Depression

[Fidei Defensor]

Has anyone ever had minor or moderate depression, and had any luck helping it with St. John's Wort. I've just started it because I've been a bit depressed for a couple of months now. Nothing serious, no suicidal thoughts, but I thought I'd try this first before going to the doctor, where they might end up suggesting expensive anti-depressants.

I'm also changing my diet to include more omega-3 rich fish and some healthy teas.

But I was just wondering, even if it's not experience with St. John's Wort, if anyone has had any luck with anything.

[philosophette]

I have not personally tried it; I hear that it works for some people. I have found that taking a good multi-vitamin that is rich in the B vitamins to be very helpful.

[url="http://www.fruitfulyield.com/?action=itemdetail&item_id=16174"]This is my favorite vitamin[/url].... has all you need... of course getting plenty of brightly colored fresh vegs and fruits in your diet is very important, as well. Soft gels are preferable to hard pills.

[Sojourner]

5-htp is more effective, I've found. Although it causes slight nausea for me, so I take it before bed when I take it.

[IcePrincessKRS]

I haven't tried it myself, but my sister in law uses Siberian Ginseng--AKA Elethero. I think it was more for moodiness than depression, but she said after the first few days she noticed a big difference. Its an adaptogen and is supposed to be "good for both mental and physical health and builds resistance to all kinds of stress."

[Noel's angel]

I've recently started taking St. John's Wort along with Omega 3 tablets and plenty of iron. Haven't seen a marked improvement yet, but I'm willing to give it time. Be warned though, the tablets smell horrible.

[Totus Tuus]

I know a cup of green tea now and then seems to be good for my mood. I don't know why. But as for slight depression, I'm reading these tips as well. I didn't know St. John's Wort was used for it...

[Sojourner]

The 5-htp is a natural precursor to seratonin, which is one of the chemicals that regulates mood and affects depression levels. I take 100 mg a day when I take it, which has really only been a couple of times.

Depression for me is typically short-lived, and I can usually deal with it through exercise and diet and addressing the root emotional issue that's causing me to feel depressed. I only use 5-htp if I am having trouble getting started with dealing with it. Exercise and diet modifications are the best. The more you exercise, the better you feel, because your body naturally produces the chemicals that will help you be mentally healthy.

[cmotherofpirl]

Go have a physical to make sure all your parts are in good working order, particularly your thyroid and iron.

[Sojourner]

I should add that if you are concerned enough about it to consider a supplement, you should definitely consider getting professional help. The best way to deal with depression is always to address the root cause rather than the symptoms.

[Fidei Defensor]

I'm happy to report that I believe the St. John's Wort to be working wonderfully. I feel much less down and much "happier" (whatever that means.)

[Noel's angel]

I'm glad

[JoeyP]

My doctor told me she wouldn't recommend those natural supplements cause they are not regulated by the FDA. So when it says it has 100mg or whatever it may not really have that. So that may mess with your seratonin. Sometimes you may be getting the 100mg's of St. John's Wart or the 5-htp and sometimes you may not be.

[Fidei Defensor]

[quote name='JoeyP' post='1340559' date='Jul 25 2007, 12:23 PM']My doctor told me she wouldn't recommend those natural supplements cause they are not regulated by the FDA. So when it says it has 100mg or whatever it may not really have that. So that may mess with your seratonin. Sometimes you may be getting the 100mg's of St. John's Wart or the 5-htp and sometimes you may not be.[/quote]
Yeah, that was a concern for me as well. I made sure to do my research first. I bought a good brand, once which was tested by a group called "consumer labs" and they found that this brand and a few others had the standardized extract and potency as stated. So when I take the 3 doses of 300mg as directed, I'm getting the total 900mg.

My advice to anyone considering any supplement is to do research first, and check for independent groups which have tested brands of supplements for potency.

[farglefeezlebut]

I know many doctors here in the Uk recommend it, and several people I know find it effective.

St John's Wort also reduces the effectiveness of the contraceptive pill. It's a Catholic herb! I'm not depressed, but I feel like taking it anyway!

[Old_Joe]

I don't know about St. John's Wort, but I've added Omega-III fatty acids into my diet to help with depression and anxiety. I use ground flax seed because it also doubles a whole grain.

Also, I've been told that thiamine (vitamin b1) is known for boosting morale.