Hi Linda
Sorry I did not reply earlier
How did your meeting with the HV go??
Are you now feeling better or have you decided to take Anti D's or go the Alternative way?
If you need support - this forum is always here for youAs to herbal remedies
Have you looked here as all we know about all Alternative therapies I try to collate in this post - click the link:
veritee.proboards7.com/index.cgi?board=meds&action=display&n=1&thread=4396&page=1Of you have not read this post it says about St Johns Wort;
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Well known herbal antidepressant. Taken for many years by many people and known to have few side effects and to be effective.
Here is an extract from a recent Observer article about recent research published in the British Medical Journal about St Johns Worthttp://observer.guardian.co.uk/magazine/story/0,11913,1431251,00.html
‘German researchers have found that the herb St John's wort (hypericum perforatum) is at least as effective as the drug paroxetine in relieving moderate to severe depression. Not only that, but its capacity to induce side-effects was substantially lower than that of the conventional drug.
This is the latest in a mass of evidence which shows St John's wort can put a smile on the faces of those seeking a natural remedy for depression. Several studies have found it to be more effective than placebo (inactive medication) and about as useful as conventional antidepressants. What is noteworthy about the BMJ study is that it suggests that the herb may benefit those with severe depression, too.
Scientists believe that St John's wort's antidepressant action is attributable to two compounds, hypericin and hyperforin. Extracts of the herb potentiate the feel-good brain chemical serotonin in a way reminiscent of the SSRI drugs. It also appears to boost the effect of chemicals that are believed to have an antidepressant action, including noradrenaline and dopamine.
Although generally safe, St John's wort can increase the metabolism, reducing the effectiveness of drugs such as indinavir, cyclosporin, digoxin, warfarin, and the pill. Those who take these drugs should use it under medical supervision. The recommended dose is 300mg of extract, taken three times a day. Benefits are apparent within two to four weeks. Those on conventional antidepressant medication should not reduce this without consulting their doctor. That said, considerable evidence suggests that for those seeking a natural alternative to antidepressants, St John's wort is certainly worth bearing in mind.
and Vitamin Bs
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Bump Up Your Bs
Your brain and body needs B vitamins, especially folic acid. These are rich in green leafy vegetables, beans, nuts and seeds, and other whole foods. Supplement a mood food formula providing at least 100mcg of folic acid, 10mcg of B12, 20mg of B6, 40mg of niacin (B3), together with 100mg of 5-HTP and tyrosine, another important amino acid.
But there are many other things you can try
All the best
Veritee
