I think it is good to try out alternative medicinces but be careful what you tell people because a) nothing straight out cures depression, there is no miracle drug/cure and b)st john's wort can screw you up if you're on some anti depressant medications. Mine included.

Same worked extremely well for me, too; but 5-htp didn't. I didn't try st. John's wort because it takes 4 to 6 weeks to show an effect, and I didn't want to wait that long. You do have to be careful about drug interactions with herbs (but of course also drug-to-drug interactions).

I believe that there is something in the natural arena out there that works for everyone, but you do have to experiment and put together your truly personal program. Mine also includes omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil. It's especially important that the omega-3s be from fish oil if you have any heritage of coastal people -- I happen to have some scandinavian in mine -- because some people in those groups lack the capacity to convert plant-based omega-3s (e.G., from flax oil or walnuts) to a form the body can use. I also get lots of natural light (vitamin d in higher doses (>400 mg) is proven to help with depression), and some exercise.

Sorry about the length of this post, but there is one more point I have to make: just becoming "undepressed" isn't enough -- you have to learn how to be happy once you are no longer depressed (simply being undepressed is definitely not the same as being happy). That's where a whole number of potential emotional/cognitive approaches come in. The modern approaches are much faster than convetional therapy (which in my opinion is close to pointless for anything but short-term problems). If you're interested in those approaches, let me know, I didn't want to get overly long here.

Hi! I am trying to start curing my depression (which I just found out I have although I have probably had it for years) with natural remedies. The info provided in this thread is very relevant to me because I am a coastal person myself and also lack sun exposure for I moved to a cold climate state, etc. I also have psoriasis which interesting worsens with the lack of sun and in the winter months. Upon research I have found I probably need seriously to clean my liver and to detox and totally change how I eat.
How do I get the St. John's wart. I went to my herbs store and the herbalist prepared a tea mix for me but I think I need more of a powerful dose? The recipe listed here, would my herbalist make it for me in capsules, or do you recommend for me to purchase the herb and prepare it myself? Also, I found on a site St. Johns wort extract in capsules guaranteeing 0.3% of Hypericin- which is said to be the agent mainly responsible for curing depression? My thoughts are scattered and hard to read but any help is greatly appreciated.

I'd suggest that you start in small doses and then build. Where do you live? what do you mean by herb store? What about a natural foods store? Maybe there's a nutritionist or expert you can consult there.

.... is it safe to eat lavender??

I wouldn't concoct anything on my own, always consult with an expert or you may end up making something dangerous. But naturalists, nutritionists, herbalists, all are good resources for natural rememdies.

IF you EVER are on prescription medications of any kind, don't take any natural rememdies until you check with a doctor or pharmacist first.

The best natural remedy of all...exercise.

I had bad experiences on elavil and celexa. I did not want to go through either again - plus, I had awful hair loss, (as a woman - no fun) and just did not want to risk it. In addition to 20 min exercise per day WITHOUT fail and yoga, meditation, I've found a natural supplement that has worked for me. I was researching amino acids as a treatment for depression and came across a supplement that has worked for people with depression called Max Amino 1200

It's very inexpensive - and it takes the edge off of my depression very effectively along with my exercise. No bad side effects. I've even lost some weight and sleep better. I hope this helps someone. Depression really stinks.

I've been medicated at least 5 years, but currently off trying to get pregnant again, it helps if you can't do it alone, and I still go to counseling that helps talking it out, finding ways to rethink how you think and see things, it all gives you a clarity you don't have in deep depression. But for now, getting out, walking outside, with my baby and walking my dog even for half an hour a day really helps, its not vigorous excercise, but still gets you out and going, which for me is alot when I still have days I can hardly get out of the bed. For me stjohns did not work or anything over the counter even for sleep aids for insomnia, yes excercise is a huge factor to help, and I believe a really well balanced diet, heard omega 3 ( fishoil) will do wonders. I haven't tried that supplement yet, but I never felt better than when i was on my pregnancy diet, not really a diet but healthy eating. So go out, get some sun go for a walk or jog at least 30 min a day if you can, and eat as healthy as you can, okay to splurge a little every now and then though if it will help you feel better.

depression is not a scientifically measurable disorder, it is simply a low energy level which can be caused by so many factors that to claim that any substance or mix can cure it is absurd.

you have to look at the underlying causes that are causing you to feel depressed in the first place, and resolve them, otherwise whatever solution you chose will eventually become another layer which is only masking the things that bring you down in the first place.

Best wishes to all!
Daniel

I have really found it helpful to turn on the radio to upbeat music and sing along. It is very hard to feel bad when you are singing a happy song. It seems simple, but it really lifts your spirits. Even if it is only momentarily, use it as a treatment whenever you feel the blues really coming on strong.

Actually, it's not just low energy. Low energy can be solved the way you described, depression can't be solved so easily. It's a complex combination of emotional, neurological, and physical causes. Some people do really well on drugs, others don't.

* Take a long warm bath, add a few drops of jasmine oil to the water and lie in it for 30-40 minutes. Close your eyes and relax.
* Drink Melissa tea when you are feeling down.
* Drink warm chamomile tea to relax your mind and feel better.
* Put lavender oil in a burner to make the room full of its scent, this will make you feel more uplifted.
* Eat oatmeal daily to make you feel better.
* Exercise daily to prevent depression.
* Slice apples into small pieces, add 1 table tablespoon of honey and eat daily to get your mood uplifted.
* Drink warm mint tea, take small sips and try to relax.
* Treat depression with rosemary tea: Boil 1 cup of water, add a few rosemary leaves, stir well, and let it stand and cool for a few minutes. Then drink a cup of tea. You can also add sugar or honey to the tea to make it sweeter.
* Eat spinach when you feel down.