

Also load up on potassium food to alkalize your body, like avocado, potatoe peels, banana, pumpkin and goji berries which are very rich in potassium and nutrients.

5-HTP

Posted by Amy (Los Angeles, Ca, United States) on 02/10/2013

Thank you very much for your advice! I am wondering: Do you take any other supplements to combat anxiety and depression?

Amy :)

5-HTP

Posted by Amy (Los Angeles, Ca, United States) on 02/10/2013

I had a feeling that weaning with a capsule would entail what you suggest. I just wasn't sure how to begin, so THANK YOU VERY MUCH! I shall proceed with your suggestion. By any chance, do you know how, when, and how much to start adding the supplements, like 5-htp?

Amy :)

5-HTP

Posted by Andrew (Cambridge, England) on 02/09/2013

also mate.. St Johns Wort. Hypericum... Amongst other things, it's earth's natural antidepressant... Raises your serotonin levels as does 5htp. but St Johns Wort is more natural.

5-HTP

Posted by Kelly (Cambridge, Ma) on 02/08/2013

You have to wean very slowly - about 5mg's at a time with your anxiety med and about 10mg's at a time with your SSRI/anti-depressant. It's why dropping from the 60mg to 30 made you feel horrible. It's too quick a drop. The rule of thumb is, the slower the better.

Anxiety med - Instead of 2mg's, take 1.5 mg's/day for a couple of weeks by taking 1 tab as your first dose and a 1/2 tab as your second, or vice versa. After two weeks, go to 1mg - 1/2 tab am and pm for two weeks, then to 1/2mg per day for 2 weeks, etc.

SSRI/Anti-depressant - Since it's in capsule form, you could ask your MD to prescribe them in smaller doses, making it easy for you to wean down 10mgs at a time, or pick yourself up some empty capsules. You'll find them at GNC or the Vitamin Shoppe, etc. You can split your 60mg capsule into smaller doses. It's labor-intensive, but it will get the job done.

Start by opening the capsule and dividing its contents into 6 lines (eyeballing it to approx. 10 mgs in each line). Then, only put 5 of the lines into the empty capsules (25 each) so that you'll be taking a total of 50mg's per day for a couple of weeks.

After a couple of weeks, do the same - divvy up your capsules, except put only 4 of the lines into your empty capsules, then 3, 2, etc. taking each dose for a couple of weeks.

When you get to the point where you have weaned down to the final 10mg of the anti-depressant, make your last final two week dose 5mg/day and you should be good to go.

Hang in there. You'll do fine.

5-HTP

Posted by Neukoln (Edinburgh, Scotland, Uk) on 02/08/2013
★★★★★

I too had very good results with 5HTP. I was initially taking too much and got the anxiety that people mention. But I cut back the dose and it is so much better. I think people need to experiment with the times of the day that is best for them, and the dosage. I open the 100mg capsule and take 50mg in a tiny bit of water 30mins before breakfast - it helps get rid of the morning catatonia. I take 100mg in a tiny bit of water 30mins before dinner - it helps get rid of the comfort eating in the evening. And I take 50mg in a tiny bit of water at bedtime. I think you need to take it on an empty stomach. It seems to work better that way. But 5HTP definitely works for me - it was matter of finding the right dose and time of day to take it.

5-HTP

Posted by Amy (Los Angeles, Ca, United States) on 02/07/2013

Hi All! I take 60 mg of an anti-depressant (1 capsule, twice a day (doesn't really help) and depression. I also take 2 mg of an anti-anxiety (1 tablet, twice a day) for anxiety. I am trying to get off all my Rxs. I have been reading up on 5-HTP and weaning, which I did already know about, but my question is: How do I wean when the anti-depressant comes in capsule form (30 mg/capsule). I feel like there will be no way for me to know how much I am taking if I open the capsule to get to the medication. Also, I have gone from 60 mg to 30 mg, and even that was simply awful! Any help with this weaning situation is most appreciated! Amy

5-HTP

Posted by Steve (Las Vegas, Nv Nevada) on 02/07/2013
★★★★★

When I was going through extreme depression due to adrenal exhaustion I found taking 5HTP pulled me right out of the depression. I knew my serotonin was low and the 5HTP brought me back to normal levels. I started with a dosage of 50mg and gradually increased until I felt I could smile again. I beleive 5HTP is as close as you can get to the actual serotonin produced by your body.

