Alleviate Depression Naturally Depression. You d think we all have the same definition for this word, but we don t. Misery, the blues Many people think a sad emotional state is equivalent to clinical depression. It is not. To meet the diagnosis of a depressive episode the following criteria listed in the DSM-V must be met: Five (or more) of the following symptoms have been present during the same 2-week period and represent a change from previous functioning; at least one of the symptoms is either (1) depressed mood or (2) loss of interest or pleasure. Note: Do not include symptoms that are clearly due to a general medical condition, or mood-incongruent delusions or hallucinations. 1. Depressed mood most of the day, nearly every day, as indicated by either subjective report (e.g., feels sad or empty) or observation made by others (e.g., appears tearful). Note: In children and adolescents, can be irritable mood. 2. Markedly diminished interest or pleasure in all, or almost all, activities most of the day, nearly every day (as indicated by either subjective account or observation made by others). 3. Significant weight loss when not dieting or weight gain (e.g., a change of more than 5 percent of body weight in a month), or decrease or increase in appetite nearly every day. Note: In children, consider failure to make expected weight gains. 4. Insomnia or hypersomnia nearly every day. 5. Psychomotor agitation or retardation nearly every day (observable by others, not merely subjective feelings of
restlessness or being slowed down). 6. Fatigue or loss of energy nearly every day. 7. Feelings of worthlessness or excessive or inappropriate guilt (which may be delusional) nearly every day (not merely self-reproach or guilt about being sick). 8. Diminished ability to think or concentrate, or indecisiveness, nearly every day (either by subjective account or as observed by others). 9. Recurrent thoughts of death (not just fear of dying), recurrent suicidal ideation without a specific plan, or a suicide attempt or a specific plan for committing suicide. 10. The symptoms cause clinically significant distress or impairment in social, occupational or other important areas of functioning. 11. The symptoms are not due to the direct physiological effects of a substance (e.g., a drug of abuse, a medication) or a general medical condition (e.g., hypothyroidism). All, or nearly all, of the symptoms people experience during depression or any other mental disorder, are symptoms every person experiences at one time or another. The difference between normal experience and a disorder is the constancy, severity, and combination of symptoms. Normal experience does not include two straight weeks of sadness so intense it results in an inability to function at work while it is impossible to sleep (or to get out of bed). In addition there is a sudden dramatic loss of weight, movements become slow and deliberate, and thoughts of death or suicide crowd out every thought not associated with selfloathing. (This is an example of five symptoms from the list). Depression is associated with low serotonin levels and high cortisol levels. Serotonin is known as the feel-good neurotransmitter while cortisol is a hormone known as the stress hormone.
Conventional Treatment for Depression Since depressed feeling and depression are not always one in the same, what we call depression can be viewed on a continuum. Severe symptoms meeting the criteria for clinical depression would be on one end of that scale while sadness or the blues while general dissatisfaction with life would be at the other. And yet, regardless of where a person is on that scale, there is a high probability that a doctor will prescribe anti-depressants if the patient requests them. Hopefully, psychiatrists would not be as quick to prescribe them. Generally, any good doctor will at least mention eating a healthy diet, getting exercise, and sleeping 8 hours a night. But too often that prescription pad is pulled out to help. Anti-depressants, taken to decrease suicidal thoughts and feelings, can increase suicidal and homicidal thinking and have been linked to both suicides and to most of the mass murder incidents that have occurred in the last few decades. Alternative Treatment for Depression As with all aspects of physical and mental health, healing begins with a truly healthy, nutrition-packed diet and exercise. Diet A truly healthy diet consists of 80% fresh, raw, organic produce, more vegetables than fruit, a wide variety of foods, healthy fats, and pure water. (Check out the 80% Raw Food Diet for more information).
When any body system is not working properly, increase nutrition and detox. A great way to increase nutrition is to add nutritional powder to your daily routine in juice or a smoothie. To learn how to make your own Total Nutrition Powder, check out Total Nutrition, Make Your Own Multivitamin and Mineral Formula. More of Shillington s s: Menu Total Nutrition Intestinal Cleanse This formula works to detoxify the intestinal tract, eliminate the non beneficial bacteria, kill parasites and Candida, and get the bowls to eliminate easily. This is the best formula for constipation. Dosage: Take this formula 5 to 6 times each day (every 2 to 3 hours) for 6 days. For each dose, mix 1 heaping teaspoon of Intestinal Detox Powder with 4-8 ounces of distilled water or diluted juice. The powder mixes best if you shake it in a small jar. Repeat this action another 4 to 5 times every 2 to 3 hours throughout your day. Precautions: It is a good idea to drink an additional 4-8 ounces of distilled water or freshly squeezed juice after each dose of Intestinal Detox to ensure you do not become constipated or dehydrated.
