Guest guest Posted December 19, 2002 Report Share Posted December 19, 2002 Chris, I would give Doc a call on this one. or email him. Suzi "C.A.Spence" <mtshadow wrote: A friend of mine has a very serious problem. She has been taking Paxil for depression and anxiety. She has run out of it and doesn't have the $80 to get it refilled. Is there an herbal substitute she can take? I would like to find something for her as soon as possible as she is concerned that she will get a relapse of her problem. She says that the doctor told her she has a chemical imbalance. Couldn't that be corrected with mineral salts? ChrisFederal Law requires that we warn you of the following: 1. Natural methods can sometimes backfire. 2. If you are pregnant, consult your physician before using any natural remedy. 3. The Constitution guarantees you the right to be your own physician and toprescribe for your own health. We are not medical doctors although MDs are welcome to post here as long as they behave themselves. Any opinions put forth by the list members are exactly that, and any person following the advice of anyone posting here does so at their own risk. It is up to you to educate yourself. By accepting advice or products from list members, you are agreeing to be fully responsible for your own health, and hold the List Owner and members free of any liability. Dr. Ian ShillingtonDoctor of NaturopathyDr.IanShillington Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 19, 2002 Report Share Posted December 19, 2002 Dear Chris, Please note: there is NO such thing as a "chemical imbalance"!!! No one has ever discovered what the correct chemical balance is, or should be, so how could anyone discover an imbalance? Also, no doctor has ever done a chemical test to discover any balance or imbalance! It's just a fancy name dreamed up by psychiatrists to allow them to get away with murder, literally! Depression and anxiety usually have a cause in real life, and this cause is usually a WHO. This WHO needs to be located - this can be done simply by asking your friend who she is connected with who is making her feel less of herself, who invalidates her, who upsets her when she with him/her. Meanwhile, I know that Doc recommended Lobelia as a herbal remedy for depression. I am not sure however about taking any herb after Paxil, if anything could interact or whatever. So yes, as Suzi said, it's best to contact Doc about this one. love, Lisa - C.A.Spence Herbal Remedies Wednesday, December 18, 2002 11:37 PM [herbal remedies] Herbal anti-depressant? A friend of mine has a very serious problem. She has been taking Paxil for depression and anxiety. She has run out of it and doesn't have the $80 to get it refilled. Is there an herbal substitute she can take? I would like to find something for her as soon as possible as she is concerned that she will get a relapse of her problem. She says that the doctor told her she has a chemical imbalance. Couldn't that be corrected with mineral salts? ChrisFederal Law requires that we warn you of the following: 1. Natural methods can sometimes backfire. 2. If you are pregnant, consult your physician before using any natural remedy. 3. The Constitution guarantees you the right to be your own physician and toprescribe for your own health. We are not medical doctors although MDs are welcome to post here as long as they behave themselves. Any opinions put forth by the list members are exactly that, and any person following the advice of anyone posting here does so at their own risk. It is up to you to educate yourself. By accepting advice or products from list members, you are agreeing to be fully responsible for your own health, and hold the List Owner and members free of any liability. Dr. Ian ShillingtonDoctor of NaturopathyDr.IanShillington Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 20, 2002 Report Share Posted December 20, 2002 May I share my experience? I hope it helps your friend to find what she needs. I took Paxil for about 1 year (and a variety of other anti-depressants for about 1 year prior, trying to find the " right " one) and I quit taking it last Christmas. Mostly for the same reasons - I couldn't afford it. But also I was unhappy about relying on a medication to " balance " me. I too was very afraid of relapsing into my depression by quitting the drugs. Mostly I just wanted to stop taking drugs, stop relying on mood-changers, and stop feeling like my life was under the doctors' control. At the high point, I was seeing at least 5 doctors per week for something. A psychologist, a family counselor, a pastoral counselor, a general MD, a chiropractor, and a back specialist were all on my regular schedule. I needed to get off that merry-go-round and get back to living! Fortunately (!?) I lost my job last year and therefore lost my medical insurance. That was the end of going to doctors almost daily. I knew the cause of my depression - I lost my husband to cancer in June 2000 and I totally lost any interest in living. I was also battling chronic pain from a long-term back injury and I was not getting relief. So that's why all the docs and the pills. With the help of a supportive friend who encouraged me to find help in alternative medicine and herbal solutions, I decided to quit taking all my meds. You may not want to do it all at once like I did. But I did not have any special problems doing it this way. It has been a year and I have not dipped back into the depression, in fact I was inspired to lose weight (over 100 pounds) and feel great for the first time in many years. What I have found is that I still feel emotions (many that were " cocooned " by the anti-depressant) and sometimes that concerns me. But I remember that a full range of emotions is healthy. It's OK for me to feel sad when I think of my husband and losing him - I just don't have to keep that feeling for days. It's OK for me to feel angry when someone acts rude - but I can let it go in a few minutes. And it's OK to miss my husband still. My mind just doesn't linger on those things - it moves on. I have a very positive outlook, just like I used to have. I feel like I've recaptured my authentic self. Some of the herbal teas and capsules I have used during this time to help are: St.John's Wort (I took this for about 2 years prior to losing my husband, it was useful for mild anxiety for me but not nearly effective enough when I hit the " real " depression.) I use Valerian root to help keep calm during times I know will be stressful. I use chamomile for relaxing to sleep, and I use a " nerve food tea " similar to the one listed in the archives. And truthfully, I've let go of some " friendships " with people who were not supportive of me and were undermining my efforts to get out of the doctor-go-round. That helped a lot, I've been much more selective with who I pursue a deeper acquaintance with. I understand the fear of getting off of the Paxil, but now I am on the other side and I feel the joy and security of being totally myself, without chemical help. And it is definitely worth the