Expert: Jayne Boyle - 10/21/2004

Question
Jane B,
I have recently listened to a speaker on herbal medicine and became particularly interested on what was said on the subject of depression. I have a very close friend who has had severe problems with this issue. So much so he has been hospitalized twice, and was told he had also develpoed symptoms of schizophrenia. This was a year ago, he is completely free of the schizophrenia but still must take anti-depression drugs to function normally. He seems well, but one of my greatest wishes and his, is that he could find a way to be off the drug which has some unfortunate side effects. I am wondering what herbs you would reccomend. The presenter spoke of St. Johns Wart and Clary Sage but not in any great detail, could you provide more information? Thank you very much,
Lindsey  

Answer
It's St Johns Wort and another herb good for depression is gota Kola well known for memory loss and any brain disfunction as it is a nourisher to the brain cells. I would suggest you do more research on the internet on these herbs and also look into Sam=E and 5 htp  Both help to raise the seratonin levels in the brain. Also Amino acids have been known to help with depression.  It may not even be an herb that would help Maybe therapy . Maybe chnaging some of their belief systems and reading good spiritual books from Wayne Dyer is good. Lientening to his tapes or Marianne Williamson is good.   Look at my web site and read some of thea articles.  www.journeytohealth.net  thanks Jayne