One part by volume of each of the following: Curacao Aloe Leaf (Aloe Spicata) Cape Aloe Leaf (Aloe Ferox) Senna Leaf and Pod Cascara Sagrada Aged Bark Barberry Root Bark Ginger Root Garlic Bulb Habanero Pepper Wormwood Black Walnut Hulls All of the above should be finely powdered, thoroughly mixed and encapsulated. (Sometimes the Aloe Spicata or Ferox are hard to come by and each of these can be substituted with 1 part Buckthorn Bark or 2 parts Turkey Rhubarb) Intestinal Detox Ingredients:Psyllium seed and husk, flax seed, apple fruit pectin, pharmaceutical grade bentonite clay, slippery elm inner bark, marshmallow root, fennel seed, and activated willow charcoal. Dosage: Take this formula 5 to 6 times each day (every 2 to 3 hours) for % days. For each dose, mix 1 heaping teaspoon of Intestinal Detox Powder with 4-8 ounces of distilled water or diluted juice. The powder mixes best if you shake it in a small jar. Repeat this action another 4 to 5 times every 2 to 3 hours throughout your day. Precautions: It is a good idea to drink an additional 4-8 ounces of distilled water or
freshly squeezed juice after each dose of Intestinal Detox to ensure you do not become constipated or dehydrated. Each part by volume: 2 parts Flax Seed (course ground) 2 parts Apple Fruit Pectin 2 parts Bentonite Clay (Aztec) 3.5 parts Psyllium Seeds 3.5 parts Psyllium Husks 1 part Fennel Seed 1 part Activated Willow Charcoal 1 part Marshmallow Root 1 part Slippery Elm Inner Bark All the above are finely powdered with the exception of the Flax seeds, then well mixed and put in a jar. Tooth & Gum Be sure to shake well before each use. 10 oz Echinacea Tincture 1/4 cup of Tea Tree Oil 4 oz. Bayberry Tincture 2 oz. Oak Gall (or 3X Oak Bark) Tincture 2 TBS. Cayenne Tincture 2 1/2 Dropperfuls of Peppermint Oil 2 1/2 Dropperfuls of Clove Oil A Dropperful is considered to be about 1/2 way up the dropper. Use Organic ingredients where ever possible.
Total Tonic Give your immune system a boost, or aid the body during detox with garlic, ginger, onion, horseradish, turmeric, cilantro, habanero, and cayenne in a base of organic apple cider vinegar. Use Total Tonic s 100% organic ingredients to strengthen your immune system without damaging intestinal flora. Garlic and onions are anti-bacterial, antiviral, anti-fungal, and anti-parasitic Cayenne and ginger stimulate blood circulation Turmeric is a natural antiseptic, a cancer preventative and a liver detoxifier Cilantro is nature s natural chelator vital in removing heavy metals while it controls blood sugar levels and lowers cholesterol Horseradish brings the benefits of Total Tonic up into the sinus cavities benefiting both the sinuses and the brain. Dosage: 1 to 2 dropperfuls anytime. Precautions: None. 1 handful of garlic cloves 1 handful of chopped onions 1 handful of chopped ginger 1 handful of chopped horseradish 1/2 handful of chopped habanero peppers Raw apple cider vinegar Throw in a blender and cover with an inch or two
of organic raw apple cider vinegar. All ingredients should be organic, but don't let that stop you from making this great formula (as long as the garlic is not from China). You can use the mash right away or wait two weeks and allow it to turn into a tincture. Blood Detox When blood travels to and from various locations in the body, it picks up toxins, slowing down and compromising its nutrient distribution system. An essential part of purifying blood and sustaining healthy circulation, the Organic Solutions Blood Detox Formula contains organic and wildcrafted red clover, chaparral, poke root, periwinkle lower, cayenne, garlic, mullein, burdock seed and root, yellow dock root, goldenseal root, Oregon grape root, and bloodroot. Red clover reduces blood clots and the buildup of arterial plaque Chaparral prevents the growth of tumors, treats arthritis, and cleans the blood Poke root possesses antiviral properties, calms inflammation, and purges poison from the body Periwinkle flower contains many of the alkaloids used to treat cancer such as leukemia, reduces inorganic calcium buildup, and soothes headaches Cayenne is the most effective herb for stimulating blood circulation Garlic augments the immune system, lowers blood pressure, and fights bacteria Mullein cleanses blood toxins, alleviating
