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.
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.
Cold Showers
Posted by Learning (Northern, In) on 08/22/2011
I'm pretty sure she meant that if your temperature is 78 then you are dead...
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!
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
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Joylie (Solana Beach, Ca) on 08/18/2011
I really like 5-HTP, too. I take 50 mg. Every night before I go to bed. It has made a positive difference for me. I am really pleased.
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.
Magnesium
Posted by Celia (Seattle, Wa) on 08/18/2011
★★★★★
I would like to share my wonderful discovery of the power of simple magnesium to alleviate depression. I had been taking a powdered form of magnesium every night before bed, which made me feel Calm and relaxed. Then I stopped taking it. I began to suffer a lot of mood problems when stopping it, and when I resumed the powdered magnesium citrate, I couldn't believe how much better I felt the next day.
I also use a combination herbal therapy for Mood Support, which works well. And every day I take vitamin D at 4000 mg, fish oil, and something called lithium orotate, a safe, commonly found supplement for brain and mood health. (Don't let the word lithium scare you. Unlike the drug lithium, lithium orotate is safe to take and you don't need to have your blood tested. Please look up lithium orotate online for more info.)
But to me, the most important missing link in the puzzle was magnesium. You can buy it at the drugstore, but I do suggest taking at least 700 mg a day to begin to see results. I stagger the dose, taking 200 mg magnesium citrate tablets twice a day at work, and then taking the wonderful fizzy magnesium drink at night as a hot tea, which makes me feel very sleepy and Calm.
5-HTP
Posted by Steve (Las Vegas, Nevada, United States) on 08/16/2011
★★★★★
Yes, 5HTP was a lifesaver for me. I had depression so bad that I would cry at the drop of a hat for no apparent reason. I took one 200mg NOW brand cap, opened it up and placed the powder under my tongue. I figured it would be absorbed faster this way. I was right. Within an hour I was back to myself, cracking jokes with my wife and feeling normal again. If you are low on seratonin this supplement is the ticket. I take a 5HTP whenever my body tells me too which is occasionally. I don't think it's good to be on this supplement forever as it is said to deplete dopamine levels, another important neurotransmitter. The big question is how do you know if you are low in seratonin? These are some of the telltale signs of low seratonin:
Anxiety - This can be anything from mild panic to extreme impairment and distress in a high-stress situation.
Fatigue - If you catch yourself being tired all the time regardless of the amount of sleep you get, consider caffeine a major food group and habitually experience mental fogginess, there may be something other than just being too tired.
Depression - Let's face it, everyone has times when they're just down and melancholy, it's part of life; however, if you have "the blues" consistently for extended periods of time you may be experiencing a depressed mood that may require additional intervention.
Impaired cognitive function - Can't remember where you put the car keys and have to think hard about simple math? Cognitive function is directly impacted by serotonin levels and a severe deficiency may result in mental fogginess, minor memory loss and slowed problem-solving abilities.
Low self-esteem - Habitually feeling disgusted by yourself or feeling worthless are not normal things. At times, everyone is bound to believe negative things about themselves. If this severely low self-esteem keeps up for weeks or months, other issues may be the cause.
Loss of pleasure - A marked loss of interest in hobbies previously enjoyed or a sudden lack of even a sense of satisfaction at a job well done are also symptoms of a serotonin deficiency. When the noted lack of pleasure gotten out of activities becomes nearly non-existent, it may be something beyond mere boredom.
Insomnia - Though everyone has the occasional difficulties sleeping at night due to stress or anxiety, insomnia or hyposomnia can be seriously detrimental to health if you're repeatedly not able to sleep until very late hours and only manage to get a few hours of sleep each night or have sleep that is consistently interrupted by waking and being unable to go back to sleep quickly. On the same token hypersomnia, or too much sleep, may also be a symptom of serotonin deficiency.
Poor impulse control - This may often manifest itself in obsessive-compulsive behaviors, manic spending or in addictions such as drugs or alcohol. Many severe addictions are caused or exacerbated by low levels of serotonin.