Serotonin Increasing Remedies

Posted by Ed2010 (Oakville, Canada) on 02/06/2013
★★★★★

Milk Kefir abundant in Serotonin. Noni Juice contains Serotonin. Brown Rice contains Tryptophan which is a precursor to Serotonin. Red Miso is rich in Tryptophan, which is readily available in absorbable format.

Wheat Grass Juice contains nice amino acid profile providing serotonin.

Warning: Soy Milk is a Goitrogen and Tryptophan Inhibitor.

Serotonin Increasing Remedies

Posted by Sam (Australia) on 02/06/2013

Lin, how does one then increase serotonin levels if medication does not work?

REM Sleep and Depression

Posted by Lin (Sydney, Australia) on 02/06/2013
★★★★★

Recent research has shown that one of the reasons for depleted serotonin in depressed persons is that serotonin production is halted in the body during REM sleep.

Depressed people are usually in the REM sleep state for a lot of the night (compared to non depressed) and hence wake feeling exhausted mentally and with low levels of serotonin.

Throughout the day activity gradually increases the serotonin levels but of course the cyle begins again each evening.

Placebo trials have also shown that increasing the level of serotoninvia medication does little to affect the nervous anxiety and exhaustion created by over REMING.

So basically the reduced serotonin experienced by depressives is a symptom rather than a cause.

Tyrosine

Posted by Timh (Louisville, Ky) on 02/05/2013 2042 posts
★★★★★

For depression, I get very good results w/ Tyrosine. I like to take 1 grm daily but Tyrosine will raise the blood pressure in folks who have the condition. I am at least able to take 500mg daily now. Add some St John'sWort once daily along w/ the T and I'm a happy man again.

Niacin

Posted by Kimi (San Diego, Ca) on 02/03/2013

The doctor's name is Andrew Saul and the documentary is called "Food Matters". His books are a "must-read" and the documentary is priceless!

Niacin

Posted by Kathy (Las Vegas) on 02/03/2013
★★★★★

I watched a documentary on nutrition and a Dr. said that niacin totally erases depression. Of course you have to stay on it. He sited an example of a woman that was so depressed that she stayed in her room. When she took niacin, as much as she needed to get her acting like herself again, it worked, she became her old self. They told the Dr. and he said to take her off the niacin, they listened and she reverted back to a depressed state. The documentary may have been called "a beautiful world".

Dietary Changes

Posted by Anon (Anon) on 01/25/2013
★★★★★

My depression is food related. Eating bakery that's not gluten free will bring on depression nearly immediately. Also, when I cook or choose what to eat, I pay attention to how I feel because sometimes I pick up something to eat or season the food with and immediately get an intense twinge of depression that goes away when I put the item back.

Green Juice

Posted by Lyle (Gaborone, Botswana) on 01/07/2013
★★★★★

I can attest to the benefits of the 'green' diet or green juices. I too suffered with deep depressions until I diversified my diet by adding or blending lots of greens. I am saving to buy a masticating juicer soon. My depression has gone after a 20yr battle, energy levels are up, lost weight, sleep better, skin clearer and smoother, had no flu for 2 yrs. Life's better and I have more time since I cook less now.

Sam-E

Posted by Rob (Manhattan, Ny) on 12/27/2012

I found a good answer to my own post... From Dr. Ray Sahelian:

"I have personally taken SAM-e just to see what it would do, and it is quite a powerful mood lifter. Perhaps I'm sensitive to nutrients, but I notice the effects on 100 mg, sometimes even less. Almost all the tablets on the market are 200 mg. If you plan to take it under medical guidance, here's a few tips your doctor may not know. It's best taken in the morning before or with breakfast. I notice within one to two hours being more alert and more motivated to do things, and in a better mood. Many of the clinical studies have used several hundred mgs but in the long run this can cause side effects. The most common are overstimulation, insomnia, and headache. You can actually feel anxious and restless if you take too much. If you wish to take a small amount, bite off half or a third of a 200 mg tablet and use the rest the next day. You may need to adjust your dose down over the next few days since it can start building up in the system, or you can take a day or two off. Each person is unique in their response."

