Depression
Natural Remedies

Dealing with Depression Naturally

Flaxseeds

1 User Review
4 star (1) 
  100%


Posted by Teena (Melbourne, Australia) on 05/24/2019 235 posts
4 out of 5 stars

Hello all it is early days but caught up with a friend who suffers depression and anxiety and is on different meds, twice a day. She was strangely severely affected by afternoons. She about 6 weeks ago started my suggestion of the spoonful of linseeds (flaxseeds) soaked overnight in water, consumed in the morning. As it had been awhile I asked her how she was doing on it. Apart from actually enjoying drinking the seeds, she grasped my hands to advise she no longer had the dark cloud over her head in the afternoon, and often didn't take her afternoon antidepressant because she didn't need it. We both had tears in our eyes at this development. Hope this encourages someone who needs it.


Food-Related Depression

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%


Posted by Anon (Anon) on 01/25/2013
5 out of 5 stars

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.


Foods That Help

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%


Posted by Sheilds (Wash) on 07/18/2018
5 out of 5 stars

Foods that help with depression - Broccoli and ginger help me.


General Feedback

Posted by Gloria (Poughkeepsie, Ny) on 01/10/2013

Hi everyone, I was just diagnosed Viibryd for depression, anxiety, and anorexia. Has anyone tried it before and had a good experience? I am a little skeptical and nervous about taking a Western pharmaceutical. I have been seeing a naturopath and want to find out if there are any better, more natural options... but thought I'd see if anyone on here has suggestions. Thanks! Gloria

Replied by Steve
(Las Vegas, Nv Nevada)
01/10/2013

I've had great results with 5HTP for depression. Worked within an hour of taking it. Went from crying at the drop of a hat to smiling like it never happened.

Replied by Pete
(Latin America)
01/11/2013

Please ready the book The Mood Cure by Julia Ross. It talks about the groups of chemicals we need for our well being, how to assess which ones you need, how to supplement and then maintain through dietary changes. I changed my life where everything else failed!

Example: 5htp didn't work for me in the past. It made everything worse and turned me a bit bipolar I felt. It wasn't until reading the book that I realized I wasn't taking it properly (it is important what time of the day you take it). Miracles happened after that!

Good luck!

Replied by Gloria
(Poughkeepsie, NY)
01/12/2013

Got the book... Excited to give it a go! Any other suggestions and/or feedback about that specific medication?

Replied by Gloria
(Poughkeepsie, Ny)
01/14/2013

Actually, got the book and tried 5-HTP and it made me manic!!! I was more anxious and had difficulty falling asleep... Weird... Any other suggestions?

Replied by Steve
(Las Vegas, Nv)
01/14/2013

Sam-E is said to normalize neurotransmitters and worth a try.

Replied by Juliette
(Reston, Va)
01/15/2013

hi! could be that 5htp isnt the amino acid for you. GABA might be calming it works on a different part of the brain than 5htp. Really mellows me out! Can get at WF. Pretty cheap too! If that doesnt work mabye an adaptogen like ashwaganda or tulsi? check it out good luck! <3

Replied by Julie
(Charleston, Sc)
01/15/2013

I expect many people experience side effects from 5-HTP or even Sam-E. I have also had bad reactions to various amino acids that I have tried over the years and have come to the conclusion that magnesium, fresh green juices and plenty of exercise are the best things for my brain chemistry and health. I recommend you start with very small dosages of any supplement that you are trying for depression. Good luck!


GH3

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%


Posted by Lad (Maryland) on 04/09/2006
5 out of 5 stars

GH3 (I used a more complex type "GH7") is a mild, reversible MAO inhibitor. It does lift your mood. Sceletium, or "Kanna" herb is reputed to work faster and better than SJW, and I found it to be very useful too. Also, gotu kola is a good all around herb for depression and anxiety.


Ginger

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%


Posted by Anon (Anon) on 08/09/2020
5 out of 5 stars

A one inch piece of fresh organic raw ginger, chewed and swallowed with water. Effective within minutes. Suicidal thoughts and depression had been happening for a few hours. Took more as needed, 3 or so times over the next few hours. Continued as needed over the next few days.


Gluten Free Diet

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%


Posted by Anonymous (USA)
5 out of 5 stars

Depression can be a side effect of celiac disease, which I have. It is treated with a gluten free diet. If you feel you have had digestive problems that are very confusing, consider getting yourself checked for this. Or search "celiac" on the web for plenty of information.


