|
Buy Zithromax for treating bacterial infections, skin infections, sexually transmitted infectious diseases, urethritis. medicstar.com Buy Propecia Propecia is used to treat hair loss. Propecia is not addictive. www-medic.com Buy Brand Viagra Viagra is applied for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men. Buy Viagra Super Force Buy Amoxicillin one of the best antibiotic. Amoxicillin used to treat infections caused by certain bacteria. medicstar.com ![]() |
|
Depression is a state of mind familiar to almost everyone, but this very familiarity becomes problematic when approaching clinical depressive states. In ordinary usage the word refers to a mood state that in medicine is called dysthemia, as contrasted with the normal state of euthymia and the opposite state of elation. In psychiatric usage, disorders of mood are called affective disorders; depression can be such a disease in itself or a symptom of another mental disorder. Normal human responses to some situations may also include transient depressions.
This contrasts with the usually more severe depressions without apparent cause called endogenous depressions, or those accompanied by delusions. Melancholia, a term once used to describe all depressive states, is now applied only to these most severe forms of depression. As we are dealing with human beings, thank God, such distinctions are not clear-cut. Two major classes of antidepressant drugs are commonly used: the tricyclic drugs, employed since the early 1960’s, and the monoamine oxidase inhibitors (M.O.A.I.’s). The herbalist should be familiar with these widely prescribed drugs as they impact the prognosis. Both groups seem to block or reduce the effect of herbal nervines and anti-depressants. This is concluded from my clinical experience but has no statistics to back it up [David L. Hoffmann*]. The tricyclic’s are considered effective in about 75% of depressed patients. Their exact mechanism of action is unknown, but it is believed to involve their effect on the disposition of norepinephrine or serotonin in the brain. These drugs are not stimulants—in fact they often cause sleepiness—and their effects may not be apparent until two or three weeks after the start of treatment. Sleep disorders may then diminish, and a lightening of mood becomes apparent, but continued treatment is needed for six to nine months before use of the drugs ceases. The monamine oxidase inhibitors, prevent the formation of monamine oxidase, an enzyme that breaks down amines (catecholamines and indolethylamines) in the brain and intestinal tract. Their effectiveness is attributed to normalizing (raising) the amount of amine in the brain. Because the enzyme ordinarily breaks down food amines that would otherwise raise blood pressure, the body is no longer protected from this effect when the M.O.A.I.’s are used. Patients who are given them must control their diets with extreme care, otherwise they run the risk of severe headaches, hypertensive crises and even death. Because the drugs can also interact with other chemical drugs to cause increases in blood pressure, physicians prescribing them should provide instructions to patients about the necessary precautions. A partial list of things to avoid includes: Foods that are rich in tyrosine: alcohol, especially red wine, cheese, meat, yeast extracts, herring, broad beans, OTC nasal decongestants containing phenylephrine or phenylpropanolamine Actions indicated for the processes behind this condition: Nervine Tonics are fundamental to any long-term change in the individuals ability to cope with their lives and transform that which must be changed. Nervine Relaxants may be called for in the short term, or if the depression has an agitated and hyperactive aspect to it. They should not be the stronger herbs as this might trigger a more entrenched depression. Nervines Stimulants might help, but not predictively. If the therapist concludes that stimulation is appropriate it is better to use the bitter metabolic stimulants. Bitters will often bring about dramatic changes in the patients experience of themselves and their lives. This highlights the need for holistic perspectives in such conditions. Anti-spasmodics will alleviate any muscular tension that might manifest as a body expression of the psychological depression. Care should be taken not to use the stronger relaxants. (See above) Adaptogens help the adrenals in the stress that the whole body is going through. Hepatics etc. indicated to support the liver’s de-toxification work, especially if the patient has been using prescription psycho-pharmaceuticals. System support: The nervous system has to be the focus for toning, but the focal point for associated symptoms might be a clue that more deep seated issues are starting to manifest. A common site for attention is the liver and the digestive system in general. **Some natural substances that may help in the treatment of depression are::
BEE POLLEN Fights depression; has Sedative tranquilizing effect. CALCIUM Antianxiety, antidepressant. CATNIP Calming, insomnia. CELERY Calming. Reduces anxiety, stress.
CHAMOMILE Calming
CHOLINE Antimanic properties. COPPER Schizophrenic patients often have excess copper levels. Histadelia patients have a deficiency.
COQ10 Used in treating mental disorders such as schizophrenia.
DHEA Creates feelings of well being, fights depression, elevates moods, relaxes. FLAXSEED Deficiency of Omega 3 oil can cause mental illness. FOLIC ACID Deficiency can cause depression.