Sam-E

Posted by Rob (Manhattan, Ny) on 12/26/2012

Hi Karen..... thanks for your input on SAMe

1. How much do you take?
2. What time do you take it?
3. Do you take it with food or on an empty stomach?

thanks

Green Juice

Posted by Larry (Fairfax, Va/usa) on 12/25/2012

Thanks for your excellent information on "green juice." As far as using slow masticating juicers, can you be more specific as to a specific brand or model; I understand that you probably can only communicate this off-line. (my eMail: LaKrutzel {at} yahoo[dot] com). The type juicers that you recommend, do they separate the pulp from the juice or do they totally liquefy the entire vegetable like the Vitamix blender? Also, can incorporation of ice, allow for the use of higher speed blenders, so as not to destroy the enzymes? Thanks, Larry

Green Juice

Posted by Lightawake (Nelson, New Zealand) on 12/25/2012
★★★★★

hi, I havent seen this fantastic and powerful natural 'medicine' posted here yet so I thought I would post my experience with it. It has been described by one person I read about, as something akin to getting a blood transfusion and I can attest to its gentle, but immediately noticable effects for depression. I have been taking it every day for about a year now. I find when I take it, I feel both energised and relaxed at the same time (eases my anxiety, and helps me keep calm), and it clears away the 'hopelessness fog' that can take over my mind. Apparently it also alkalises the body and boosts it with all kinds of goodness. there are all kinds of green juice around, many that mix fruits in, but my partner introduced me to the zero-sugar green juice which is what is recommended by dr brian clement, who researches and uses raw food diets to help cure people of many diseases.

I find a total raw food, sugarless diet such as the one he recommends quite hard to follow for any length of time (basically no processed foods, sugars -including fruits or sweet vegetables; centred on salads, fermented foods and dehydrated foods, and some supplements), but that the green juice was something that helped me noticably, and which I could take every day.

most mornings my partner makes me a glassful of green juice made of a base of celery or cucumber, then a combination of dark greens such as kale, spinach, then microgreens, cabbage, broccoli, wheatgrass, coriander, parsley, mint - whatever organic veggies we have. he puts it in a slow masticating juicer, and I drink it within about 15 minutes of it coming out.

-organic is important, as the juicer extracts all the good vitamins and things in the veggies - one glass of green juice is like eating a whole giant bowl of salad;

-drinking it within about 15 mintues is also apparently important as the vitality starts fading after too long - it needs to be made fresh each time;

-making it in a slow masticating juicer, and not a blender or a centrafugal juicer is apparently important in order to keep the enzymes alive - apparently the enzymes are hugely important as we dont produce them ourselves, and our modern diet doesnt give us too many. I actually think that this has been quite key in helping me where other supplements and herbs have not. creating the juice at a low temperature (below 20-something degrees) makes sure that the precious enzymes in the veggies remain alive to do all sorts of good work in our bodies;

-finally, there are many juice recipes out there which would include sweet veggies or even fruit such as beetroot, banana, carrot or apple - but apparently, for the body to heal, any amount of sugar inhibits the body, and so all fruits and sweeter veggies should be avoided in the juice.

when I first started taking this juice, my energy levels were so low that I could only go for a walk for about 10 minutes before I would flop down exhausted. Every day I drank it I noticed that I felt better, and I noticed that after about a month, I was managing to walk for 2-3 hours and I was fine! My partner is healthy, but he swears by it to keep him balanced and healthy too. Obviously, it`s quite 'green' tasting, but we found it tastes a bit better with a squeeze of lemon, or a couple of mint leaves added. The strength and taste also depends on what we put in it, and how much - eg. we adjust how much leafy greens and wheatgrass we put into the juice to make it stronger or weaker.

one warning: green juice is quite strong, and a powerful detoxer - I found that if I had alcohol or fast food the night before, then had green juice the next morning, sometime during the day I would find myself going to the toilet several times!

personally I see green juice as a great all-round balancer, enegiser, and health booster. Not as concentrated as wheatgrass juice, a lot easier on the system, but very medicinal. Feels very much like drinking a potent herbal formula. our fridge is always full of teatowel-lined plastic bags, filled with lots of veggies to last us the week, for green juices and salads.

I take green juice along with some supplements, and trying to maintain a diet as free of processed foods and sugars as I can, and am finding definite noticable progress, and recommend it to anyone dealing with depression, or anything where their body would benefit from some extra health.