Grape Jelly

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%


Posted by Isis (Detroit, Illinois) on 08/19/2009
5 out of 5 stars

Me & My freinds notice that when u eat grape jelly, it improves yr mood


Gratitude Practice

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%


Posted by Veronicah S. (Switzerland) on 11/22/2019
5 out of 5 stars

Practice gratitude, self love and self compassion and watch your whole world transform. I was utterly depressed until I learnt the power of gratitude. Gratitude changes the way we view life and ourselves. Difficult situations that were once intolerable and seemingly unchangeable, transform. The moment we feel gratitude, the situation begins to lighten, and then we can see the opportunities to create change. We feel better about ourselves and our ability to positively affect our environment and our world. Depression lifts, conflict turns to harmony, and stress releases to peace. When gratitude becomes a way of life, success, happiness, and health become the norm. Make it a habit of thanking everything along your path. I am thankful for my cat, I am thankful for my perfect health ( even though the reality is different). Be thankful to the people or situations that you don't like. It is one way to cut the cord and free yourself.

Otherwise they remain in your life through negative emotions. Be thankful thankful thankful thankful. Remember, being positive for ten minutes and compaining the rest of the day will not work. You have a job to do, cultivating gratitude until it becomes the default program . You mean I can be healthy by just repeating "I AM HEALTHY"? yes. You mean I can be happy by just repeating "I AM HAPPY"? yes. You mean I can be ...............by just repeating "I AM ............" ? yes.

Well, I did not know that either, now i know. It has worked for me. Earth clinic was my to go site when I was searching to cure depression, thyroid issues, hypoglaecemia etc. Unfortunately I did not find relief from the many good suppliments and herbs. I had to return here and say something as a part of my gratitude. Practicing gratitude to everything and all , being careful about what I was feeding my mind and practicing self compassion when I caught myself thinking or saying negative stuff transformed my life. Reading about the brain neuroprasticity and learning how to reprogram the subconcious mind was my first help. Abraham Hicks book "The law of attraction" transformed my life. Louise hay book "You can heal your life" and many other books are resources that will get you from here to there. You are not helpless, YOU ARE YOUR OWN RESQUE. It has to come through you to you.

Replied by Anon
(Anon)
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.

J.
(Mn)
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.

Replied by Nonnie
(Canada)
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.


Graviola Leaf

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%


Posted by Nathan (Troy, Michigan) on 11/08/2014
5 out of 5 stars

My sister likes to use graviola for various ailments including depression. Graviola leaf infusion of 1 cup 3 times a day is the recommended dosage that she follows. It has helped her a lot, it may help you also.


Green Juice

2 User Reviews
5 star (2) 
  100%


Posted by Lightawake (Nelson, New Zealand) on 12/25/2012
5 out of 5 stars

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.

Replied by Larry
(Fairfax, Va/usa)
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

Replied by Lyle
(Gaborone, Botswana)
01/07/2013
5 out of 5 stars

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.


Herbal Supplements

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%


Posted by Shai (New York , NY) on 09/01/2007
5 out of 5 stars

After the death of loved ones, bereavement, perhaps, is not the same as other forms of depression, but it can be debilitating. I tried a few things that i found lifted my spirit. I took E3 Live, rhodiola and ashwaghanda, holy basil (tulsi). A good brand is Gaia herbs "Adrenal Health" liquid gel caps. But i added more rhodiola as my case was extreme. The e3 live is wonderful, give it a chance to work its magic. Make tea with gymnostemna, rose hips, add some flowers like jasmine, rose, chrysanthemum, osmanthus, add rose water to premium white tea. Throw in some oat straw tips. For sexual increase, maca and shatavari (for women) maca alone for men. This will return your shakti. One can lift any depression with active self healing-this is giving yourself love. No need for drugs. Share your love and beauty without ever looking for thanks, you will come out of any depression this way. peace love and light.


Homeopathy, Nutrition, Yoga, Change

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%


Posted by Noreen (Quincy, MA)
5 out of 5 stars

Homeopathy worked first and best for immediate relief, Nutrition worked second best to heal my body and make it better able to deal with stress (I eat at least 1 salad a day, and live food, hydrating vegetables or food), Yoga was miraculous and an instant success-after years of resistance to first try, I loved it and it has given me so much strength during the tough times- which are very infrequent now!!! Change was throughout my recovery, getting away from negative people, jobs, places, thoughts, things and replacing them with more positive, lively, lush, uplifting, happy alternatives. I focus on the good and only acknowledge the not so good as a learning point.


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.....")

Replied by Lisa
(Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa)
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

Replied by Sue M.
(Worden, Il, Usa)
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.

Replied by Lisa
(Thousand Oaks, Ca, Usa)
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


Iboga Root Bark, Metta Meditation

1 User Review
5 star (1) 
  100%


Posted by IbogaQueen (Philadelphia, PA) on 06/04/2022
5 out of 5 stars

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.



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