AlphaTroll
New Member
I was going to post this in the shoutbox, but it just became too long, hope you don't mind that I'm making it a thread instead.
As far as I know St John's could only affect the heart badly if you have undergone heart surgery or a transplant as it might cause a rejection of the new heart or if you are taking medication for a heart condition.
Cam, St John's should not be taken if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and it may also cause a sensitivity to sunlight and minor weight loss. Obviously when you start taking any sort of medication, be it pharmacuetical or natural you need to consult with a doctor first because there are many factors to take into account such as blood pressure, allergies or even sensitivity to certain products.
Also, it may not be depression as we generally define it, but could be SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) or any number of mood altering problems, which is also why it is important to see a professional before starting any treatment because it is IMO better to treat the cause than the effect in the long run.
But even without the use of pills (or before & during treatment) you can try a few of the following:
Aromatherapy treatment that you can do at home, just add a few drops to your bathwater or make in inhalation blend or massage treatment.
Oils like Bergamot, Cypress, Lemongrass, Rosemary & Sage are said to have an uplifting effect and Chamomile, Geranium, Jasmine, Lavender, Marjoram, Neroli, Patchouli, Rose, Sandalwood & Ylang Ylang have a soothing effect.
The oils aren't a cure, but may help with fighting mental fatigue, improving sleep. They are usually used as a complimentary treatment.
Inhalation blend for mild depression
4 parts Clary sage essential oil
4 parts Ylang ylang essential oil
3parts Geranium essential oil
2 parts Basil essential oil
1 part Sandalwood essential oil
Mix the above essential oils in an amber glass bottle, Label. Use three to four times daily.
Essential Oil Blend for Depression
Basil
Clary sage
Jasmine
Rose
German chamomile (matricaria recutita)
Mix the oil together. Place it in a bowl of steaming water (2 or 3 drops), or in a bath (5 or 6 drops ), or on the edge of your pillow (1 or 2 drops).
Aromatic Bath for the Blues
For mild bouts of depression
1/4 cup Honey (or almond, canola, soy and safflower)
3 drops Lavender essential oil
3 drops Ylang ylang essential oil
2 drops Basil essential oil
2 drops Geranium essential oil
1 drop Grapefruit essential oil
Mix the essential oils in the honey. Fill the bath tub with warm water and then add the aromatic honey mixture. Stir well using your hands. Soak for 20 to 30 minutes.
Aromatherapy Massage
An aromatherapy massage is one of the best ways you can treat yourself It is pampering and nurturing, in addition to very satisfying. Massage and aromatherapy go hand in hand in treating nervous system ailments such as depression.
Elation Formulation
A concentrated massage oil for mild depression
2 tblsp. sweet almond oil (or vegetable oil)
1 tsp. Wheat germ oil
8 drops Lavender essential oil
8 drops Ylang ylang essential oil
2 drops Basil essential oil
2 drops Geranium essential oil
2 drops Bergamot essential oil
Collect the essential oils in an amber glass bottle. Add the sweet almond oil and wheat germ oil. Shake gently and mix well.
Apply a small amount onto the back of the hands and chest area. Inhale the essences from your hands after application to the skin. Apply two or three times daily.
Meditation & breathing exercises could also help in calming your mind, body & spirit. When you are feeling tense and your mood is low, your breathing probably will be very shallow and constricted. Shallow breathing can invoke an emotional imbalance. Shallow breathing causes an inadequate supply of oxygen in the blood. This can be corrected by two methods.
Exercise 1: To become aware of your breathing pattern
1. Lie on the floor in a corpse pose as described in yoga with your legs straight and slightly apart, your arms at your sides and not touching your body, palms up, and eyes closed.
2. Focus your attention on your breathing.
3. Place your hand on your body where it rises and falls. If this spot is on your chest, your breathing is too shallow and you're not fully using your lungs.
4. Place your hands on your abdomen and feel how it rises and falls. Does your chest move with your abdomen? If not, focus on allowing them to rise and fall together.
5. Concentrate on breathing deeply through your nose, filling your entire lungs so that your chest and abdomen rise and fall with each breath.
6. As you breathe, check your body for tension. If you discover any part of your body under tension, concentrate on those tight or rigid muscles and let the tension flow away.
By practicing this exercise, you will become more aware of your breathing patterns and habits. Once you feel acquainted and in touch with your breathing, do exercise 2 below to learn to deepen your breathing.
Exercise 2: To deepen your breathing
1. Lie down on the floor with your knees bent and feet apart. Your back should be flat on the floor.
2. Mentally examine each part of your body. Is there any tension in any part of your body? If yes, let it flow away.
3. Rest one hand on your stomach and the other hand on your chest.
4. Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose, taking the breath into your stomach so that your hand feels it rise. Your chest should move slightly along with your abdomen.
