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By Jane Smolnik, N.D., C.I.H., Iridologist, Herbalist
Disclaimer: The following information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prescribe. It is simply
given to educate one on natural choices for taking more responsibility for your own body. Seek proper
care when needed. Severe depression needs immediate medical attention.
Depression reflects disorders in the mood, which dominates a person's outlook and ability to handle
emotions. Some emotions that may dominate daily living, might be grief, sadness, guilt, pessimism,
hopelessness and despair to varying degrees. Some of the symptoms may be lack of interest in
ordinary activities, withdrawal from social settings, fatigue or lethargy, irritability or excessive anger, low
self-esteem or lack of confidence, or even difficulty concentrating. While to degree of severity may range
from mild to severe, for the purpose of this article we will discuss natural therapies for mild to moderate
depression. Severe depression needs immediate medical attention.
Approximately 17 million people suffer from clinical depression each year, and over 28 million
Americans take anti-depressant drugs or anti-anxiety medication. Finding the underlying cause can be
tricky since a variety of factors come in to play. Low levels of serotonin may contribute, as well as
nutrient deficiencies, drugs (prescription, recreational, alcohol, caffeine, nicotine, etc.), hypoglycemia,
hormonal imbalances, environmental factors, allergies, microbial factors, or thyroid disease.
Medicating with an anti-depressant drug, while keeping symptoms at bay, will not reverse the
underlying imbalance and may create more imbalances and symptoms. There are many theories
regarding why it is such a major problem in the United States, but I will focus here on the natural
therapies that are proving to be very helpful in allowing people to naturally get their lives back to normal
with manageable emotions and feelings.
The elimination of sugar and caffeine has been shown to produce significant benefits in reducing
depression. Increased exercise and participation in physical activities naturally decreases symptoms
because of the immediate oxygenation of the blood, which renews your vitality and improves mood, and
also has an alkalizing effect reducing over-acidity and irritation in the body.
A deficiency of any single nutrient can alter brain function and ability - so using good, plant based
vitamins and minerals, especially trace minerals, may help reverse the problem. Insufficiency in
Omega-3 oils in the diet has been linked to depression. Flax Seed oil or Vitamin E can be taken daily to
help. Folic acid, Vitamins B-6 and B-12 are often low in depressed patients. Toxicity in the body,
especially the liver, may not only contribute to sluggish or foggy thinking and alter mood or increase
anger, but also will reduce the body's natural ability to produce necessary hormones, which can throw
the homeostasis off. Depression is often a symptom of hormonal imbalance in women. Cleansing the
body of toxic build-up is very important and essential to improve any health condition.
For optimal levels of serotonin there are several natural products which have been proven to be very
effective. The first is the popular herb St. Johnswort. Taken as a full strength, whole plant extract can be
very effective with less side-effects than the standardized extracts for hypericin (the active ingredient in
St. Johnswort plant). St. Johnswort oxygenates the cells and increases zest for life. It also improves
vitality and resistance to illnesses. Kava Kava is often used in Europe for treating anxiety, depression,
insomnia and restlessness. Ginkgo Biloba extract is used with good results in people over 50 to
improve mood as it increases cerebral circulation.
Anxiety, irritability, and insomnia can also be addressed by using nervine relaxing herbs such as
Passion Flower or Skullcap. Since low adrenal gland function is associated with depression, you could
include extracts of Siberian Ginseng and/or Licorice root to help build the natural energy supplies.
5-HTP is an amino acid which was also proven in numerous double-blind studies to increase
serotonin levels as effectively as drugs like Prozac, Paxil, and Zoloft. It is less expensive, better
tolerated, and has fewer and much milder side effects if any. This is a safer version of l-tryptophan
because it is extracted from the seeds of an African plant called Griffonia simplicifolia rather than being
synthesized with the help of bacteria, and is much more effective at increasing serotonin levels safely. It
is also proven to be very helpful for excess weight and obesity since the increased serotonin levels help
the body feel full and satiated easily when eating so food consumption naturally decreases. The body
will no longer crave carbohydrates as an attempt to increase serotonin in the brain. Weight loss can
become natural and effortless. Insomnia and sleep disturbances are also quickly relieved with 5-HTP.
According to Dr. Michael Murray in 'Encyclopedia for Natural Medicine', "One of the most powerful
techniques for producing the necessary biochemical changes in the brains of depressed individuals is
to teach them to be more optimistic." We can learn to look for and see the positive in any situation just
by becoming more flexible and seeing things from other viewpoints! Even in the most devastating or
difficult situations we can look for the lesson we need to learn, or the values we have received as a
result that have made us a better person.
I believe that many Americans have become depressed because they are dissatisfied and unfulfilled in
their work and normal activities. We have become a society who is always looking for a quick 'fix' to
mask, not solve, our problems including our health. We have been operating too often from our minds
and ego, being logical and practical, but missing out on what our 'Soul' is trying accomplish or most
enjoys being or doing. Learning to come from our 'heart and soul' in our work and activities can help us
feel fulfilled and excited about life again. What are your passions, your dreams and desires? What
beliefs are keeping you from achieving them?
We have to get very honest with ourselves and ask ourselves these questions to help motivate us
enough to seek some help or attend workshops or support groups that speak to our inner, 'authentic'
self, help us to listen, feel more empowered, and learn to operate from that forgotten but happy space.
In the meantime, we can take good vitamins, natural supplements, herbs, cleanse our bodies, and
improve our lifestyles to support our healing and bring our bodies and minds back into a healthy
balance.
Natural Herbal Depression Formula:
‘Mood Lifter’ – Helps to renew zest for life and relieve mild depression, while relaxing tension and
anxiety and increasing energy. Great alternative to Prozac. Contains St. Johnswort, Passion Flower,
Skullcap, and Siberian Ginseng extracts with flower essences of Borage, Cucumber and Zinnia for
emotional balance.
Call 888-531-8483 0r visit www.crystalgardenherbs.com for more info.
Jane Smolnik is an Naturopath, Iridologist, Master Herbalist, and Nutritional Consultant with a private
practice in Asheville, NC. Call her at 828-777-JANE for an appointment or visit online at www.
ultimatehealing.com