congestion in the glands Burdock seed and root and yellow dock root eliminate toxins throughout the blood and entire body Goldenseal root is antibacterial, anti inflammatory, and has been used to help treat diabetes Oregon grape root increases blood platelet count and helps eject waste Bloodroot lowers a high pulse, slows down the heart rate, and eases heart palpitations Blood Detox Tincture Mix the following by volume, and make a standard tincture using 100 proof vodka as your menstrum. 2 - parts Red Clover Blossoms 2 - parts Chaparral 1 - part Lobelia 1 - part Cayenne 1 - part freshly chopped Garlic Bulb 1 - part Burdock Seed & Root 1 - part Poke Root 1 - part Yellow Dock Root 1 - part Goldenseal Root 1 - part Oregon Grape Root 1 - part Blood Root Sap 1 - part European Mistletoe 1 - part Periwinkle Flowers Blood Detox Tea Use the exact same herbs as above in exactly the same proportions and make as a decoction only. Bring to a boil and let simmer for 15 minutes, then drink.
Liver/Gallbladder When blood travels to and from various locations in the body, it picks up toxins, slowing down and compromising its nutrient distribution system. An essential part of purifying blood and sustaining healthy circulation, the Organic Solutions Blood Detox Formula contains organic and wildcrafted red clover, chaparral, poke root, periwinkle lower, cayenne, garlic, mullein, burdock seed and root, yellow dock root, goldenseal root, Oregon grape root, and bloodroot. Red clover reduces blood clots and the buildup of arterial plaque Chaparral prevents the growth of tumors, treats arthritis, and cleans the blood Poke root possesses antiviral properties, calms inflammation, and purges poison from the body Periwinkle flower contains many of the alkaloids used to treat cancer such as leukemia, reduces inorganic calcium buildup, and soothes headaches Cayenne is the most effective herb for stimulating blood circulation Garlic augments the immune system, lowers blood pressure, and fights bacteria Mullein cleanses blood toxins, alleviating congestion in the glands Burdock seed and root and yellow dock root eliminate toxins throughout the blood and entire body Goldenseal root is antibacterial, anti inflammatory, and has been used to help treat diabetes
Oregon grape root increases blood platelet count and helps eject waste Bloodroot lowers a high pulse, slows down the heart rate, and eases heart palpitations Liver/Gallbladder/Pancreas Tincture All parts are by volume and not weight. 2 parts Roasted Dandelion Root 1 - Part Cinnamon Bark 1 - Part Cardamon Seed 1 - Part Licorice Root 1 - Part Juniper Berry (Mono Sperma is best) 1 - Part Ginger Root 1 - Part Clove Buds 1 - Part Black Peppercorns 1 - Part Uva Ursi Leaf 1 - Part Burdock Root 1 - Part Pau d' Arco 1 - Part Fennel Seed 1 - Part Horsetail Herb 1 - Part Orange Peel 1 - Part Parsley Root Kidney/Bladder The kidney and bladder sift through all of the toxins and debris accumulated in the body and monitor ph levels and fluid. Proper functioning of the kidneys and bladder are key to controlling your level of fatigue. Using organic and wildcrafted juniper berries, corn silk, uva ursi leaves, horsetail herb, pipsissewa leaf, burdock root, and goldenrod flowers, Organic Solutions Kidney and Bladder Formula flushes the renal system for a fresh and invigorating feeling.