Peace, Steve
5-HTP
Posted by Joylie (Solana Beach, Ca) on 08/15/2011
★★★★★
I love 5-HTP. It has helped me while I've gone through some pretty tough times. I just take 50 mg. Every night. But even at that lowest dose, it has made a big difference for me. :-)
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Steve (Las Vegas, Nevada) on 07/09/2011
I have had some severe bouts of depression, crying for several days at the drop of a hat for no apparent reason. One day it hit me for some reason that my seratononin levels must be off for me to be feeling this way. I had heard that many people have had good experiences with 5HTP so I bought some and emptied the cap under my tongue thinking it might absorb a little faster. I could feel a subtle change happening almost immediately. Haven't had any depression since that point. I take it once every few days if I feel a little off. My brother has also been suffering for several years with depression and he tried it the same way 50mg under the tongue. He began feeling better the same day and reported feeling brighter. Like the fog had lifted, and he sounds much happier. I believe if your seratonin levels are low then 5HTP will definitely help you feel better.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Mary (Los Angeles, California) on 07/09/2011 50 posts
I have heard so many helpful hints to help you heal. I use to listen to Louise Hay a very well known woman who helped to heal many people. Ms Hay had been abused by her father as a small child. I didn't pay for her tapes as I found them in the library and made copies for myself.
I listened to her tapes every night for 9 years and they helped alot. Another woman who became a doctor after being Agoraphobic for years has a hospital but sorry to say she charges too much for her programs and that's a terrible shame after knowing how bad these panic attacks and depression feel and most people I know who have it bad can not work. She geta a big lump of coal from me!!
I did a lot of research to help myself. GABA is a very important supplement to take because it relaxes your mind enough to let you sleep and find therapy to help you get through it. Magnesium for me is 700 mg daily but check for your size and weight this helps to keep your muscles loose and not tight. Exercise for depression is very important. Don't eat too many foods that contain MSG this spice can actually bring on anxiety attacks. If you can go and swim in the beach the salt water takes away many negative energies and relaxes you. If you cannot, take epsom salt baths. Laughter is very good for your overall health. I have bought movies that make me laugh or I look up jokes and keep them in a folder. When I am down I go for these things to cheer me up. God bless you all and may you heal and have very wonderful lives. Please don't forget to "pay it forward" and help others who are in a difficult place in their lives.
Blessings to all, Mary
5-HTP
Posted by Linda (Atlanta, Ga) on 07/01/2011
★★★★★
5HTP helps me very well when I have the Blues. I take only 50mg in the morning. It works very subtle. I notice when I do not take it. I also take PS (Phosphatidylserine). It helps me get up and do my work and it helps me with procrastination. I found with 5HTP that it works better in low dosages. When people take too much they experience anxiety.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Jason (Peoria, Az United States) on 06/30/2011
★★★★★
Wow, I'm totally shocked how well this works. I have been dealing with depression for 18 years and have tried medications, supplements, everything except for this. Last Sunday I was feeling down in the dumps and I thought I would just go for it and drank a whole shot down. Within 15 minutes, I was full of energy and ready to do things. I would exercise caution and reccomend only doing a tablespoon and chase it down with water and don't drink too much apple cider vinegar on an empty stomach your first time. The shot I drank got me out of the dumps but it was way too much and too strong, I couldn't fall asleep and felt a little hyper on the edge. I was extremely productive with my work over the next couple days, so I decided I wait wait till I felt depressed again and only do a little bit before trying the ACV again.
Well now it is 4 days later and I was feeling pretty hopeless, depressed, and no motivation to do anything. I took a tablespoon of ACV and drank a bottle of water right afterwords. This is truely magical, I can't believe how good I feel, this is not placebo. I'm going to go to the gym and get some work done, and work on some music, something I did not feel like doing all day until I had the 2nd dose of ACV. I reccomend this with all my heart. Who would have known? Be sure to get the raw, unfiltered kind with mother!
Apple Cider Vinegar
Posted by Denny (Clarksville, Tennessee) on 06/25/2011
★☆☆☆☆
Tried apple cider vinegar for depression and did it not help.
Cold Showers
Posted by Memphismiss (Memphis, Tn, United States) on 06/04/2011
★★★★★
I think the cold shower has helped with my depression. Before I took the shower I had that feeling of poor concentration and tiredness and a bit of confusion. After the shower I feel better and can think better and im more energized. Before I took the shower I took an Omega 3 pill and bit it and squeezed the oil into my mouth. I also ate a banana and drank some lemon water to wash it all down. While in the shower I did let the water cover my entire head and body and I couldn't help but to began really deep breathing because of the shock of the cold water(I think the deep breathing helped).