GAMMA-AMINOBUTYRIC ACID An effective tranquilizer (750 mg) without the side effects of drugs. Combined with niacinamide and INOSITOL prevents and reduces anxiety.
GARLIC Antidepressant, antianxiety, antipsychotic qualities.
GINKGO BILOBA Reduces anxiety and depression.
GINSENG (Panax): Has some anti-psychotic effects.
GOTU KOLA Reduces depression.
HAWTHORN Mild antidepressant.
HOPS Sedative anti-anxiety; decreases desire for alcohol.
KOMBUCHA Increases mental activity.
L-ASPARAGINE Prevents excess emotional activity, balances emotions.
L-GLUTAMIC ACID Helps correct some personality disorders, calming. Used in treating alcoholism, schizophrenia and craving for sugar.
L-GLUTAMINE Helpful in treatment of schizophrenia and mental retardation.
L-GLYCINE Used in treatment of bipolar depression.
L-PHENYLALANINE Increases sexual appetite.
L-TRYPTOPHAN Stabilizes mood, stress reducing, anti depressant, helps cocaine addiction; treats mania and aggressive behavior.
L-TYROSINE Important in treating anxiety and depression, elevates moods.
L-VALINE Deficiency can cause nervousness, insomnia. Calms the emotions
LINDEN Reduces anxiety. MAGNESIUM Reduces anxiety.
MANGANESE Schizophrenics have low levels. OATS Aids in withdrawal from nicotine and drugs.
PASSION FLOWER Anti-anxiety, nervine
PEPPERMINT antidepressant. POTASSIUM Antidepressant.
ROSEMARY Helps with tension, depression.
ROYAL JELLY Relieves depression, anxiety.
SAGE Antidepressant properties.
ST. JOHN'S WORT Helps depression, anxiety, calming effect.
SELENIUM Lessens anxiety and depression.
SKULLCAP Helps with drug addiction.
L-TAURINE Reduces anxiety.
THYME Antidepressant properties.
VALERIAN Reduces anxiety, anti-aggressive tendencies. VITAMIN B1 Relieves depression, irritability; calms nerves. VITAMIN B2 Decreases depression. VITAMIN B3 (Niacin): Relieves depression and anxiety; has been used to treat certain psychoses.
VITAMIN B5 Treats/prevents depression and anxiety.
VITAMIN B1 Deficiency has been linked to severe mental illness. VITAMIN C Deficiency can cause depression. [exerpts from The Herbalist CD-ROM and Natural Health Encyclopaedia CD-ROM both published by Hopkins Technology, LLC.] The Herbalist CD-ROM The Herbalist (Kindle) Natural Health Encyclopaedia CD-ROM Natural Health Encyclopaedia (Kindle) * The essence of the accumulated knowledge on medicinal plants is practiced in Europe under the name of Phytotherapy. David L. Hoffmann, a leading authority on Phytotherapy, is a clinical herbalist from Britain where he was a member of the National Institute of Medical Herbalists and faculty member of the School of Herbal Medicine. He was the inaugural president of the American Herbalist Guild and has taught Phytotherapy throughout the English speaking world. David brings hands-on experience to his wealth of detailed knowledge and practice of Herbal Medicine. As a teacher, author and herbal consultant in North America, he blends the experience of generations of herbalists with the insights of modern medicine, making accessible the powerful healing tool for today's healthy living. David is the author of The Herbalist CD-ROM. ** Dia Spriggs, author of Natural Health Encyclopaedia CD-ROM, was born and still lives in Miami, Fl. with her 11 cats, 3 dogs, and assorted birds. She has always been involved with nature with an accent on growing plants, animal rehabilitation, and writing magazine articles about same. It was her involvement with animal rehabilitation that first interested her in natural remedies to try to alleviate some of the pain and suffering of these creatures. She started a local BBS (bulletin board system) called The Source, that gave a lot of information about the health and welfare of animals. Then the BBS combined sections for humans in the form of health and natural healing. Dia started an international echo called ALTMED that shares alternative health information throughout the U.S., Europe, and Australia.
|
|
Buy Zithromax for treating bacterial infections, skin infections, sexually transmitted infectious diseases, urethritis. medicstar.com Buy Propecia Propecia is used to treat hair loss. Propecia is not addictive. www-medic.com Buy Brand Viagra Viagra is applied for the treatment of erectile dysfunction in men. Buy Viagra Super Force Buy Amoxicillin one of the best antibiotic. Amoxicillin used to treat infections caused by certain bacteria. medicstar.com ![]() |