st john’s wort

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Getting rid of depression. Some natural lifestyle changes to help get rid of depression.


As anyone who has ever suffered from depression will tell you recovery can take a long time.   We

https://patienttalk.org/?p=874

https://patienttalk.org/?p=874

thought we would share a few ideas for tackling depression that do not involve medications.

It is worth mentioning that it is always a good idea to map out a journey from depression with a healthcare professional.   It is worth noting that the ideas below are complimentary rather than an alternative to more conventional treatments such as medication or counselling.

1)      Exercise.  As you may know exercise releases endorphins in the body which in turn makes you feel better.  Maybe try swimming or just go for a run.

2)      Get organised.  A regular routine can help you break out of some of the listlessness which can be caused by depression

3)      Diet.  Yes really.  Fish is particular recommended especially ones high in omega 3 oils such as salmon.  https://patienttalk.org/?p=917.  You feel better after a salad than a burger!

4)      Get outside.  Not just for exercise.  Regular exposure to sunlight means raised Vitamin D levels which helps improve your mood.  You can read up on it here https://patienttalk.org/?p=300

5)      Improve your sleep patterns.  Get eight hours plus a night can really help your mood.  Maybe go to bed a few hours earlier or even try a restful camomile tea.

These are just a few simple ideas.  Can you add to them?

It would be great if you could use the comments box below to add your thoughts and ideas as to lifestyle changes which can help beat the blues!

PS  You may find our previous blog on St John’s Wort of interest https://patienttalk.org/?p=874


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St John’s Wort! A natural treatment for depression?


Natural antidepressant?

Natural antidepressant?

I first came across St John’s Wort, maybe fifteen years ago during a discussion with an old friend who suffers from chronic depression.  He mentioned that he had tried it some years previously and that, sadly, it had not worked for him.

I would always think about this conversation whenever I spotted St John’s Wort in a shop. This actually was quite often. It was some time later that I found out that St John’s Wort is often prescribed in Germany for depression.  So, in fact, there might be something in it!

The objective of this blog is to find out if any of our readers have used it and how effective it has been for you.

The current research suggests that may work for mild but not moderate or severe depression.  However the jury is out on this one.  But more interestingly it seems that side effects are much lower than with standard anti-depressants.

Okay this is where you guys come in.  It would be great if you could share your experiences with St John’s Wort in the comments box below.  Have you tried it?  How well did it work?  Would you recommend St John’s Wort to others?

IMPORTANT NOTE. If you are considering taking St John’s Wort it is vital that you consult your Doctor before doing so. The reason for this is that there are a number of other commonly used medications which when taken with St John’s Wort can cause serious adverse reactions.

By the way I am intrigued about the provenance of the word “wort”.  According to a fascinating article in the Natchez Naturalist Newsletter by Jim Conrad he explains that ““Wort” derives from the Old English “wyrt,” which simply meant “plant.” The word goes back even further, to the common ancestor of English and German, to the Germanic “wurtiz.” By the way, “wurtiz” evolved into the modern German word “Wurzel,” meaning “root.” “ You can read the full article here http://www.backyardnature.net/n/03/031221.htm.  If any of you know any more about the origin of the word d I’d love to hear more – so again please add anything you know in the comment box below.