Sam-E

Posted by Karen (Ephrata, Wa - Washington) on 12/24/2012
★★★★★

Just a word on Sam-e, it is amazing stuff. It has helped me more than any other supplement. I would like to share some information about it though. It should never be taken with any other substance that effects seratonin, such as rhodiola, 5-htp or even dextromethorphan wich is in Robotussin D.M. and many over the counter medications. And of course Prozac and other prescription medications. For me Sam-e has worked far better than anything else.

Hormone Related

Posted by Lisa (Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa) on 10/30/2012

Hi Sue, Sorry to hear of your loss. It's nice she went peacefully. Were you able to be with her? Sounds like you handled it with grace. I hope the herbs helped you as well. I'm so happy to hear that you have continued to read about the herbs on the site. It's a very informative site. I use it often as a reference in spite of the fact that I have the book! It's just so convenient and well- written. I too, have added the Goji and Schizandra on recommendation from one of the consultants when I went in to their tonic bar. He told me it would build my jing and according to my pulses, I needed that.

I also went in to my acupuncture last week as I hadn't been for quite awhile. He worked on me for my stomach and also my low back has really been bothering me. It's been very stiff and making it difficult to move. He said there was a lot of stagnation and did cupping on me. Within 5 minutes I could feel it calm down and literally feel the inflammation going down! It hasn't bothered me since.

I wanted to ask you if you meant Dr. Daniel Amen because I wanted to tell you I got to hear him speak at the Longevity Now conference which I attended in the spring. He's quite dynamic and funny. I too have read his books and have learned so much from them. He has a lot of fascinating information and is doing ground-breaking work. Have you heard him speak at all? I have received audio iterviews of him in the past so if I receive more, I'll be sure to post so you can hear him too.

Anyway, blessings to you and may peace prevail. It is always wonderful to hear from you. Lisa

Hormone Related

Posted by Sue M. (Worden, Il, Usa) on 10/30/2012

Thank you Lisa.... Yes, I meant to type Dr. Daniel Amen, but typed Ahem instead. ") I realized my error when I was watching TV last night. And thank you for your words of encouragement. I really appreciate it.

As of now, my reading has been only on Dragon Herbs website. I plan to order his book very soon. I decided to switch up what I'm ordering from them after doing my reading. The senior consultant can only go by what I tell her I'm looking for and then make a recommendation. I decided to go by what I thought I needed. I'm going to continue with the Rehmannia Six Combo, but also the Goji & Schizandra. The Duanwood Reishi helped tremendously with my stress level, but don't think I'll be re-ordering. I'll continue with the 8 Immortals and determine when I'm almost out if I want to continue using.

I wanted to add this footnote: My psychiatrist had me on so many anti-depressants (and combos of said drugs) and when they weren't working, she starting mixing it up with meds for bi-polar, schizophrenia and manic depressive. I felt like I was literally in a black hole and just wanted help out. I was very fortunate to recover, but I know there are so many people who aren't that fortunate. My heart aches for you. Don't give up, tho. Just ask for guidance.... I prayed everyday.... When I switched off listening to the Dr.'s and really listened to my husband and inner voice, I knew it would be okay.

Lisa...Mom passed away last Friday afternoon. Very peacefully. Thank you for all your help.

Hormone Related

Posted by Lisa (Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa) on 10/29/2012

Hi Sue, I just wanted to say congratulations to you for being brave enough to take a stand for yourself in spite of how your psychiatrist reacted! And how wonderful you have a husband who has been there for you throughout all your experience. I too am fortunate to have a husband who has steadfastly been there for me through all of my disability and then recovery. Thanks for sharing your story with everyone, for it gives strength to all when someone is able to forge a path on their own and find answers which are perhaps, not of the mainstream information. I always feel fortunate to have found Earth Clinic as I have learned so much info here to maintain/ restore my health. And funny, it was 7 years ago for me too when I took my spiral and can look back on that path and see all I've learned through that experience mentally, physically, spiritually, emotionally. So, in the end, we grow and expand... and come out on the other end more able to reach back a hand to help others up.

