More than just “feeling blue” or experiencing sadness or grief because of a specific circumstance, depression is a mood disorder characterized by a persistently sad or empty feeling, irritability, and a diminished or absent interest in everyday activities. Usually depression occurs in episodes, which can last for weeks, months, or even years. Many patients experiencing such bouts of depression actually feel quite “normal” in between flare-ups.

HELPFUL SUPPLEMENTS
  • JOHN’S WORT is often used for mild-to-moderate depression; this herb will take about a month to sufficiently build up in your system and produce noticeable benefits. In the meantime, add phosphatidylserine to your supplement regimen. This amino acid has been shown in clinical trials to lift mood and positively affect behavior.
  • SAMe (S-Adenosyl methionine), a newly available amino acid, has been shown to be as effective as such antidepressants as amitryptiline or norpramine. European doctors frequently choose SAMe over conventional antidepressants because it works more rapidly and it has virtually no side effects.
  • 5-HTP is often recommended until SAMe became readily available. In the brain, 5-HTP converts into serotonin, which studies are finding is a potent mood enhancer.
  • GINKGO BILOBA sometimes seems to fight depression better than St. John’s wort, especially in those over age Depression has been linked to reduced circulation in the brain, and ginkgo is often used to increase blood flow.
  • VITAMIN B COMPLEX helps strengthen the nerves as it enhances neurotransmitter production in the brain.
  • KAVA KAVA is used for depression accompanied by anxiety. This herb, which seems to affect the brain’s limbic system, helps calm the revved-up emotions that often accompany depression. It’s fast-acting and generally not addictive.
  • CHASTEBERRY COMBINED WITH ST. JOHN’S WORT may help if your depression is well correlated with the second half of your menstrual cycle; this type of depression may be a variation of PMS. Take the combination during the days when you’re not menstruating.

2 Comments

  1. I need help for my mother who is 90 and going through depression and need help with mood swings
    because she knows her brain is not working like it did. She is very healthy and active ,hate pills
    .if l can find something that would help even a little that would be wonderful .

    I have a problem with neuropathy which stems from 20+ surgeries hips knees back a mess but I am active and I try not to let it get to me . I use ice packs all the time specially for my left leg since many surgeries and a lot of swelling inflammation burning throbbing all the time is there something that could help me calm this down. I’ve tried so many things even Acura puncture sometimes that rubs it up I cannot take any B’s be vitamins Rabbs it up even more unfortunately , so hand something help me

    • Tamara Chapman on at

      We suggest first to consult your doctor. Especially if you mother is 90. Let them know that you are considering CBD. Same for you, consult your doctor. Richard’s has some amazing product that may assist with neuropathy, but as I suggested, please consult with your doctor first. Many thanks for the note.

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