5. Practice step 4 until it feels comfortable to be breathing air into your abdomen. Once you achieve this comfort, inhale deeply and then blow the air out gently through your mouth.
6. Deep-breathe for five to ten minutes once or twice each day.
After you have become comfortable with this technique, you can practice the exercise for up to twenty minutes at a time, whenever you feel the need to relax and focus your energy.
Exercise 3 A simple exercise to combat depression
A simple, effective technique for combating mild depression is to increase the depth of your breathing. Close your eyes and focus your full attention on breathing deeply. This relaxes your body and will open your mind to experience positive thoughts and creative images. If you increase the depth of your breath so that you are taking no more than four breaths a minute, within five minutes this exercise will change the way you feel. Try it.
Exercise 4: Exercise to let go of your depression and feel energized.
This exercise lets you to get rid of your depression and feel energized.
1. Sit on a chair with your back straight and feet flat on the floor.
2. Reach straight up with both hands.
3. Inhale deeply. Hold your breath and while holding your breath, squeeze your fists so that the muscles in your arms tighten.
4. Exhale slowly. Keeping your arms tense, lower your fists to your chest, as if you're pulling down on rubber bands.
5. Repeat steps 2 and 3 a few times.
6. On the final repetition, cross your arms over your chest. Rest your fingers on the upper outside spots of your chest, with your wrists crossed in the middle.
7. Drop your chin to your chest.
8. Inhale four short breaths without exhaling.
9. Hold your breath.
10. Exhale slowly through your mouth.
Repeat steps 8-10 for a few minutes, concentrating on the rhythm of your breath.
Believe it or not light also has a great effect on our moods - especially the daily availability of sunlight. I think the usual way of light treatment is to shine the light directly into the eye so that it reaches the pinneal gland. Obviously I don't think this should be done at home, but if & when possible you should be out in the sun - exposure can help relieve winter blues and treat other forms of depression; minimize jet lag; shorten abnormally long menstrual cycles and treat psoriasis, eating disorders and some forms of insomnia. It can possibly even help relieve some symptoms of lupus-a serious disease involving the immune system.
The colours with which we surround ourselves also have an influence on our moods - our preferences for certain colours are probably in large due to the way the colour makes us feel. Certain colours have a calming effect on us - such as blues, indigos, violet & greens while vibrant colours like red, orange & yellow have an uplifting effect (as long as you don't ovedrdo it on the colours - it may start irritating you - as always balance is very imprtant).
Cam, in your case it may be a good idea to have some time just for yourself, we all need it at some stage. Try & organise a weekend (or if you can't at least an evening) that you can spend on you. Try the breathing exercises, have a nice warm bath with a few of the arometherapy oils - put a few scented candles around the bath - well use candles all around the house instead of the harsh electric lights. Play some calming music, pamper yourself with a foot massage (it's amazing what touch can do to help your mind & body), manicure, pedicure, facial and so on. Have a good meal (diet also influences stress levels and depression), but try not to have any alcohol or sugars - these only act as temporary mood enhancers but have a negative effect actually. Also avoid caffeine - especially if you have it with sugar, the combination of the two is bad for you & studies have shown that caffeine acts as a depressant (though it does give that instant lift it really isn't good for you).
Eat fresh green vegetables, some fresh fruits, whole cereals and beans well cooked, unroasted seeds, seed sprouts, and soy protein, to supply whole protein to the body. Avoid any processed food, artificial colors, stimulant food, canned foods, smoking, dairy products, meats, eggs, and fish.
Try using tofu or seafood as a protein instead of meat.
A proper, balanced diet could also address any vitamin deficiencies that are also associated with mood disorders (what a shitty word - rather a mood problem) - especially B-vitamins are important for instance a lack of Thiamin (B1) is associated with Korsakoff's psychosis, mental depression, apathy, anxiety, irritability and a lack of Riboflavin (B2) is associated with depression, irritability. A lack of Niacin (B3) in your diet is associated ith apathy, anxiety, depression, hyperirritability, mania, memory deficits, delirium, organic dementia, emotional lability and if you don't not have enough Pyridoxine (B6) depression, irritability, sensitivity to sound could be evident while a shortage of Vitamin B 12 might lead to psychotic states, depression, irritability, confusion, memory loss, hallucinations, delusions, paranoia.
Vitamin C is also important to avoid lassitude, hypochondriasis, depression and hysteria.
But as I've said before - before you start any kind of therapy that include taking pills or supplements of any kind, consult a doctor or healer because it's best to have the problem properly diagnosed before attempting to cure it.
