Which herbal remedies can help depression? Have they worked for you?

Thank you.

Here is a treatment plan from the book 'Nutrition and Mental illness' by Carl Pfeiffer PhD MD, for depression take:

1. B6 and zinc, taken in the morning, as P-5-P Complex supplement
2. zinc, 30mg, bedtime
3. Deanol {DMAE}, 5 drops, each morning
4. Vitamin C {1000mg - 2000mg, as Magnesium Ascorbate} and dolomite

For an entirely Herbal remedy, consider:

1. 300mg St. John's Wort
2. Kava Kava
3. 60mg Ginkgo Biloba

http://www.holisticonline.com/Remedies/D...

4. Also consider supplementing 5-HTP, 30mg per day
5. 400mg SAMe, this has been called the instant antidepressant

If your depression has lingered for a while:

1. Check if you have candida overgrowth
2. Get a blood test for histamine levels
3. See a orthomolecular nutritionist/doctor, and/or a good naturopath

Synchronising your Circadian Clock

Most depressives have distorted circadian clock, and abnormal sleep patterns, the following will re-sync your internal clock.

1. 30mg Melatonin before bed time {the chemical hat make you feel sleepy: Melatonin}, or 5-HTP
2. Hot Bath, Exercise {4-5hours before bedtime}, and sex {releases chemicals that makes you feel sleepy}
3. Well i have never had to try the 3rd option, but i suppose warm hot chocolate or listening to a relaxation CD, like Brain Sync.

Lifestyle changes

1. get 30minutes of exercise per day, e.g. swimming, yoga, or brisk walking. Proven to beat depression, faster than antidepressant medication, in one published scientific study. Exercise outdoors if you can, you will get the added benefit of fresh air, and Vitamin D production from sunlight.

2. Drink/make Kefir, very healthy for the gut, and can cure depression. Source: 'Gut and Psychology Syndrome' book, by Dr. Natasha Campell MD

3. Learn Emotional Freedom Technique, preferably with the aid of a EFT qualified teacher.

4. Read the religious scriptures of the religion you follow. If you do not have any religious scriptures or do not follow any particular religion, consider reading the Holy Qur'an, this heals the soul.

5. Get plenty of sleep, atleast 8-hours, go to bed at 10PM, as this has been shown to be the ideal time.

6. Last but not least, consider juicing fresh organic fruit/vegetables, look into Gerson Therapy. Buy organic fruit/vegetables in bulk from local Farmer's Markets to get yourself a bargain.


Best of luck. May your depression be lifted.

Depression is a tricky subject. It's dependent on mood and what you allow yourself to feel. I'd say instead of taking an herbal medicine that has false hopes - go out and jog. Maybe take an herbal medicine along with it for better health (you choose). But exercise is the best depression killer out there. It'll elevate your mood and make you more energetic. You'd be very surprised...the body was meant to run, surprisingly. If jogging isn't your thing, walk a lot, bike....do whatever you want. Just start exercising and I assure you that you'll feel less stressed, depressed and those herbal remedies will be worthless.

I tried many herbs myself. I found St. John's Wort helped a little after a month of taking three a day, but it certainly did not solve the problem.

I found two things which did fix depression. 30 minutes of vigorous exercise a day, and daily doing something for someone else who is in need. Those two activities cost no money and they are powerful medicine. I had to get out of the me, me, me, mode and start thinking about other people. It was like magic.

I would add meditation and biofeedback to any anti-depression regimen for long term control of your life

Put some essential lavender oil on your pulse points. It's a great relaxant and has been know to help ease the effects of depression.

Exercise worked for me.