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DepressionMore than just feeling blue, depression is a devastating illness that affects every aspect of a person's life-physical, mental, and emotional. It influences an individual's self-esteem and perception of others, and a person with depression has difficulty performing ordinary daily activities. There are various forms of depression, ranging from mild, long-term melancholy (dysthymia) to alternating moods of elation and despair (bipolar, or manic, depression) to the most serious form, despondency. The last leads to a total inability to function and even to thoughts of suicide. Depression doesn't seem to have a single underlying cause, although experts believe the illness is caused by an imbalance in the brain's production of neurotransmitters, chemical messengers that send signals from one nerve cell to another. A depressive episode can be triggered by the death of a loved one, the loss of a job, a divorce, a life-threatening illness, or another serious difficulty. Stress, reaction to medication (such as beta-blockers), shortage of daylight in winter, over consumption of alcohol, smoking, food allergies, and nutritional deficiencies may also contribute to depression. Dysfunctional ways of coping with anger, guilt, and other emotions may be involved as well. Supplements and herbsEveryone afflicted with the disorder, even those on antidepressants, can benefit from all the vitamins and minerals listed. The herbs and 5-HTP can be added, but should not be combined with antidepressant medications without your doctor's consent. And people using prescription medications should never stop taking them without first talking it over with their doctor. Low levels of the B vitamins and vitamin C have been associated with depression. All aid in the brain's production of neurotransmitters and may enhance the effectiveness of antidepressant medications. Calcium and magnesium have a soothing effect on the nerves and can be particularly helpful when depression interferes with sleep. For mild depression, St. John's wort may be a beneficial and safe alternative to prescription medications, which often have side effects. For people over age 50, ginkgo biloba appears to combat depression better than - and may be used instead of - St. John's wort. A form of the amino acid tryptophan, 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) seems to be effective at improving mood. It can be combined with St. John's wort or ginkgo with your doctor's consent. Kava can be used alone, or with St. John's wort, ginkgo, or 5-HTP if you're depressed and anxious. 5-HTP, is under review in the U.S. because of adverse reactions. It is not clear whether this is due to one contaminated batch. Light Tea for Depression
The Chinese regard depression as resulting from energy blocks (stagnant qi) that affect the spirit. Common causes are anemia due to worry and anxiety, groundless suspicions, sleeplessness and irritability. Against all this, light tea can be effective, if taken along with other therapies. Bring all ingredients to a quick boil, simmer for 20 minutes to reduce the volume to about half, and sip slowly while still warm. Using the same method, add more water in the evening and prepare the same tea. Discard the ingredients. The Chinese tonic Bei Qi Nao Zao Jiu supports the action of light tea. Take 2 teaspoons every morning and afternoon for 3 months. This is the most effective way to treat depression with herbs. Anyone suffering from frequent depression must consult a physician. The herbal therapies suggested here can support medical treatment, but they cannot replace it. Chinese medicine too has very effective therapies against depression. HomeopathyOne dose of a 30th daily is ideal for self-medication, monitoring results.
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