[midgemcgrath]

Seems like there was a lot of support for this, so here 'tis, a thread on alternative medicine. I know that there is a lot of talk about this stuff in bits and pieces on other threads, but it seems like such a popular topic these days that it really deserved its own. Anything about herbs, naturopathy, accupuncture, nutrition, etc., bring it on!

I'll start: has anyone ever used slippery elm root for digestive problems? I bought some, but I'm scared to try it, and don't know anyone who has! It's supposed to help heal irritated digestive systems...

[lucizoe]

Hee, maddy29, I always feel like crazy Tom Cruise when I talk about that topic

I take a lot of B-complex and Vitamin D. My naturopath administers a vitamin D injection during the winter, like once or twice over 6 months. I also take fish oil and St.John's Wort and the amino acid L-Tyrosine, as well as calcium and magnesium in icky fizzy drink form. I have several food sensitivities that contributed, too. When I manage to go without eating wheat, egg whites, or dairy for any length of time, I do notice a difference in my mood. And then there's just the whole exercise like crazy thing.

Which isn't currently working for me, because I'm not doing it, because I slacked and got depressed again and I'm unmotivated. But based on last summer, when I was consistent with my diet, exercise, and supplements - I was not depressed for the first time since I was four. I had been on Prozac, Effexor, Wellbutrin, Celexa, and Zoloft from the time I was 12 until I stopped at 21.

I think if you can afford a wholistic-type doctor (my naturopath is also an internist, but she doesn't take insurance...) it can be worth it to explore food problems and vitamin deficiencies. I had almost no Vitamin D in my system the first time I had that tested.

Sorry for the ramble...time for lunch!