I have been dealing with depression on and off for about 7 years. I think it is very possible that I was depressed as a child too. It became a part of my personality, I was always negative. I would always expect the worse. I have been working to be more positive and it has helped the depression some. Recently I have been under a lot of stress and as you may know stress can bring on depression. So I am trying to avoid a major depressive episode at all costs as they are very scary. I have had scary major depressive episodes but I find that meditating on the Holy Bible and positives rather than negatives helps.
I am going to try my hardest to exercise because when I do exercise(dancing is my favorite) I do feel better. Also when I juice fresh apples, oranges, carrots, and grapes, I have better concentration and energy. I noticed this week I have been eating poorly all the sweets and fats I wanted and my body has suffered for it, no doubt. That's why I was here looking for other cures to try to get rid of this depression once and for all but I guess it's gonna take some time and effort as it took some time and effort to get depressed. But the cold shower sure does help also freshly juiced fruits and vegatables also, positive meditation (I prefer those of the Holy Bible).... exercise(dancing, swimming and walking)..Omega 3 and vitamins, active social life(volunteer, facebook or something... be mindful of what you are watching or listening to( you need all positive stuff nothing negative).
Since there are so many things that can be going on in a person's body to cause depression it may take trying a few things. Our bodies were not built to withstand the current fast food lifestyle of today or the high stress.It is important to make sure that your depression is not because your body is short on vitamin and minerals Think about your eating habits even if you are not super obese like me. Blessings of all things good and no depression to all, you are not alone. HALLELUJAH... in Christ Jesus' name I pray, Amen.
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 :/
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Loretta (Phoenix, Az, Usa) on 03/11/2011
My husband has weaned himself off prescription drugs for depression and anxiety. Now we are wondering if it is safe for him to take St. John's Wort and Passion Flower at the same time? He has been taking melatonin in the evenings to help him relax so he can sleep better. Is it okay to take all three (in moderate doses)?
Thanks in advance for any info you can provide...Loretta
Fish Oil
Posted by Naturelove (Ft. Polk, Louisiana) on 01/20/2011
B complex vitamins will have not only a positive impact on your mood, but help you stay regulated during your period.
Sun Gazing
Posted by Entheogens (Palo Alto, California, Usa) on 11/22/2010
I found the following link to be a bit more cautious and sensible as regards Sun Gazing. What I like is that this person (Vinny Pinto) is a Sun Gazer but is willing to play "Devil's Advocate" and consider the potential negatives to Sun Gazing. He is not afraid to sacrifice "Holy Cows", especially this notion that 44 minutes is some kind of miraculous number that you should shoot for:
http://sungazing.vpinf.com/
Sunshine
Posted by Lis (Ny, Ny, Usa) on 11/22/2010
"Sunscreens, even weak ones, almost completely block your body's ability to generate vitamin D. Rays cannot penetrate glass to generate vitamin D in your skin."
"If you live north of 37 degrees latitude (approximately a line drawn horizontally connecting Norfolk, Virginia to San Francisco, California) sunlight is not sufficient to create Vitamin D in your skin in the winter months, even if you are sitting in the sun in a bathing suit. The further you live from the equator, the longer exposure you need to the sun in order to generate vitamin D. "
Source: drfranklipman.com/vitamin-d-faq
Sun Gazing
Posted by Lis (Ny, Ny, Usa) on 11/22/2010
Most people who sungaze do it when its relatively safe, that is within one hour after the sun rises and one hour within the time the sun sets. I believe Ted in other posts has even talked of not looking directly in the sun as well. And when it is done, you start at only 10 seconds a day and continue to build in 10 second increments until you reach 44 minutes. Some never go this high but still do experience some benefits. If you google you can find out more details. Often they say, if you have worries, then its better not to do it. Most people in sungazing forums I have read, experienced many positive results, not all of them experienced the miracles like not having to eat (or eat much at least) anymore but a few did. There were a few who developed eye problems of some sort. Anyways, regular checkups with the doctor and being observant of your own body should help you know if to stop or lessen it. I did it a handful of times and enjoyed it and did not feel any negative effects, especially when I did palming after (rubbing hands and gently covering eyes with them for a minute). I would have done it longer but I got lazy and the weather is on and off a lot.
Here is one place to read more info on sungazing: www.sungazing.com/652.html
Sun Gazing
Posted by Francisca (Michelbach-le-bas, Alsace, France) on 11/22/2010
I will post this question all over again as I got no answer! Aren't you afraid that it will burn your retina? Dr. Bates, the eye expert talks about it in his book but nowadays others say that it is very dangerous.... Is it, isn't it? I have a lot of eye problems like myopia, eye floaters and I am always on the look out for something which might help!
