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Ask the Herbalist_questions on emotional issues
DEPRESSION
QUESTION: I have diagnosed hypoglycemia. It is under complete control with diet and I suffer no symptoms. I have
been diagnosed with depression. Suffering from depression, fatigue,
confusion and fuzzy thinking. I was put on prozac 2 weeks ago only to have
my hypoglycemia symptoms return. I also suffer with abdominal pain on the right side, under my ribs just
over my hip. This is accompanied by dry patchy skin, mouth blisters, crusty
eyes, diarhea and/or constipation (very mucousy), low fever and joint pain.
It can last 12 hrs to 2 weeks at a time. I do not have panic attacks or
anxiety. I have been tested for every conceivable blood disorder.
Hepatitis, Iron or vitamin deficiency, liver function, thyroid, even HIV and
syphilis. All came back negative. Can you at least recommend something for the depression?
ANSWER: Here are some herbs which have been used effectively for depression.
Black Cohosh, Latin Named: Cimicifuga racemosa is a great herb connecting female reproductive issues and nervous
system issues, I would look at this herb as a good choice if these two issues are related with your issues, such as
depression associate with PMS, menses or menopause. Modern day testing of this herb has demonstrated few side
effects produced with long-term use. One side effect which it has been known to cause, is upset stomach, so take
with food if this concerns you. Some say it can take 4-6 weeks for Black Cohosh to show its full benefits so take it for
that long before determining its effect on you. I would suggest a fresh or freshly dry root alcohol based extract.
St John's Wort, Latin Named: Hypericum perforatum has been well known recently as the antidepressant herb.
Today's scientific testing proves its abilities to fight mild to moderate depression and seasonal affected disorder (SAD)
and what used to be called melancholy. It mixes well with Lemon Balm. Full effects are seen in 4-6 weeks, give it this
long to work. A fresh or freshly dried flowering tops herb extract is best, I would avoid a standardized extract and use
a whole plant alcohol based extract.
Lemon Balm, Latin Named: Melissa officinalis is a gentle herb found in most gardens or in the wild. This herb is a
mood elevator used for mild depression caused by SAD or to get one out of the blues. It is excellent in combination
with St John's Wort. This herb can be taken as a tea or an alcohol based extract from the fresh or fresh dried herb.
Lemon Balm tea is easy to make and good tasting. Oral usage of Melissa is on the FDA's GRAS (generally
recognized as safe) list. There are no known drug interactions.
Rosemary, Latin Named: Rosmarinus officinalis is another great herb for depression and mood lifting, it helps pickup
the mind and is also good for memory, foggy thinking. It is also a great antioxidant and good carminative calming
digestive issues. Rosemary can be taken fresh or dry as a tea or an alcohol based extract.
You may want to start with Lemon Balm or a combo of Lemon Balm and St John's Wort.
If you cannot find your herbs locally we mailorder everyday all over the USA, please call.
Stress may be a issue which connects all the signs and symptoms you describe above, an alcohol based extract of
fresh oat tops, Latin Name: Avena sativa might be appropriate for you in combination with an Adaptogen herb such as
Siberian Ginseng.
A great digestive and GI system tonic is an Ayruveda herb combination called Triphala. See my other answers online
for more information on Triphala.
STRESS
QUESTION: I have a question relating to relaxation. I have a tendency to be extremely tense (physically) and thus,
my shoulders, neck and back are constantly knotted and tense creating pain. I've also been in a few car accidents, so
that may be where some of the pain comes from. At any rate, is there any herbal remedy for being tense, to relax you
emotionally and physically? Something that is safe to take long term and can be taken with whatever it is you
prescribe for my earlier question of energy levels as well as having 0 or few side effects?
ANSWER: I would try a simple cup of Chamomile tea, also spelled camomile by some, look for Latin Name: German
Chamomile (Matricaria recutita), Roman Chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile).
The act of making the tea and slowly drinking it will help you calm down and relax. It usually calms people down 1 - 2
notches it is a great tea to take when a meeting at work upsets you, the boss throws more work at you than you think
you can handle or the house and family stress overwhelm you. In addition Chamomile is a very mild relaxing herb and
has little or no side effects or reports problems.
Chamomile tea can be made by pouring boiling water over 2 to 3 heaping teaspoons of flowers and steeping for 10
minutes.
Chamomile is listed on the FDA's GRAS (generally recognized as safe) list.
The general safety concerns, side effects and interactions along with hysterical mass media accounts listed against
this herb include.
1. Safety in young children, pregnant or nursing women, or those with liver or kidney disease has not been
established.
2. Chamomile is part of the ragweed family so people allergic to this plant should avoid this plant or use caution.
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