What can you do for depression?

Do you have:
Depressed mood ?
Low self esteem ?
Excessive tearfulness ?
Disturbed sleep patterns (insomnia or hypersomnia) ?
Disturbed appetite (either loss of appetite or binge eating) ?
Loss of libido ?
Fatigue and loss of interest and motivation ?
Irritability and anger ?
Anxiety and Panic attacks ?
Obsessive thoughts and other symptoms of OCD ?

1. Hypericum Perforatum (St John's Wort) has been scientifically shown to relieve the symptoms of depression if used regularly over a period of 3 - 5 weeks. St John's Wort is often called 'Nature's Prozac' and is widely used as the anti-depressant of choice in many countries like Germany and in other parts of Europe. There have been many clinical studies which show the effectiveness of St John's Wort in the treatment of depression.

A review published in the British Medical Journal quotes up to twenty-three clinical trials which demonstrate that St John's Wort works as well as many prescription anti-depressants, without the major side effects. Millions of people around the world have been helped by treatment with St John's Wort.

Many clients say that it feels like 'the black cloud' has been lifted from their heads and that they have more zest for life!

2. Passiflora is a calming herb that reduces anxiety and soothes frayed nerves.

According to Dr Earl Mindell (The New Herb Bible), Passiflora is one of nature's best tranquilizers. It works quickly and effectively and is an excellent addition to any treatment for anxiety and depression.

Hypericum Perforatum - called St John's Wort in Europe. It has been used for centuries to treat depression, anxiety and sleep disorders and is traditionally used as a restoring tonic for the nervous system and to lift the spirits. More recently, there have been a number of clinical studies that have demonstrated that standardized extracts of Hypericum are more effective than a placebo in the treatment of depression .Active ingredients include glycosides, flavonoids, volatile oils, tannins and resins. The active ingredients in Hypericum are thought to boost serotonin levels, which are usually lacking in depressed people. In some countries like Germany, the sale of St John's Wort has outstripped many of the major prescription anti-depressants.

Passiflora Incarnata - also called Passion Flower - is used as a sedative and for insomnia and can relieve anxiety and nervousness. Active ingredients include flavonoids, cyanogenic glycosides, alkaloids and saparin. Combined with Hypericum, it helps to calm and soothe, and is also thought to reduce high blood pressure and nervous tremors.

What else I can do to help myself?
There are many things you can do to alleviate the symptoms of depression naturally. These include:
1.Talk about your problems and find ways to change your circumstances. Consider therapy with a Licensed Counselor to help you to make the changes that you need.
2. Regular exercise (at least three times a week)
3.Healthy diet (sufficient Vitamin B6 and B12, magnesium, iron, zinc and omega 3 and 6 fatty acids)
4. Eating certain foods will also help to raise serotonin levels. Good examples are oats, turkey, milk, pasta and other carbohydrate-rich foods.
5. Look after yourself and learn to say 'No'.
6.Regular Detox periods are very helpful to clear the system of pollutants and certain metals that are absorbed from the atmosphere and may contribute to the symptoms of depression.