Herbal supplements for depression.

[Merlin the Elder]

I wouldn't want to give the impression that herbals are the absolute answer. But I personally have more faith in a naturally occurring substance to go into my body, than one of the many chemicals that have been invented to "make us better." With all of the drugs that get recalled or pulled completely off the market, you'll not be able to convince me that I'm safer with these than with something else. There are lots of approved drugs on the market that list death as a possible side effect.

"Nearly all of the herbal dietary supplements tested in a Congressional investigation contained trace amounts of lead and other contaminants...  16 of the 40 supplements tested contained pesticide residues that appeared to exceed legal limits, the investigators found."

I'm not sure how to react to the statement. It says that residues "...appeared to exceed legal limits..." That is an indication to me that the testing investigators have no clue as to what the limits are, which renders their analysis worthless, as it doesn't actually state anything.  I'm afraid I have little faith in Congressional investigations after the "findings" of the Warren Commission. Most of the food we buy in a typical grocery store is loaded with chemicals, both good and bad.

Herbals are NOT regulated the same as pharmaceuticals, and thus DO have a variance in potency and quality. Therefore you MUST do your homework to find the makers that do take proper care with their processes.

[Lady Neysa]

You might also consider 5htp. It's the amino acid that helps produce seratonin.  As with any supplement that.is isolated from it's natural source and concentrated there might be some side affects. Be careful. Read up on this before taking and go slow. I'd start with a low dose of maybe 10 mg and working up from there. If you do have low levels of seratonin and you take too high a dose it will give you some seriously crazy dreams.  The goal is to rest well not wake up exhausted. Some stomach upset has.been reported too. So go slow and read up first. I've not taken this but it seems to help alot of folks who have switched over from more traditional medicines.

I talked to my aunt who takes 5htp for her depression.  She said she's been taking it for years and it has really helped what has at times been pretty major depression.  She says she can definately feel a diffference if she goes off of it. 
It can cause crazy dreams huh?   Hmm..I've been known to have some pretty darn crazy dreams, so that might not be anything new! 

So much information to sift through.....thank you everyone for the advice.   Now to make a decision..