I hope the Chinese herbs are still working well for you. I know mine are. Did you ever have a look at the Chinese Herbs book I recommended? Also, you refer to Daniel Ahem, did you mean Dr. Daniel Amen? Anyway, once again congratulations for overcoming your own terror and stepping forward to achieve your health again! Best to you always, Lisa

Hormone Related

Posted by Sue M. (Worden, Il, Usa) on 10/29/2012

When I started my downward spiral with depression, I never made the association of possibly being hormone related. After 5 yrs. of psychiatrists putting me on almost every drug combo to see if it would help, the next suggestion was ECT treatments.... I had 9. That may work for some people, but all it did for me was take away my memory recall.

My husband was the one who got me to go back and figure out where my depression started. I figured out it was hormone related. I called my GP... Got back on plant based hormone and within 2 weeks began to see the "fog" lifting. When I told my psychiatrist that I wanted her help to slowly get off the meds and get a regime of eating healthy, exercise and concentrated therapy, she became furious and refused to help me. She said that I would end up back in the hospital within 2 months and be worse off than I originally was. Well.... that has been 7 years ago and I feel great.

So.... I would suggest bloodwork, diet, exercise, and research, research. Everyone of us is different in what works for our bodies. Postings here on EC was lifesaving for me. Daniel Ahem's books are invaluable for educationing yourself about what you need to do when you start noticing a problem. Dr. Mercola just had an article on him a couple of days ago on his website. Please read his research.

I slowly weened myself off my meds. I would have loved to have had the support of my psychiatrist. All the drugs were taking away my life and I knew I had to take my health back into my own hands and not rely on someone else telling me they knew what was "best" for me. It was terrifying for me to take that step, but I'm so glad I did. I really hope this helps someone. I believe we're all guardian angels here on this site.....")

5-HTP

Posted by Wayout (Motown, Ca/ Usa) on 10/24/2012

Hi She! One of the major uses of ascorbic acid is its use as a detoxifying agent. It even is used on poisonous snakebite! It nullifies toxic effects, while enhancing drug effectiveness, so less is often needed - and doctor should be consulted first to be really safe about lowering dose, or titrating off. That said, all too often they just want to put one on $omething el$e... at least that's how mine was, though I was dying right in front of him.

Be prepared for a lot of toxic withdrawl symptoms if you do it without some good detoxifying agent. It was a nightmare the way I did it, a decade ago, and it doesn't have to be that way at all. --T.

5-HTP

Posted by Juliette (Reston, Va) on 10/23/2012

Check out the book The Mood Cure by Julia Ross. Really lays out a plan for you, helps you identify what your mood type is. Very simple and easy to read. Has chapter on getting off anti depressants! Lots of information on 5htp and other amino acids... can get it used off amazon for pretty cheap. Good luck!

(fyi when I took 5htp I took it twice a day once in afternoon once at night really worked for me)

5-HTP

Posted by Andreea (Grimsby, On< Canada) on 10/23/2012

Hi, I was on effexor for about a year and decided I would stop, since it made me feel like a zombie. I did it alone, with no medical support. I started by lowering the dose. Half a dose one day, full dose tomorrow, half a dose next day and so on for about a week, then one more day added with the lower dose, on so on until I got to the minimum dose every day of the week. Then I would take it one day on, one day off and so on. The first few days with no medication were hard, I had headaches and I was a bit confused and couldn't focus, but I was determined. So, slowly, one day at a time, I stopped taking it altogether. I hope this helps.

5-HTP

Posted by She (Richmond, Virginia, United States) on 10/23/2012

I'm on Effexor for depression and anxiety. I would love to stop taking it and try something more natural. But I know from previous experience that if I forget to take it within 6 hours I start having withdrawal symptoms. The withdrawal symptoms are like having a really bad bout of the flu. Can't get out of bed, have really vivid dreams, etc. What is 5 -HTP and how could I start taking that and get rid of the Effexor? Thanks for any advise!

Rhodiola

Posted by Ulrike (Boston, Ma Usa) on 07/24/2012

Thanks to everyone who posted about rhodiola. Does anyone know where to buy the root (chopped is fine, but not powdered) grown in Russia, not in China, and preferably organic, or ethically wildcrafated? I prefer making teas and tinctures of the root rather than taking powdered capsules or pills. This is because I like to connect with the plant itself, so the closer to its original form, the better. (This is a beautiful plant judging from online photos. ) My web search has only shown grown in China or pill/capsule form. Also, many thanks for this wonderful website. Have found so much help here and have recommended it to others!