Anyway, I have rambled on for too long now - hope you do feel better soon though hun
Leslie from the Shoutbox said:
As far as I know St John's could only affect the heart badly if you have undergone heart surgery or a transplant as it might cause a rejection of the new heart or if you are taking medication for a heart condition.
Cam, St John's should not be taken if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and it may also cause a sensitivity to sunlight and minor weight loss. Obviously when you start taking any sort of medication, be it pharmacuetical or natural you need to consult with a doctor first because there are many factors to take into account such as blood pressure, allergies or even sensitivity to certain products.
Also, it may not be depression as we generally define it, but could be SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder) or any number of mood altering problems, which is also why it is important to see a professional before starting any treatment because it is IMO better to treat the cause than the effect in the long run.
But even without the use of pills (or before & during treatment) you can try a few of the following:
Aromatherapy treatment that you can do at home, just add a few drops to your bathwater or make in inhalation blend or massage treatment.
Oils like Bergamot, Cypress, Lemongrass, Rosemary & Sage are said to have an uplifting effect and Chamomile, Geranium, Jasmine, Lavender, Marjoram, Neroli, Patchouli, Rose, Sandalwood & Ylang Ylang have a soothing effect.
The oils aren't a cure, but may help with fighting mental fatigue, improving sleep. They are usually used as a complimentary treatment.
Inhalation blend for mild depression
4 parts Clary sage essential oil
4 parts Ylang ylang essential oil
3parts Geranium essential oil
2 parts Basil essential oil
1 part Sandalwood essential oil
Mix the above essential oils in an amber glass bottle, Label. Use three to four times daily.
Essential Oil Blend for Depression
Basil
Clary sage
Jasmine
Rose
German chamomile (matricaria recutita)
Mix the oil together. Place it in a bowl of steaming water (2 or 3 drops), or in a bath (5 or 6 drops ), or on the edge of your pillow (1 or 2 drops).
Aromatic Bath for the Blues
For mild bouts of depression
1/4 cup Honey (or almond, canola, soy and safflower)
3 drops Lavender essential oil
3 drops Ylang ylang essential oil
2 drops Basil essential oil
2 drops Geranium essential oil
1 drop Grapefruit essential oil
Mix the essential oils in the honey. Fill the bath tub with warm water and then add the aromatic honey mixture. Stir well using your hands. Soak for 20 to 30 minutes.
Aromatherapy Massage
An aromatherapy massage is one of the best ways you can treat yourself It is pampering and nurturing, in addition to very satisfying. Massage and aromatherapy go hand in hand in treating nervous system ailments such as depression.
Elation Formulation
A concentrated massage oil for mild depression
2 tblsp. sweet almond oil (or vegetable oil)
1 tsp. Wheat germ oil
8 drops Lavender essential oil
8 drops Ylang ylang essential oil
2 drops Basil essential oil
2 drops Geranium essential oil
2 drops Bergamot essential oil
Collect the essential oils in an amber glass bottle. Add the sweet almond oil and wheat germ oil. Shake gently and mix well.
Apply a small amount onto the back of the hands and chest area. Inhale the essences from your hands after application to the skin. Apply two or three times daily.
Meditation & breathing exercises could also help in calming your mind, body & spirit. When you are feeling tense and your mood is low, your breathing probably will be very shallow and constricted. Shallow breathing can invoke an emotional imbalance. Shallow breathing causes an inadequate supply of oxygen in the blood. This can be corrected by two methods.
Exercise 1: To become aware of your breathing pattern
1. Lie on the floor in a corpse pose as described in yoga with your legs straight and slightly apart, your arms at your sides and not touching your body, palms up, and eyes closed.
2. Focus your attention on your breathing.
3. Place your hand on your body where it rises and falls. If this spot is on your chest, your breathing is too shallow and you're not fully using your lungs.
4. Place your hands on your abdomen and feel how it rises and falls. Does your chest move with your abdomen? If not, focus on allowing them to rise and fall together.
5. Concentrate on breathing deeply through your nose, filling your entire lungs so that your chest and abdomen rise and fall with each breath.
6. As you breathe, check your body for tension. If you discover any part of your body under tension, concentrate on those tight or rigid muscles and let the tension flow away.
By practicing this exercise, you will become more aware of your breathing patterns and habits. Once you feel acquainted and in touch with your breathing, do exercise 2 below to learn to deepen your breathing.
Exercise 2: To deepen your breathing
1. Lie down on the floor with your knees bent and feet apart. Your back should be flat on the floor.
2. Mentally examine each part of your body. Is there any tension in any part of your body? If yes, let it flow away.
3. Rest one hand on your stomach and the other hand on your chest.
4. Inhale slowly and deeply through your nose, taking the breath into your stomach so that your hand feels it rise. Your chest should move slightly along with your abdomen.
