Advice on starting to make the change to herbal solutions for depression?!
Question: Advice on starting to make the change to herbal solutions for depression!?
Hi!. After several years of various medications to cure what started as insomnia, then morphed into ADHD, then depression (according to doctors) I would like to go the natural route!.
I find I'm just really not trusting these doctors!. None of these things for me is "fixed" and these pills are very hard on my body!.
I feel way worse than before I ever went to a doctor, and my bloodwork is a mess! Liver function, thyroid problems, and even weird bruising!
I know I need to wean myself off my current pills, but would like to know which herbs I can look at using to help with:
#1 insomnia--to replace Ambien
#2 ADHD--to replace Wellbutrin
#3 mild depression--to replce Effexor
#4 stabilize mood--to replace Lamictal
Looking at that list seems awful, but I swear I was never as bad as it would seem!.
I would be so appreciative of advice on where to start with herbs and vitamins!
When I ask my closest family, they're all keen to just find me yet another pill-shoving specialist!. Thanks!Www@Youqa@Cn
I find I'm just really not trusting these doctors!. None of these things for me is "fixed" and these pills are very hard on my body!.
I feel way worse than before I ever went to a doctor, and my bloodwork is a mess! Liver function, thyroid problems, and even weird bruising!
I know I need to wean myself off my current pills, but would like to know which herbs I can look at using to help with:
#1 insomnia--to replace Ambien
#2 ADHD--to replace Wellbutrin
#3 mild depression--to replce Effexor
#4 stabilize mood--to replace Lamictal
Looking at that list seems awful, but I swear I was never as bad as it would seem!.
I would be so appreciative of advice on where to start with herbs and vitamins!
When I ask my closest family, they're all keen to just find me yet another pill-shoving specialist!. Thanks!Www@Youqa@Cn
Answers:
A few years ago I was put on an anti-anxiety medicine!. It made me so lithargic that the day I decided to do something about it I couldn't even get up to get the phone book to find someone to help!.
Now, I haven't been on any medication since that day!. It has been about three years!. And, since then, I completed an herbalism course!. And, I had two babies who are extremely healthy thanks to herbs and healthy living!.
My suggestion is to start, immediately, with taking a multi vitamin!. also try to add a little extra B vitamins!.
You can purchase a book and make your own herbal program!. But, I would suggest working with a certified master herbalist who is a professional member of the AHG (American Herbalist Guild)!.
Here are some suggestions -
Insomnia - Passion Flower capsules or tea!. You can take this a few hours before you plan on going to bed!. If you wake during the night and can't get back to sleep, you can take more!.
ADHD - Catnip Tea
Depression - Passion Flower also helps here!.
Stabilize Mood - Red Clover (works with your hormones)
You don't want to start taking too many herbs!. You could go to the health food store and they will tell you TONS of things to take - not necessarily all good!. That is why I am suggesting a certified herbalist!.
If you just start taking the vitamins (with the B complex) and the passion flower you will probably start to notice a difference!. The sole fact that you are at this point means a lot!. And, right now, you could probably change your entire life without any help!. But, it is always good to take vitamins!. Our food does not always supply us with the necessary nutrients to keep us going!.
Good luck!Www@Youqa@Cn
Now, I haven't been on any medication since that day!. It has been about three years!. And, since then, I completed an herbalism course!. And, I had two babies who are extremely healthy thanks to herbs and healthy living!.
My suggestion is to start, immediately, with taking a multi vitamin!. also try to add a little extra B vitamins!.
You can purchase a book and make your own herbal program!. But, I would suggest working with a certified master herbalist who is a professional member of the AHG (American Herbalist Guild)!.
Here are some suggestions -
Insomnia - Passion Flower capsules or tea!. You can take this a few hours before you plan on going to bed!. If you wake during the night and can't get back to sleep, you can take more!.
ADHD - Catnip Tea
Depression - Passion Flower also helps here!.
Stabilize Mood - Red Clover (works with your hormones)
You don't want to start taking too many herbs!. You could go to the health food store and they will tell you TONS of things to take - not necessarily all good!. That is why I am suggesting a certified herbalist!.
If you just start taking the vitamins (with the B complex) and the passion flower you will probably start to notice a difference!. The sole fact that you are at this point means a lot!. And, right now, you could probably change your entire life without any help!. But, it is always good to take vitamins!. Our food does not always supply us with the necessary nutrients to keep us going!.
Good luck!Www@Youqa@Cn
This is a delicate situation!. Why don't you consult a naturopath!? At least contact your health food store or herb shop and find out who can advise you!. There are many people trained in holistic medicine who would like to help you switch over to the healthier way of managing your body and mind!. You don't have to remain with allopathic medicine if you don't want to!.
