[Lemongrab]

I am interested in trying natural remedies for my dysthymia and anxiety. I can't use St Johns Wort as I am on the contraceptive pill. What are good supplements or remedies for mild depression and anxiety? I know I could just google this but I'd like to hear it from people who have tried it and seen results.

[Travelinglady]

Hi, lemongrab. I think some herbal teas are supposed to be relaxing. I haven't really tried any consistently, though.

[AncientMelody]

Chamomile tea can be beneficial for mild anxiety relief, as can Valerian, although that can generally make people very sleepy so more often used at night and to aid in sleep. Calms-forte contains multiple supplements that are generally safe, I can't speak to effectiveness personally or with research, but I've had some people tell me that it's worked.

Fish oils are backed with some positive research and are in general good for your health in a multitude of ways, so I'm a big proponent of them. This is a daily supplement though, not "as needed" and it takes awhile to kick in. You'd want to get a relatively high dosage for mental health benefit and in particular a ratio of more EPA than DHA.

Sam-E has some evidence supporting its use for mild depressive symptoms, but is expensive. 5-HTP is a newer one that's being touted and I don't believe that there is significant data in favor of it, though.

It's also worth checking in with your doctor and making sure you're not deficient in any vitamins or nutrients or that there's no other physical cause to explain it.

Regular exercise and meditation have good supporting evidence to benefit depressive/anxiety symptoms so you could consider those instead of or in addition to the above.

Good luck! Keep us updated on what you decide to try!

[Altered Moment]

The ones I know of-
Chamomile tea- I have had good results for anxiety with this

I can't say I have had good results with these but I have taken them a lot
5HTP
L Tryptophan
L Methyl Folate
Sam E
Fish Oil
Melotonin
Vitamin D
B vitamins - I had a pdoc tell me not to take folic acid or folate if I was taking L Methyfolate....i think, i can't remember for sure.

I have not taken these but have heard of them for anxiety
Kava Kava
Velarian Root

I currently take
Vitamin D
Melotonin
Fish Oil
Multi vitamin

I think I will add Magnesium, and maybe look at getting a better form of fish oil. There is debate over what form actually gets absorbed properly. All this stuff gets expensive.

[vital]

Originally Posted by Lemongrab

I am interested in trying natural remedies for my dysthymia and anxiety. I can't use St Johns Wort as I am on the contraceptive pill. What are good supplements or remedies for mild depression and anxiety? I know I could just google this but I'd like to hear it from people who have tried it and seen results.

I like Mark Hyman and Andrew Weil as sources of information on that. I'm taking supplements, but it's hard for me to tell how much they are helping or which specific one is really making a difference.

This video is interesting

13:44 in he talks specifically about depression and possible medical issues that could cause it including vitamin deficiencies.

- vital