Can an organic vitamin or organic herbal supplement help relieve depression? Is there a natural way to elevate mood and ease the symptoms of depression? Some of the most common searches on the internet are 'natural supplements for depression' and 'depression treatment'. Some of us call them the 'blues'. Holly from Breakfast at Tiffany’s called feeling down the “mean reds”. Whatever we call it, sadness and depression can derail us from the joys of daily life. Prolonged stress or worry can lead to depression; at other times, we simply do not know why we are down or sad. Today, depression is commonplace and affects even children. We recommended that you first see a healthcare practitioner to rule out life-threatening conditions related to depression.
There are many factors that can cause depression: chemical imbalances, hereditary factors, lifestyle, poor nutrition or hydration, or simply anxiety and stress. Having too little dopamine can cause depression. Once a life-threatening condition is ruled out, there are a number of alternative and complementary treatments Remedy's Depression Tamer™ includes Mucuna pruriens, a source of l-dopamine as well as nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, manganese, copper and zinc. Studies have concluded that Mucuna pruriens has been 'shown to be more effective than synthetic levodopa' (1)
The formula includes L-phenylalanine which by a process of conversion has an anti-depressant effect (2). Low testosterone can also cause depression, so the formula includes Tribulus Terrestris, a supplement popular with body-builders. Another herb included is Rhodiola, which is an 'adaptogen' (an herb which has the ability to adapt to your body's changing needs and deficiencies). Rhodiola is reputed to help with trauma, sleep deprivation, toxic exposure, cold, psychological stress and more. We invite you to learn more by searching 'Rhodiola' in the information we provide as a public service in this site and at www.remedysnutrition.net. Support a healthy mental outlook with a balanced diet, exercise and sleep. You can also add supplements such as B-100 complex, Pantothenic Acid 500 mg, Multi-Minerals and 1,000 micrograms of B-12.
References
1. Effect of anti-Parkinson Drug HP-200 (Mucuna Pruriens) on the central monoaminergicneurotransmitters. (Publication: Phytotherapy Research, 2004 Feb;18(2):97-101).
2. NYC Langone Medical Center observes: "In the body, phenylalanine is converted into another amino acid called tyrosine. Tyrosine in turn is converted into L-dopa, norepinephrine, and epinephrine, three key neurotransmitters (chemicals that transmit signals between nerve cells). Because some antidepressants work by raising levels of norepinephrine, various forms of phenylalanine have been tried as a possible treatment for depression."