Sun Gazing
Posted by William (Charleston, Sc, Usa) on 11/21/2010
Michael, when you began sun gazing do you start off just gazing for a minute and progressively more each day? or did you start off gazing five or more minutes. I just began and this is what I do. Now the sun gazing guru Hiran Ratan Matek says to start gazing for a small moment, maybe less than a minute, then gradually in weeks or months doing it for 30 minutes or so? cannot remember exact time. The sun helps to clean the body, mind and spirit this is why you feel good.
Oil Pulling
Posted by Dosti65 (Castries, St. Lucia) on 10/11/2010
★★★★★
I have suffered with depression from childhood which I feel has wasted a huge chunk of my life. I now try to treat it with diet, etc, I hate the thought of taking any form of drugs into my body. I feel that they are more damaging in the long term. Always on the lookout for natural ways to relieve the depression, I stumbled on your site last night after reading about OP on another site. Though I was skeptical, It sounded interesting, so I kept reading the testimonials until I came across what one person said about the effect that OP with olive oil had on his depression! Well... I immediately shoved a tbsp of olive oil in my mouth and swirled to my hearts content for 20 mins. What do you know, my mood lifted immediately, I felt motivated, positive, I was singing and dancing, my energy was back! Hey, I was back! I hadn't felt like this in many, many months. My mouth felt great too. I woke up the next morning without the usual panic attacks and feelings of foreboding. I'm stoked! I OP again this morning and my motivation has lasted through out the day. No depression! I just realized that a pain in the throat before doing the OP is completely gone. Hadn't noticed it before, so amazed at the renewed spirits! Still cannot believe this 'miracle', so I'm going to keep monitoring and listening to my body while doing the OP. I plan to do it just in the morning using the olive oil. If this keeps up words will not be able to express how this site and all your comments have given me my life back... No words. Thank-You! Q:Does it make a difference whether one uses olive oil or evoo? I'm a newbie so feedback would be welcome.
5-HTP
Posted by Anonymous (World) on 08/25/2010
I agree. But ideally you should do this with the assistance an experienced professional who is willing to help you with the switch and is aware of your medical history. If you want to do it alone, make sure that, at the very minimum, you are very knowledgeable about the risks involved, and talk to people who have done it as well. Even so, consider the risks: this change can trigger a serious reaction, these are anti-depressants we are talking about. Any change in your existing drug regimen will result in chance for your brain chemistry. Be safe.
5-HTP
Posted by Anon (Somewhere, Usa) on 08/25/2010
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE talk to either your doctor or a pharmacist before you proceed with this. I took meds for panic attacks and the side effects were the most horrible experience to go through during the weaning process. A family member went through bad experience with it too and ended up trying to end her life. These medications are dangerous and should be illegal for doctors to pass out scripts the way they do.
5-HTP
Posted by Lily (Brisbane, Australia) on 08/25/2010
Hi Gtijes, the best thing to do is ask your chemist/pharmacist if 5htp is safe to be taken with the meds you are on and then if it is safe you can go into one of the hundreds of forums on the internet that help you and suggest how to reduce and finally stop taking your prescription medication. You can then add in your dosage of 5htp that you think is necessary to replace your reducing meds. I hope you succeed with ease. Lily.
5-HTP
Posted by Gtijes (Allentown, Pa) on 08/24/2010
Hey, I have always struggled with depression and anxiety since I was young. However, it wasn't until my father passed away very suddenly that I started taking lorazepam & citalopram for extreme anxiety and depression. I am really not into prescriptions unless absolutely necessary. Does anyone know how to start to switch off of prescriptions onto 5-htp? I can never find any answers if it's ok to start weaning off of the prescriptions and introducing the 5-htp right away. Anything you can offer would be greatly appreciated. I really want to get off of these meds right away. Thanks!
Rhodiola
Posted by Cayita (Fenwick, Ontario) on 04/27/2010
Rhodiola is a mood altering herb.
