Alternative to St. John's Wort?

[rhitamoon5]

Hi, short time lurking, first time writing

Comments

[leatherfemme]

I had much better luck with 5-HTP (combine with B vitamins and Omega-3 for best effectiveness) as far as supplements are concerned.

Do your research on dosage, etc. and make sure you go for a quality version from a known, reputable source (in other words not the Wal-mart generic version).

Here's one article to get you started:
http://www.thebetterhealthstore.com/newsletter/012910_top-5-anti-depression_04.html

Also, I've had really good results from establishing a regular meditation practice.

Best of luck finding what works for you - everyone is different and will respond differently to all the various options.

[rhitamoon5]

Thank you. The article was fascinating.

[anonymissity]

Yeah, without B6, the 5-HTP doesn't do much.

[whyelaborate]

Rhodiola and Holy Basil leaf have been life changing for me in terms of anxiety. Within a few days of taking them I started sleeping again, anxiety has basically vanished.

Not long ago I felt depression threatening so I started taking a 'Good Mood tonic' tincture containing St. Johns Wort, Ashwaganda, Skullcap and Prickly Ash and my depression dramatically worsened. This could very well be just because the sun hasn't been out in two weeks, I've had good results with these herbs individually before (other than prickly ash, which I've never taken) but I stopped taking the tincture just in case it was making things worse, results pending.

Good luck! I feel for you in your search.

[rhitamoon5]

Thank you so much for the advice.

[thewarmestblue]

some other herbs you could consider would be passionflower, skullcap, valerian, and kava kava.
if you could meet with a naturopath, that would be beneficial. some herbs can be combined, but not every herb. also, just because it's an herb doesn't mean there can't be side effects, so be careful, do research, and listen to your body.
if there is a community acupuncture available in your area, i'd recommend trying that as well. community acupunctures are often pretty affordable.
my last suggestion would be exercise. sometimes nervous energies can be worked out by tiring out the physical body.

[rhitamoon5]

Thank you for all the suggestions

[anonymissity]

Maybe strenuous physical activity isn't what you need, but have you considered a possible alternative? Maybe something more along the lines of yoga as a physical (and perhaps spiritual) activity could be more beneficial.

[_orz]

Vitamins (multivitamin, fish oil, B12, B6, and calcium, in my case) and exercise both decrease the severity of my depression and anxiety. It's not gone entirely, but they make living with it much more manageable.

[rhitamoon5]

Thank you for the suggestion. I don't think more PT is the answer for me. I explained in more detail about that in another comment.

[leeneh]

Valeriana works really well for me against anxiety. I can also recommend walking a dog for the excercise and vitamin D. The company of a dog will make you feel less exposed and vulnerable when you go out. Try borrowing one if you don't have one yourself (from a friend, a relative, a neighbour, a shelter - there are many places you can look). I take mine for 20-30 minutes three to five times a day. ETA: But once or twice a week for starters is great.

I hope you find a solution that doesn't mess with your allergy medicine.

[rhitamoon5]

I can't walk a dog. I'm afraid of dogs. I do walk my cat, though. Maybe I'll start doing that more often.