In answer to a question from another list: Question - Are there any disciplines in natural health that can help for depression and ADD?
There are options to pharmaceuticals that have some dangerous side effects when there are natural things we can do, even when some mental symptoms, especially mild-moderate depression can be helped naturally:
First a diet low in white sugars, white flour, oils and butters, and fried foods.
Eliminating smoking and alcohol.
Eat a more natural diet of fresh vegetables, wild rices, and fruits plus fish oils can help.
Moderate exercise, most psychiatrists will tell you, will help most of the mild-moderate depressions. Plus vitamin C to get the oxygen moving. Go biking...its fun!
For those with seasonal affective disorder or SAD using an Ott light (Google "Ott light") which is a broad spectrum light. I put mine in the kitchen at eye level because I spend a lot of time there. Do not use this past 8 p.m. because they can energize you some.
For post-menopausal women it is important to take estrogenic plant products which can be gotten at a good health food store.
Herbs like St. Johns Wort (contained in Sam-e) will lift depression, but adding in lemon balm increases that help. So does adding in scullcap, passion flower, or hops. But all of these are sedating so do not drive or take them during the day. Take them at bedtime or as a tea, at the side of the bed and do not combine all of them. They are considered medicines. For gardeners: lemon balm, scullcap, and St. Johns Wort flowers are wonderful and easy to work with and come back each year. You can also dry your own rose petals, and grow lavender. All of which get you outside in the fresh air and in the sun which converts to vitamin D in the body.
Placing lavender oil on a bit of an edge on your pillow will help with sleep and some drops of oil in the bath helps. The scent of lavender, many think, is very uplifting...but rose oil is very similar. Burning a lavender candle, or a rose candle can be very uplifting.
Adding in a good Vitamin B complex will help with stress. Check the formula because some B's contain Biotin in the formulation.
For mild paranoia, memory problems and insomina Biotin is a help, and is already included in some B formulations.
For most depressions Folic acid will help, and can also show up in some vitamin formulations.
Supplements like magnesium at bedtime help insomina and bunched muscles.
CoQ enzyme 10 assists to move oxygen through the system to the brain and heart.
Instead of Ritalin for children for over 10 years we've used a product called Efalex or EFA Blend. It contains fish oils and evening primrose oil (pressed from seeds)...some add vitamin F. It is made by Nature's Way.
Also for children a product called Focus Factor with way too many vitamins and supplements to list here, but is now carried by Walmart. It has lots of B's for stress and other supplements for memory.
These are just some ideas. Depressions can vary depending on each one of us depending on environment, physical chemistry, or as the result of many cardiac drugs, or other pharmaceuticals. Many of the things I have listed help mild-moderate depression. If depression is more serious finding a holistic practitioner who will work with a psychiatrist to get "over the bad times" is a good thing to do. Then you can graduate to a more natural regime.
If one is suicidal talk about it and get professional help or call the suicide prevention center immediately.
If you are dealing with the elderly, they have different issues and a good geriatric doctor should work with a holistic practitioner.
For many other mental illnesses it is again good to find a holistic practitioner who will work directly with a psychiatrist. It is important to find the right "fit" in a doctor. If you find one who does not recommend "talk therapy" with his handing over many prescriptions, look elsewhere. Or contact the American Psychiatric Association to find someone who will work holistically. It's beginning to happen more and more as many folks turn to alternatives.
You will notice I did not put in milligrams or grams per day because again its important to work with a holistic practitioner to pick a protocol for you. Many herbs interfere with pharmaceuticals...a natural health practitioner can work with you on formulations and where there are duplicates, so discuss things in detail and even show him/her what you bought,...keep the receipts to take back duplications.
Do not take everything I mentioned above at once. Do not exercise without an o.k. from your doctor. Do not combine any of the above with a pharmaceutical, especially St. Johns Wort. To do so can cause a syndrome called "Serotonin syndrome" which can lead to death.
As Diana has richly pointed out pharmaceuticals are not always beneficial.
When a psychiatrist only throws a prescription across the table, it's time to find another doctor.
Warmly ~
Mary L. Conley, RND
Registered Naturopath
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This email is coming to you for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical treatment. If you feel you may need to follow through on treatment please see a natural health or holistic practitioner.
Please do not diagnose yourself or take any over-the-counter natural preparation(herbal, vitamin, or supplement) without a natural health professional. These items are considered as medicines and as such can and do interfere with AMA prescribed drug(s).
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