5. Practice step 4 until it feels comfortable to be breathing air into your abdomen. Once you achieve this comfort, inhale deeply and then blow the air out gently through your mouth.
6. Deep-breathe for five to ten minutes once or twice each day.
After you have become comfortable with this technique, you can practice the exercise for up to twenty minutes at a time, whenever you feel the need to relax and focus your energy.
Exercise 3 A simple exercise to combat depression
A simple, effective technique for combating mild depression is to increase the depth of your breathing. Close your eyes and focus your full attention on breathing deeply. This relaxes your body and will open your mind to experience positive thoughts and creative images. If you increase the depth of your breath so that you are taking no more than four breaths a minute, within five minutes this exercise will change the way you feel. Try it.
Exercise 4: Exercise to let go of your depression and feel energized.
This exercise lets you to get rid of your depression and feel energized.
1. Sit on a chair with your back straight and feet flat on the floor.
2. Reach straight up with both hands.
3. Inhale deeply. Hold your breath and while holding your breath, squeeze your fists so that the muscles in your arms tighten.
4. Exhale slowly. Keeping your arms tense, lower your fists to your chest, as if you're pulling down on rubber bands.
5. Repeat steps 2 and 3 a few times.
6. On the final repetition, cross your arms over your chest. Rest your fingers on the upper outside spots of your chest, with your wrists crossed in the middle.
7. Drop your chin to your chest.
8. Inhale four short breaths without exhaling.
9. Hold your breath.
10. Exhale slowly through your mouth.
Repeat steps 8-10 for a few minutes, concentrating on the rhythm of your breath.
Believe it or not light also has a great effect on our moods - especially the daily availability of sunlight. I think the usual way of light treatment is to shine the light directly into the eye so that it reaches the pinneal gland. Obviously I don't think this should be done at home, but if & when possible you should be out in the sun - exposure can help relieve winter blues and treat other forms of depression; minimize jet lag; shorten abnormally long menstrual cycles and treat psoriasis, eating disorders and some forms of insomnia. It can possibly even help relieve some symptoms of lupus-a serious disease involving the immune system.
The colours with which we surround ourselves also have an influence on our moods - our preferences for certain colours are probably in large due to the way the colour makes us feel. Certain colours have a calming effect on us - such as blues, indigos, violet & greens while vibrant colours like red, orange & yellow have an uplifting effect (as long as you don't ovedrdo it on the colours - it may start irritating you - as always balance is very imprtant).
Cam, in your case it may be a good idea to have some time just for yourself, we all need it at some stage. Try & organise a weekend (or if you can't at least an evening) that you can spend on you. Try the breathing exercises, have a nice warm bath with a few of the arometherapy oils - put a few scented candles around the bath - well use candles all around the house instead of the harsh electric lights. Play some calming music, pamper yourself with a foot massage (it's amazing what touch can do to help your mind & body), manicure, pedicure, facial and so on. Have a good meal (diet also influences stress levels and depression), but try not to have any alcohol or sugars - these only act as temporary mood enhancers but have a negative effect actually. Also avoid caffeine - especially if you have it with sugar, the combination of the two is bad for you & studies have shown that caffeine acts as a depressant (though it does give that instant lift it really isn't good for you).
Eat fresh green vegetables, some fresh fruits, whole cereals and beans well cooked, unroasted seeds, seed sprouts, and soy protein, to supply whole protein to the body. Avoid any processed food, artificial colors, stimulant food, canned foods, smoking, dairy products, meats, eggs, and fish.
Try using tofu or seafood as a protein instead of meat.
A proper, balanced diet could also address any vitamin deficiencies that are also associated with mood disorders (what a shitty word - rather a mood problem) - especially B-vitamins are important for instance a lack of Thiamin (B1) is associated with Korsakoff's psychosis, mental depression, apathy, anxiety, irritability and a lack of Riboflavin (B2) is associated with depression, irritability. A lack of Niacin (B3) in your diet is associated ith apathy, anxiety, depression, hyperirritability, mania, memory deficits, delirium, organic dementia, emotional lability and if you don't not have enough Pyridoxine (B6) depression, irritability, sensitivity to sound could be evident while a shortage of Vitamin B 12 might lead to psychotic states, depression, irritability, confusion, memory loss, hallucinations, delusions, paranoia.
Vitamin C is also important to avoid lassitude, hypochondriasis, depression and hysteria.
But as I've said before - before you start any kind of therapy that include taking pills or supplements of any kind, consult a doctor or healer because it's best to have the problem properly diagnosed before attempting to cure it.
Anyway, I have rambled on for too long now - hope you do feel better soon though hun