I think part of your new health plan will include detoxifying from the meds already in you!.
Best wishes, things'll be looking up now!Www@Youqa@Cn
I think part of your new health plan will include detoxifying from the meds already in you!.
Best wishes, things'll be looking up now!Www@Youqa@Cn
Yours is a typical situation with pill pushing doctors!. They are trained in medical schools funded by the billion dollar drug companies!. so they are taught to push pills instead of solving the problems or finding the cause for the condition!.
I know this isn't an answer!. But I see you have some excellent ones already!.Www@Youqa@Cn
I know this isn't an answer!. But I see you have some excellent ones already!.Www@Youqa@Cn
Congratulations on taking charge of your own health! You have no idea how many people would just keep letting the doctors pile on more prescriptions to deal with problems caused by the prescriptions!
Chances are you don't need something for all of the symptoms you listed, as most of them were probably caused by one of the other prescription medications!.
Rather than replace the pharmaceuticals, ease off of them while detoxing your liver, and then treat the symptoms as they occur!.
For detox, eat raw fresh fruits, vegetables, juices, nuts and seeds and drink lots of filtered water!. Nothing processed, no chemicals!. One week is good!. Two weeks is ideal!.
The number one holistic treatment for all of your ailments is strenuous exercise!. Run!. If you can't run, walk!. Lift weights!. Find a class in Ashtanga Yoga!.
When you are no longer taking the prescriptions:
Valerian and Chamomile are good for insomnia; B-12, Choline and St!. John's Wort are good for depression; and Bach's Rescue Remedy helps with the rest!.
Good luck!Www@Youqa@Cn
Chances are you don't need something for all of the symptoms you listed, as most of them were probably caused by one of the other prescription medications!.
Rather than replace the pharmaceuticals, ease off of them while detoxing your liver, and then treat the symptoms as they occur!.
For detox, eat raw fresh fruits, vegetables, juices, nuts and seeds and drink lots of filtered water!. Nothing processed, no chemicals!. One week is good!. Two weeks is ideal!.
The number one holistic treatment for all of your ailments is strenuous exercise!. Run!. If you can't run, walk!. Lift weights!. Find a class in Ashtanga Yoga!.
When you are no longer taking the prescriptions:
Valerian and Chamomile are good for insomnia; B-12, Choline and St!. John's Wort are good for depression; and Bach's Rescue Remedy helps with the rest!.
Good luck!Www@Youqa@Cn
I think your situation is too delicate for me to offer any specific treatment advice, but I will generalize:
First, inform your MD or Psychiatrist about your intentions, as you will want them to monitor your progress!. If they don't respect your decision, find a different doctor!.
Then, AFTER your doc is on board, begin looking into alternatives!. I personally favor TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), but there are many other modalities out there, as well as basic lifestyle changes that could help you!. Someone suggested a Naturopathic Physician--this is also a good choice!. Ideally, your natural/alternative provider and your CWM (Conventional Western Medicine) Doctor should be in communication to avoid potentially harmful or contradictory advice!.
Above all, DO NOT stop taking your meds cold turkey!. Many of them could have serious rebound effects if stopped suddenly--so you'll need to be slowly weaned!.
Be honest with yourself!. If you're feeling better with the alternatives, that's good!. But don't try to convince yourself that they're working just because you want them to!. Communicate with your alternative provider honestly so he/she can properly adjust your treatment(s) and advise you!.
Best of luck! I have been using herbal treatments for Depression for a while now and I'm quite happy with the results!.Www@Youqa@Cn
First, inform your MD or Psychiatrist about your intentions, as you will want them to monitor your progress!. If they don't respect your decision, find a different doctor!.
Then, AFTER your doc is on board, begin looking into alternatives!. I personally favor TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine), but there are many other modalities out there, as well as basic lifestyle changes that could help you!. Someone suggested a Naturopathic Physician--this is also a good choice!. Ideally, your natural/alternative provider and your CWM (Conventional Western Medicine) Doctor should be in communication to avoid potentially harmful or contradictory advice!.
Above all, DO NOT stop taking your meds cold turkey!. Many of them could have serious rebound effects if stopped suddenly--so you'll need to be slowly weaned!.
Be honest with yourself!. If you're feeling better with the alternatives, that's good!. But don't try to convince yourself that they're working just because you want them to!. Communicate with your alternative provider honestly so he/she can properly adjust your treatment(s) and advise you!.
Best of luck! I have been using herbal treatments for Depression for a while now and I'm quite happy with the results!.Www@Youqa@Cn