Cold Showers
Posted by Cayita (Fenwick, Ontario) on 04/27/2010
Lol, Jeffy, you have a great sense of humor
Rhodiola
Posted by Jim (Anniston, Alabama) on 04/11/2010
I took the prescribed amount, one capsule a day, of 340mg or Rhodiola. It showed on the bottle that it contained 3% rosavins = to 10.2mg. I bought it in the hope that it would help with some depression that I've been having. I didn't want to take anti-depression medicene and hoped this would be a good route without the terrible side effects of any of the anti-depression medicines. About 20 minutes after taking the capsule of Rhodiola, I began to feel light-headed and so far that's all that's happened. No reduction of the depressed state of mind, no energy, no nothing.. just the light-headedness. Maybe I need to take it for awhile? But based on what I've read already about it, I should've gotten some response other than light-headedness.
EC: Hi Jim,
It's helpful if people wait at least a few days before sending in feedback about a remedy or supplement. From your post it appears to only have been an hour or two... Thanks.
Multiple Remedies
Posted by Anonymous (Manitowoc, Wisconsin, Usa) on 04/05/2010
★★★★★
Multiple remedies for depression
Obviously it depends on what's really wrong, but here are some suggestions that have helped me. I scanned the list of titles on the right and did not see the following:
-adequate sleep
-quitting coffee
-massage
-tanning/sun bathing
-loseing weight/body image/new clothes
-doing things you've always wanted to but were too afraid to do
-jogging/runner's high - this works well
-fresh fruit and vegetable juices/smoothies/fasting on them
-clean water - not fluoridated/chlorinated tap water with additional mystery chemicals
-spending time alone with Jesus/getting close to Him
-church
-getting enough fiber in your diet - apples
- Drink 2 tablespoons of olive oil mixed with the fresh juice of a lemon and the juice or minced bits of a few cloves of fresh garlic.
-staying out of co-dependent relationships - love people the way Jesus did
-being honest with yourself about who you are, what you want, etc. For example, don't tell yourself you want to be married, if all you really want/need is fellowship. Be real honest with yourself about your wants and needs. Isaiah 58:4, Matthew 19:12
Wiggle the Toe Method
Posted by Joe (Hartford, Ct) on 03/09/2010
★★★★☆
Can you go into detail a bit more about this? Do you wiggle both feet or just one? How long should you wiggle for? I tried it and it seems to have lessened my depression and would like to know more about this method.
Rhodiola and St John's Wort
Posted by Felista (Las Vegas, Nv, Usa) on 02/11/2010
I, too, suffer from these. I have been doing a ton of research, and I will share with you the three best supplements for women with PMS/depression/anxiety. From what I have read, they are safe, with few negative side effects, unlike St. John's wort, which can cause sun sensitivity, and interacts with some medications. #1 & 3 have been found in studies to work as well as SJW or even SSRI's.
1. Chasteberry aka chinese vitex - helps balance hormones. People with PMS usually are progesterone deficient, and this helps balance that out.
2. L-Theanine - found in green tea, but can be found in supplemental form. Very calming, takes the edge off. Does not make drowsy. Safe.
3. Inositol - found to be particularly helpful with depression, bi-polar disorder, and OCD.
I would also highly recommend taking an Omega 3 supplement in conjunction with, specifically B-12, Folic Acid, B-6 and including a B vitamins complex.
When I do these, as well as avoid too much sugar and get regular sleep, I feel like a new person. If I slip and don't do these things, the monster comes out.
Important note: Anything involving balancing hormones or deficiencies usually takes at least three cycles to notice the positive effect. It's not usually a try for a day or two thing. Also, trying one at a time helps you to see which one is actually helping or not. It's not an overnight solution. This kind of thing takes time and patience, but I believe there is natural help out there with these things.
Good Luck. Sorry this didn't have to do with Rhodiola, but I had to share.
Saffron
Posted by Star (Brooklyn, New York) on 02/07/2010
which saffron was it: american false saffron in latin cathamus tinctorius, the safflower or was it 'crocus sativus' asian indian true saffron???
Rhodiola and St John's Wort
Posted by Shellie (Sevierville, Tn) on 02/03/2010
I am still wondering if it is a good idea to take rhodiola and st john's wort both?
Rhodiola and St John's Wort
Posted by Shellie (Sevierville, Tn) on 02/01/2010
Rhodiola has done wonders for my anxiety. But I am still having problems with depression and pms. I was wondering if I can take St John's wort and Rhodiola? I am takng 500mg of Rhodiola (3% rosavin and 1% salidrosides) Also, my husband takes St John's wort but it is 300mg (0.3%Hypericin) is this the right kind of St John's wort to take?
