Depression Forums

General => Medication => Topic started by: mat on January 03, 2013, 09:39:54 AM

Title: Natural Medication ??
Post by: mat on January 03, 2013, 09:39:54 AM
I am quite interested in this and have did some research into various ones and was wondering if anyone has any other information or has tried any of the following.

st johns wort
5-htp
SAMe
Title: Re: Natural Medication ??
Post by: calm_one on January 03, 2013, 02:31:57 PM
As far as I'm aware St Johns wort works like an SSRI I have tried it when I had low mood before my anxiety kicked in big time about 7 years ago. Can't really remember if it helped as it was so long ago.

I did try various natural pills but never really stuck to any of them.
Title: Re: Natural Medication ??
Post by: Jon on January 03, 2013, 03:10:17 PM
I did St. John's Wort for a few months years ago and it seemed to help in a way that Prozac didn't. Hop it works for you, Mat.
Title: Re: Natural Medication ??
Post by: Lady X on January 03, 2013, 04:52:06 PM
I haven't actually tried any of them.

I was going to try St Johns Wort on the basis of some great feedback I've had from others who have used it

However, SJW has a real impact on the sucess rate of hormonal (female) contraceptives and while I'd love to try it, I am not yet past many of the issues I need to be before I'm ready to have kids so I can't take that risk. Unless I can find a decent alternative contraceptive method anyway
Title: Re: Natural Medication ??
Post by: stewart on January 03, 2013, 06:59:11 PM
does wacky backy count?

i know quite a few docs are with the idea that it should be available on script for some issues, (i think cancer is one at the top)
Title: Re: Natural Medication ??
Post by: mat on January 04, 2013, 11:07:49 AM
i'm leaning towards 5-HTP  supposedly it can be used as a sleep aid as well as an appetite suppressor.

one thing i learned that having low serotonin can succumb to binge eating !!
Title: Re: Natural Medication ??
Post by: Zaf on January 04, 2013, 05:35:14 PM
St Johns wort can help depression but its usually necessary to take quite high doses, it should never be taken with other antidepressants and I've a feeling some other prescription drugs should be avoided too.  It can cause sun sensitivity which in some cases can be very serious.  If you are taking it in tincture form make sure its a red colour or the effectiveness is poor.

Mugwort leaves burned in a burner or as a smudge stick can be very helpful with anxiety.


Please be careful with 'natural' remedies as they can be as least as toxic as prescription medications.

Z xx
Title: Re: Natural Medication ??
Post by: Leo on January 04, 2013, 10:15:22 PM
Can I recommend Healthspan if you are ordering natural remedies. Quality is excellent.

Tried 5HTP and St John's wort didn't work for me. Passiflora is a good one too.
Title: Re: Natural Medication ??
Post by: calm_one on January 05, 2013, 10:18:40 AM
Be careful if you're already on AD's as they don't really mix check with your doc/pharmacist first.
Title: Re: Natural Medication ??
Post by: Nay on February 07, 2013, 09:10:05 PM
Has anyone tried the Bach 'Rescue Remedy' range? We have a Holistic Therapist who comes to the centre once a month for massages etc. It's mainly for the residents, but if there's not much take up then the staff get to go in. She's a really lovely lady, and has recommended the Bach flower essences to me a few times to help with my depression. I've looked into it, but not tried any yet. I bought the 'Rescue Night' liquid melts today to try and help me sleep. Let's see how I get on...
Title: Re: Natural Medication ??
Post by: Leo on February 07, 2013, 11:15:46 PM
I went onto the Bach website and used the remedy selector. It lets them make a bespoke remedy for you. Only been using it a few days so can't really comment but my partner swears by rescue remedy.
Title: Re: Natural Medication ??
Post by: Zaf on February 24, 2013, 07:07:23 PM
I use rescue remedy for any type of shock or stressful situation
Title: Re: Natural Medication ??
Post by: Zaf on February 24, 2013, 07:09:29 PM
Be careful if you're already on AD's as they don't really mix check with your doc/pharmacist first.

I agree you shouldnt mix herbal remedies with prescription drugs unless you have proper medical advice either from a doctor, pharmacist or a qualified herbalist

Z xxx