What natural supplement can I use for anxiety and depression?

Answer 1

Some people have had good results from St. John's Wort. See the link below the ads for more on that.

The trouble with medication for depression is that depression has many causes. Our brains are bathed in hundreds of chemicals and enzymes, which must all work together properly. Different psych medications alter different characteristics of our neuro-chemistry, but in truth it is a hit-or-miss practice a good deal of the time.

If one medication is not successful, try another. Depression is not only a debilitating condition, it can also be life-threatening, and it usually becomes worse over time if untreated. You need the guidance of a Doctor Who treats emotional problems, not just your family physician. They rarely have the proper training.

A final word about "natural" remedies. Much of the concept is blown out of proportion. What is more "natural," an uncontrolled extract of some plant that may or may not have a pharmacological purpose -- touted by non-medical people -- or a medication that has been extensively tested by experts and proven by widespread use? Use your head, and don't be swayed by "natural" anything. Remember that the people in the health food stores mean well, but they are not experts.

One of the main causes of depression these days is homocysteine, according to the LEF (Life Extension Foundation). You can download a paper from their web site about how to reduce homocysteine, but the main thing you want to take to lower homocysteine is folic acid. Unfortunately, folic acid is poorly metabolized by the body. In my journey to conquer my own depression I first took regular folic acid and experienced an inconsistent but noticeable improvment. This told me I was on to something, especially after my research told me that folic acid reduced homocysteine but the body had a hard time using it. So... I searched for a superior form of folic acid. And I found MegaFolinic (Source Naturals) which eliminated two steps of the four-step metabolic conversion. This was a noticeable improvement over the regular folic acid I had been taking, but I could tell I needed something even better. The effect was noticeable and gave me hope, but it still wasn't enough. Then, thank goodness, I found the "real deal" form of folic acid, called L-Methylfolate or 5-MTHF. This is the form of folic acid actually used by the body, and needs no conversion at all! When it first came out though (a couple years ago) it was a "medical food" prescription item, and required a prescription. It was called Deplin. I strongly suggest you read everything on their web site (I don't know if I am allowed to post links here). The information there explained that 5-MTHF is seven times more bioavailable than regular folic acid. I knew immediately that that's what I needed. Problem was, it was expensive. And required a prescription, despite being only a vitamin (folic acid). Well... a couple years passed and I was browsing LEF's web site and discovered that they were now selling it (L-Methylfolate)!!! I was so excited. I immediately ordered two bottles and started taking it. The effect was immediate and very noticeable. I guess they downgraded it (the FDA) from prescription to supplement status. I am now taking it and it has completely eliminated my depression. Consistently.

Any time you take B vitamins (folic acid is a B vitamin) you want to take all the B vitamins with it. So a B complex is good. Also, you need to take a good mineral supplement too. I buy and take the Emergen-C packets and mix them in a glass of water.

TMG and zinc are also important. TMG reduces homocysteine along a different pathway. You have to take enough of it though. And also, be careful not to take too much L-Methylfolate. Consult with your health practitioner. Remember, it is the pure form of folic acid, so it is more "powerful". You can overdo anything, right? Anyway, this was the answer to my depression. There are other things I plan on doing to improve my mood even more, like reducing my estrogen dominance (I'm a man). And there is a really good supplement out of Canada called EMPowerPlus too. Check that out too, on YouTube.

Godspeed.

Answer 2

There are lots of natural supplements that work for anxiety & depression. To name a few: Ashwaganda, Passion Flower, Fennel (believe it or not), Kava Kava, L-Theanine, 5-HTP, Valerian, Rhodiola Rosea, and L-Tryptophan. A combination of some of these herbs is recommended.

Answer 3

St. John's Wort is probably the most popular supplementused to relieve Depression. It is most effective in mild and possibly some moderate cases but has not shown effective in more severe cases such as Bipolar disorder. There are some side effects so you should consult with a doctor or pharmacists before taking St. John's Wort.

Answer 4

There have actually been recent studies done claiming that there are some Vitamins and Supplements that can help people who have depression. www.herbalremedies.com/���depression-supplements.html

Answer 5

Seretin is a natural depression medicine that relieves mild depression. Other depression medicines are abilify, celexa, cymbalta, paxil, Lexapro, and elavil.