Overcoming Depression with St John’s Wort
In my ongoing research into Natural methods for overcoming depression, I have found a lot of useful information.
The Black Dog Institute is attached to the Prince of Wales Hospital and affiliated with the University of New South Wales.
One of such is their fact sheet on the use of St John’s wort, and it’s effects. (read it here)
Personally, I have used St John’s Wort for several years with varying benefits. It is no ‘cure-all’, but it does have some beneficial effects.
However, like any other herbal medication, it need to be used with some caution. It apperars that mixing it with doctor -prescribed medications may have adverse effects, as it can amplify the side-effects of certain pharmaceuticals.
Basically, St john’s Wort acts as a Serotonin Uptake Inhibitor, but is not beneficial to people with Melancholic (or genetic) Depression.
Consult with your Doctor for more information on whether this treatment would be beneficial to you or not.
Why NATURAL Anti-Depressants?
When I understood I had to begin overcoming depression, one of the first things I bean to look for, was a method of overcoming depression naturally.
One of the biggest controversies today is ‘Natural vs. Pharmaceutical’. Of course there are well educated, well respected, advocates on both sides of the fence.
I am not an expert or professional in either field. My intention is solely to share with you what worked for me, and why I made the choices I did. If you are on a doctor-prescribed medication, and you are achieving the results you desire, by all means – continue it!
However, if you are still searching for more information, perhaps there will be something you can use in my story! To get a better understanding of what happened to me, it would be helpful to start with the post “Overcoming Depression”.
One of the primary reasons I began to try vitamins, herbs, and other supplements, was the side effects connected to the prescription my doctor gave me. Mine were relatively mild, but if you read the list of ‘adverse reactions’, they range from the unpleasant to the downright scary! Another reason I didn’t like the SSRI the prescribed for me was the seeming lack of effectiveness. I have lately discovered that this feeling was more than imagination! Read the Article!
Aside from the physical reactions, I hated the disconnected feeling I had everywhere I went. I had progressed from mental distress to no longer caring. Neither is a state that adds anything to the quality of your life, and my search was about finding a joyous and peaceful state of mind.
I understood that on a cognitive level, my depression was a pattern of thoughts leading away from the state of mind I wanted to achieve, but that there was a physiological aspect also. Just because I wanted to experience a joyous mental state did not mean it was possible to ‘will’ it into existence. And, I wanted to overcome depression naturally, rather than walk around like a living zombie!
A friend of mine in the medical community suggested I try a herb known as St. John’s Wort. I had heard of it’s positive, mood enhancing properties for some time, but hadn’t personally experienced them. At first, they helped, but I sensed there were other times when they merely amplified my sadness. That was just MY particular experience. One thing about ANY product, is that everyone’s experience is different.
I DID find that St. John’s Wort used in conjunction with Omega-3 oils had a more positive effect on my mental state than either used alone.
I had some success drinking green tea, and taking green tea extract in capsule form.
However, the most benefit of any one particular experience has been in the form of a Bi-directional herbal tonic.
That’s when I discovered a whole new field of research involving Herbal Remedies.
There are lots of natural way to overcome depression, but one of the best ways I have found to date is through the use of bi-directional herbs.
NATURAL Anti – Depressants
In order to more fully understand this article, it would be helpful to read the first post in the series, “Overcoming Depression”
In reference to overcoming depression, I thought I would include this link to supplement the section on Physiology.
5 – HTP, The NATURAL Anti – Depressant and Weight Loss Supplement « Fit Tip Daily
There is a definite connection between Seritonin levels in the brain, and what we do with our bodies. In this case, put into our bodies!
Not only should we avoid certain things, such as smoking, excessive alcohol, etc., there are supplements we can use to improve our moods as well.
Bidirectional Herbs are another avenue that has worked well for me. Not only have they improved the ease of maintaining my mental state, I have experienced numerous physical improvements also.
Things like:
- Lower blood pressure
- increased energy levels
- better skin and muscle tone
- improved cholestrol levels
- hair and nail growth
- better immune system function
For a complete set of articles on the scientific validation of Bi-Directional Herbs, Go Here.
There is also good information about nutrition and immune system function at: Dr. Bruce Fife’s Blog
When I was deeply involved in overcoming my depression, I discovered I had to make changes in my body as well. I cannot stress the importance of this enough!
Remember, Cognition AND Physiology!
