Advice on Suppliments for Depression

[Sugar Girl]

Hi All,

A dear friend of mine has been diagnosed with Depression and after some thought decided to take the anti depressants prescribed by their GP.

They have had a violent allergic reaction to the pills so have had to stop taking them.

I have referred them to a homeopath for a proper consultation etc... and they are waiting for an appointment to see a counsellor, plus they are visiting me in two weeks for other psychological type treatments.

Can anyone suggest something herbal like (St Johns Wort?) or suppliment wise to help them.

Thanks

 

[orbiniaentist]

St Johns wort is really good for depression and is prescribed in some countries as an alternative to conventional antidepressants as it is just as effective in mild and moderate depression.

Magnesium is also good for depression in high doses, and I have seen calcium supplements recommended too.

Your friend could also try a general B vitamin supplement as many of the B vitamins are implicated in depression.

I would recommend getting hold of Patrick Holford's book optimum nutrition for the mind if you can, it gives complete instructions for using supplements to help with depression and other mental health problems.

Claire x

 

[nnqieoyv]

I've written about this before so rather than repeat myself I've dug up a couple of the old threads...

http://www.massageplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?p=407636
http://www.massageplanet.net/forum/showthread.php?p=375242

Hope that helps

Love and Reiki Hugs

 

[Sporty]

Thats interesting Claire, I have had that book on my shelf for ages, and not read it yet..I never realised it had that information in it..the book title should have given me a clue really

 

[smiley123]

Lol Fleur!

It's a really good book, definitely worth a read!

Also his book natural highs is interesting! I have tried a couple of the ideas, and they seem to work!

Claire x

 

[MUSIC AND DREAMS!!!!]

Hi..

I noticed someone mentioned St John's Wort..although it's probably the herb that a lot of people think of with regards to depression, it's not necessarily the first thing herbalists would think to prescribe. Depression can arise for different reasons and it would be best to have a full consultation with a qualified herbalist in order to get a full picture of you and your health, in order that the underlying causes of the depression could be identified..I personally don't believe that the best thing for people to do is just buy supplements or single herbal extracts from a health food shop, as it's a lot more complex than that.

Hope that's of some help x

 

[anewsegx]

I agree, and have posted this link on HP a number of times:

http://www.nimh.org.uk/

The website of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists which has a 'find one in your area' facility.

I am not a herbalist. I consult one! My 'main medicine' is on the basis of prevention rather than cure, and I have an 'infection zapper' for occasional use ... preferable to antibiotics, and works quicker

Holistic