Depression is the number 1 public health problem in the United States, and its occurrence is on the rise. One in twenty Americans develops a case of depression serious enough to require professional treatment. Approximately three million children suffer from depression.  I’m writing about this now because depression seems to be on the rise during the holidays. Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) comes from the lack of light.  The winter months bring dark and dreary days.  Mood changes occur with seasons.  It is also called “Winter Blue's”.  A passing bad mood, however, is not clinical depression, almost everyone feels sad from time to time.  But depression can go unrecognized for years because it can produce so many different symptoms.

      One of the primary causes of depression is a shortage in the brain of a chemical called serotonin.  Serotonin acts as a neurotransmitter, or a substance that carries impulses from one nerve cell to another.  The body makes serotonin from amino acid tryptophan.  The body’s tryptophan supplies can run short for various reasons.  These include stress-related hormonal changes, difficulty in getting tryptophan to cross from the bloodstream into the brain because of overabundance of other amino acids, and, in rare cases, dietary deficiency.

       Most traditions of herbal healing share the view with modern psychiatry that depression is a physical condition that expresses itself in emotional symptoms.  Single herbs are useful for long-term use in cases of mild to moderate depression.  Some herbs that are beneficial for depression are Gotu Kola (brain food), Kelp (Cleans glands and veins), Ginkgo, and Suma (stimulate brain function and increases oxygen). Dong Quai (tranquilizing on nerves), Chamomile (rich in calcium to feed the nerves), Skullcap (rebuilds nerves) and Passion Flower (soothing on the nerves), Bee Pollen is very beneficial for nourishing the brain. Formulas are best for depression accompanied by specific symptoms.  Blood Cleanser and Colon Cleansers (R.T.E.) help to eliminate toxins. Anxiety/ Nervous Disorder formula helps strengthen the nervous system and is very calming.  Brain Power stimulates brain function, circulation, provides oxygen to the brain, and increases long and short term memory. Depression Formula, Chronic Brain Syndrome and Seasonal Affective Syndrome formulas are all very useful for relieving depression.

     Nutrition can go a long way toward healing the mind and emotions. A diet change is the first step to cleansing the body.  When the body is strengthened with proper nutrients, the brain can handle stressful situations.  Reduce consumption of artificial additives, white sugar, pastries, soda pop and white flour products. Dairy and too much red meat are loaded with hormones, which cause imbalances in the body.  Also reduce caffeine drinks, alcohol, drugs, and tobacco which put stress on the physical body and affect the brain.  Instead include more whole grains such as millet, brown rice, whole oats, rye, buckwheat, and whole wheat which contain the amino acid tryptophan, also include more beans, fresh fruits and vegetables.

      While we know that many physical factors impact brain chemistry and may contribute to depression, anyone with the disease needs tolerance and understanding from those in their acquaintance.  A depressed person will not be cured with a pep talk, but rather by knowing that they have the support of loved ones and access to professionals who can help level the brain chemistry disruption or whatever other factors may be causing the problems.  Malnutrition and sleeping disorders, common in depressed individuals, can further worsen their mental outlook as well.