Expert: Tonja Wells - 1/8/2008

Question
my daughter is 18 and has been diagnosed with major depression. The conventional medicine is not working well and make her either manic or do not work. She also has some ADD that has been worsen by depression. She does not think she will get better. I am thinking of doing rTMS (instead of ECT). I also have heard about Rhodiola Rosea and mentat herbs to work. What do you suggest?

Answer
As an herbalist here is what I would do if it were my daughter.

I would use Chinese Mood Elevator as depression = a clogged liver as the liver is the seat of the emotions and this formula declogges the liver.

I would use Probioic 11 as this restores the good flora to the gut were you have seratonin receptor sites and this decongest them to help you be happy.

I would not have them eat sugar or artificial sweeters but lots and lots of steamed fruits and veggies. No microwaved foods.

I would use Super Omega 3's for the depression and ADD and add lots of good fats to her diet like fish - only from the ocean and not farmed raised
olives, nuts which are good for her blood type, olive oil and not trans or hydragonated fats.
I would get rid of ALL food dies as this promotes ADD.
Diet is king here.
I would use Focuas Attention formula as well to help with mental clairty.

This would be a great place to begin but a consult would be needed to suggest further supplments, etc.

You can go to my web site to learn more or order these products.

www.yourherbalhealthsolutions.com

Foods which have traditionally helped with depression are:
•   Brewer's yeast
•   Spinach
•   Asparagus
•   Turnip greens
•   Lima beans
•   Beef liver
•   Black-eyed peas
•   Broccoli
•   Beets
•   Sunflower seeds
•   Kidney beans
•   Dandelion greens
•   Cantaloupe
•   Bean sprouts
•   Pinto beans
•   Parsley
•   Navy beans
•   Wheat germ
•   Tofu
•   Grapefruit juice
This information is for educational purposes only and should not be used to
diagnose and treat diseases.  If you have any health problems consult a
health practitioner before embarking on any course of treatment.