Horsetail herb helps regulate the calcium stored in the body and soothes urinary tract inflammation Uva ursi leaves increase renal circulation and limits the acid content in urine Corn silk reduces the risk of recurring kidney stones and helps treat bladder infection Burdock root is a well-known blood detoxifier, unclogging blood vessels and improving overall circulation Juniper berries and pipsissewa leaf increase the flow of urine and clear out urinary tract infections Goldenrod flowers fight urinary tract infection and help flush out kidney stones Kidney/Bladder Tincture As with all my formulae, a part is a part by volume and not by weight unless otherwise specified. 2 - Parts Juniper Berry (Mono Sperma is best) 1 - Part Corn Silk 1 - Part Uva Ursi Leaf 1 - Part Horsetail Herb 1 - Part Pipsissewa Leaf 1 - Part Burdock Herb 1 - Part Goldenrod Flowers 1 - Part Gravel Root 1 - Part Hydrangea Root Kidney/Bladder Tea All parts are by volume and not weight.
2 - Parts Juniper Berries (Mono Sperma is best) 1 - Part Uva Ursi Leaf 1 - Part Dandelion Leaf 1 - Part Corn Silk 1 - Part Parsley Leaf 1 - Part Horsetail Herb 1 - Part Goldenrod Flowers 1 - Part Orange Peel (or Lemon Peel) 1 - Part Peppermint Leaf 1 - Part Hydrangea Root 1 - Part Gravel Root When you are eating an organic 80% raw diet that includes plenty of clean water, and foods like onions, garlic, turmeric, and cilantro, you are detoxing on an ongoing basis. But a thorough bi-annual detox is extremely beneficial. Eating right is more than adding the right foods to your diet. It is just as important, if not more important, to remove the food from your diet that you should not eat. Avoid all artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives, MSG, trans fats, and GMOs. Do not eat corn syrup. Unless it is organic, it s genetically modified. Avoid or seriously restrict caffeine. Avoid sugar. Conventional sugar has no nutritive value. It harms the body and the immune system in a number of ways and chances are it is genetically modified, as most of the conventional sugar made nowadays comes from sugar beets, a crop that is generally GMO. The easiest way to deal with all of the issues of what not to eat is to eat real food, whole food, and avoid processed packaged foods. By eating a truly healthy diet, you will be well on your way toward healing your gut. If you have an overgrowth of Candida you will benefit from supplementation and some additional dietary additions and restrictions until you have that overgrowth in check.
Gut health is vital in alleviating depression because the beneficial bacteria in the gut manufacture 80% of our serotonin. When the gut is out of balance due to Candida, parasites, and bad bacteria, serotonin levels suffer, as does the body s entire hormonal system. To learn more about how to heal the gut, read How To Kill Candida and Balance Your Inner Ecosystem. Exercise Exercise is essential for several reasons. First, exercise produces endorphins that elevate your mood. Studies comparing exercise to pharmaceuticals have proven that exercise is more beneficial than drugs. Exercise improves overall health by moving blood and lymph throughout the tissues. This process helps bring nutrients into individual cells while removing waste from the body. The immune system is strengthened and the body and its organs, including the brain, receive the cleansing and the nourishment needed to attain peak performance. Vitamin D The link between vitamin D deficiency and depression is well documented and even carries its own diagnosis- Seasonal Affective Disorder. Unless you live in the lower portion of the U.S. (draw a line from Los Angeles, CA to Atlanta, GA to mark the line), chances are you do not get enough sun to make adequate amounts of vitamin D. Vitamin D supplementation should always be considered as a first line of defense when symptoms of depression are present. To learn more about Vitamin D, read Sunlight and Vitamin D. B Vitamins B vitamins are best taken together in the form of B complex
vitamins. Never take just one B vitamin alone for any length of time. B vitamins are essential for many functions in the body. Deficiencies in B5, B6, B7, or B12 cause depression. Daily supplementation will elevate mood, decrease irritability, and improve sleep. To learn more about B vitamins read Mental Health, Physical Health & B Vitamins Nature s Valium. Conclusion With the right diet, exercise, detoxification, and supplementation, the body is given the resources to heal itself. If loss, abuse, or other life events are contributing to sadness, low self-esteem, or other symptoms, therapy can be an invaluable aid in healing. Recommended Supplements: B Vitamins Probiotics Vitamin D Healthy Fats Further Reading: How Candida Leads to Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, and Other Mental Disorders How I Overcame Depression Naturally Natural Remedies for Depression