Drug Free

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St John's Wort
This has been recorded as being used as far back as Greek and Roman times. Tests in 1996 showed that when taken in mild to medium depression cases, patients fared better than with conventional anti-depressants. Also fewer people were forced to withdraw from the trials due to side effects compared with those taking standard anti-depressants.

Side effects are few, however St John’s Wort can cause sensitivity to sunlight, which shows as a skin rash. If you are fair skinned or have sensitive skin it is best to limit sun exposure. If you experience any symptoms such as dizziness or weakness whilst taking St John’s Wort, you should discontinue use. As with any natural remedy it is advisable to check with your doctor, as in the case of St John’s Wort it may react with medication for high blood pressure, birth control pills, HIV drugs or anti-depressants.

Valerian
This is a herbal relaxant. A night-time version can aid sleep. It can help with the following conditions: insomnia, anxiety, worrying, hypertension, stress related palpitations, panic attacks, IBS, spasmodic period pain, tension headaches and muscle tension. You can also combine this with lemon balm for anxiety related issues. Valerian root is one of the most useful herbs available. It can lower blood pressure due to anxiety and aid in restful sleep. It also helps with Insomnia, anxiety, worry, hypertension, stress related palpitations, panic attacks, IBS, spasmodic period pain, tension headaches and muscle tension.

Vitamin B Complex
Often taken along with vitamin C, zinc, magnesium and manganese, as these nutrients are said to form the best combination for depression and other forms of mental ill-health.

Bach Flowers
These were developed by Dr Bach as an offshoot of homeopathic medicine. Their usefulness lies in the way the remedies can be effective treatment for mood swings and emotional conditions. The remedy for shock and other upsets is considered particularly helpful.

It was suggested that I try Valerian Root as with St. John's Wort. I was having skin rashes appear in the sun. Valerian is as helpful to me as St. John's Wort. But I do need to remember to take it through out the day as recommended, as I can tell when the effects are wearing off.

There are many techniques for relieving stress and helping us to stay calm. There isn't a magic trick which will work for everyone - it's a case of trying out a few ideas and seeing which ones suit you - but we can all benefit from thinking about a few simple things. For instance, learning to take deep breaths (abdominal rather than shallow chest breathing) is important . It can help alleviate stress, phobias etc. , but it needs practice if you are going to get the best out of it - we tend to take breathing for granted!

Some form of exercise, possibly two to three times per week, is going to benefit your health. Maybe twenty minutes of brisk walking is something to aim for, but always remember to check with your doctor first if you are not accustomed to physical exercise.

Healthy eating of fruit and vegetables every day will boost your immune system. Do remember to wash the fruit and vegetables due to pesticides. Try to drink a minimum of three pints of water a day, and depending on the quality of your water it may be best to filter it.

Reducing your intake of sugar will stabilise blood sugar levels. Sugar is known to cause migraines, mood swings and create mood fluctuations. The body needs a slow, constant release of energy to function well. Food allergies have an impact on the body too. The definition of a food allergy is an immediate or chronic immune reaction to the intake of food. Food sensitivity is a non-immune response such as an upset stomach or headache. Both can be the cause of chronic low moods. Check with your doctor if you think this may apply to you.