Now that the holidays are really bearing down upon us, let’s continue our exploration of natural ways to help yourself and those you love through this busy, stressful time of the year. If you haven’t already read November’s article, Holiday Helpers, Part 1, you may want to consider starting there.
With some effort on your part, this can turn from a down time of the year into something manageable or even wonderful. Let’s get started!
More Natural Ideas
Herbs
- Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) – can be very helpful with depression and SAD symptoms.
- St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) – for mild to moderate depression, St. John’s Wort can be wonderful. It also helps to restore and rebuild the nervous system.
- Oatstraw (Avena sativa) – another restorer and builder of the nervous system. It can be especially good for nervous exhaustion.
- Cat’s Claw (Uncaria tomentosa) – anti-inflammatory, immune building, and DNA repairing are just some of the benefits of Cat’s Claw. For depression with a physical cause, Cat’s Claw may be beneficial.
- Gotu Kola (Centella asiatica) – helpful for joints, insomnia, depression, anxiety, energy, and overall wellbeing, Gotu Kola has been helpful for centuries in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicines.
Amino Acids
- Tyrosine (unless taking MAOI)
- SAMe
- GABA
- Isoleucine
- Carnitine
- Methionine
- Tryptophan (combined with tyrosine, studies have shown tryptophan to be as useful as many antidpressants)
Essential Oils
- Lemon
- Frankincense
- Lavender
- Bergamot
- Ylang Ylang
- Rosemary
- Tangerine
- Grapefruit
Homeopathic Remedies
- Aurum metallicum– Total helplessness; depression runs very deep. A feeling of a dark cloud of melancholy cannot be shaken off. Filled with regrets. Anger is just below the surface and these people can go off easily. May feel suicide is the only possible way out. Person is a hard worker and often works to achieve impractical goals. Worse in cold weather especially when getting cold; from winter–many complaints only come in winter; worse from sunset to sunrise.
- Calcarea carbonica – Depression is overbearing. Person may feel they have sunk as low as possible, and they are so overwhelmed and exhausted, they cannot surface. They fret and worry over everything. Often melancholic and full of self-doubt. May go home and simply curl up alone and cry. Worse from exertion (mental or physical), from going up stairs, from anything cold, from washing, from moist air and wet weather, during a full moon, and upon standing. Better in dry climates.
- Natrum muriaticum– Depression started with a loss of some type. This person may hold grudges, even from small slights, for many years. It is difficult to move on because no resolution seems possible. They hold emotions inside and are closed off with many secrets; rarely cry in front of others. Often fall in love with unattainable people due to vulnerability and fear of rejection. Worse from noise, music, in a warm room, around 10am, with mental exertion, from consolation, from heat, and by talking. Better in open air, with a cold bath, skipping meals, and in tight clothing.
- Pulsatilla pratensis – Mild, gentle, yielding dispositions. Cries readily, can weep upon talking, moods can quickly change and seem contradictory. Fears being alone, in the dark, and ghosts in the evening. This person likes sympathy. They can be easily discouraged and highly emotional. Worse from heat, from rich and fatty foods, after eating, as evening approaches, and in a warm room. Better in open air, from motion, and from cold.
Flower Remedies
- Agrimony – pain and sadness hidden behind a cheerful mask
- Borage – discouragement, especially with grief or heavy-heartedness
- Chamomile – stabilizes the emotions; calming and soothing
- Elm – despair about own ability to meet responsibilities and expectations
- Gentian – doubt and discouragement from setbacks; lack of faith
- Gorse – hopelessness; expects suffering
- Hornbeam – depression over daily life tasks like work
- Milkweed – deeply depressed state; inability to cope with daily affairs; wishes to obliterate consciousness
- Mustard – “black cloud” overhead for unknown reasons; wide mood swings
- Wild Rose – apathy and resignation when faced with challenges of life and illnesses
Other Help
- Consider getting a lamp for more full-spectrum light. A reptile lamp giving UVB rays may be more complete than some of the SAD light boxes on the market. Also consider color & light therapy. Using colored gels specific for your needs, we can help to refill the auric field with the deficient colors. See our article about Light and Health for more information.
- Don’t hesitate to ask for help. Talk therapies, alone time, time with a friend or partner, and time with groups of others are all helpful for different people. Make sure you are making time for yourself and for interacting with others.
- Feng Shui, an ancient art seeking to balance the flow of energy in the home, can be helpful for many conditions. For depression, consider getting rid of heavy pieces of towering furniture, check the wiring for any shorts and damages, check the water and plumbing for any leaks, and correct poor lighting conditions. Clear away clutter and keep your space in good repair. The color orange in food and clothing can be helpful as well.
Remember, how you feel is always a choice even if it feels like everything is out of your control. You can feel better. Ask for help if you need it. The holidays aren’t about who can buy the biggest gift or what faith you believe in, they are about spending quality time with loved ones.
Please don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment if you need further assistance.
Also, let me know if you have any requests for natural suggestions for other conditions!
Note: Everything here is for information only. This is not meant to treat or diagnose any medical condition. Seek a qualified medical professional.