effort. Good luck to your friend. I wish her the best. CheriB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 20, 2002 Report Share Posted December 20, 2002 Hi CheriB, That was so incredibly well done!! Good for you girl!! I know what you mean about letting go of "friends": amazing what difference that can make, huh?!! love, Lisa - writergrrrl48 <writergrrrl48 herbal remedies Friday, December 20, 2002 10:24 PM [herbal remedies] Re: Herbal anti-depressant? May I share my experience? I hope it helps your friend to find what she needs.I took Paxil for about 1 year (and a variety of other anti-depressants for about 1 year prior, trying to find the "right" one) and I quit taking it last Christmas. Mostly for the same reasons - I couldn't afford it. But also I was unhappy about relying on a medication to "balance" me. I too was very afraid of relapsing into my depression by quitting the drugs.Mostly I just wanted to stop taking drugs, stop relying on mood-changers, and stop feeling like my life was under the doctors' control. At the high point, I was seeing at least 5 doctors per week for something. A psychologist, a family counselor, a pastoral counselor, a general MD, a chiropractor, and a back specialist were all on my regular schedule. I needed to get off that merry-go-round and get back to living! Fortunately (!?) I lost my job last year and therefore lost my medical insurance. That was the end of going to doctors almost daily.I knew the cause of my depression - I lost my husband to cancer in June 2000 and I totally lost any interest in living. I was also battling chronic pain from a long-term back injury and I was not getting relief. So that's why all the docs and the pills.With the help of a supportive friend who encouraged me to find help in alternative medicine and herbal solutions, I decided to quit taking all my meds. You may not want to do it all at once like I did. But I did not have any special problems doing it this way. It has been a year and I have not dipped back into the depression, in fact I was inspired to lose weight (over 100 pounds) and feel great for the first time in many years. What I have found is that I still feel emotions (many that were "cocooned" by the anti-depressant) and sometimes that concerns me. But I remember that a full range of emotions is healthy. It's OK for me to feel sad when I think of my husband and losing him - I just don't have to keep that feeling for days. It's OK for me to feel angry when someone acts rude - but I can let it go in a few minutes. And it's OK to miss my husband still. My mind just doesn't linger on those things - it moves on. I have a very positive outlook, just like I used to have. I feel like I've recaptured my authentic self. Some of the herbal teas and capsules I have used during this time to help are: St.John's Wort (I took this for about 2 years prior to losing my husband, it was useful for mild anxiety for me but not nearly effective enough when I hit the "real" depression.) I use Valerian root to help keep calm during times I know will be stressful. I use chamomile for relaxing to sleep, and I use a "nerve food tea" similar to the one listed in the archives. And truthfully, I've let go of some "friendships" with people who were not supportive of me and were undermining my efforts to get out of the doctor-go-round. That helped a lot, I've been much more selective with who I pursue a deeper acquaintance with. I understand the fear of getting off of the Paxil, but now I am on the other side and I feel the joy and security of being totally myself, without chemical help. And it is definitely worth the effort.Good luck to your friend. I wish her the best.CheriBFederal Law requires that we warn you of the following: 1. Natural methods can sometimes backfire. 2. If you are pregnant, consult your physician before using any natural remedy. 3. The Constitution guarantees you the right to be your own physician and toprescribe for your own health. We are not medical doctors although MDs are welcome to post here as long as they behave themselves. Any opinions put forth by the list members are exactly that, and any person following the advice of anyone posting here does so at their own risk. It is up to you to educate yourself. By accepting advice or products from list members, you are agreeing to be fully responsible for your own health, and hold the List Owner and members free of any liability. Dr. Ian ShillingtonDoctor of NaturopathyDr.IanShillington Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 21, 2002 Report Share Posted December 21, 2002 Hmm, sounds like you've got a story or two to tell, too, Lisa :-) It is amazing what happens when we take control of our lives instead of letting others be in control. We each have so much inside ourselves that is of tremendous value, even though there are people around us who try to keep us from recognizing it. My personal triumph has been to tune in my antenna to discern who those people are, then to gently ease them out of my life. And to ease in those people who affirm me and support me. It is truly an amazing difference. Take care, CheriB herbal remedies , " Lisa Belcher " <lisabelcher@t...> wrote: > I know what you mean about letting go of " friends " : amazing what difference that can make, huh?!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 21, 2002 Report Share Posted December 21, 2002 Hi CheriB. Thanks for you kind words. I am just in the process now of taking such actions as you describe. I am at major crossroads in my life, and having to make a decision or two. I am busily tuning my antenna to enable me to make those decisions :-) love, Lisa - writergrrrl48 <writergrrrl48 herbal remedies Saturday, December 21, 2002 5:46 AM [herbal remedies] Re: Herbal anti-depressant? Hmm, sounds like you've got a story or two to tell, too, Lisa :-) It is amazing what happens when we take control of our lives instead of letting others be in control. We each have so much inside ourselves that is of tremendous value, even though there are people around us who try to keep us from recognizing it. My personal triumph has been to tune in my antenna to discern who those people are, then to gently ease them out of my life. And to ease in those people who affirm me and support me. It is truly an amazing difference.Take care,CheriBherbal remedies , "Lisa Belcher" <lisabelcher@t...> wrote:> I know what you mean about letting go of "friends": amazing what difference that can make, huh?!!Federal Law requires that we warn you of the following: 1. Natural methods can sometimes backfire. 2. If you are pregnant, consult your physician before using any natural remedy. 3. The Constitution guarantees you the right to be your own physician and toprescribe for your own health. We are not medical doctors although MDs are welcome to post here as long as they behave themselves. Any opinions put forth by the list members are exactly that, and any person following the advice of anyone posting here does so at their own risk. It is up to you to educate yourself. By accepting advice or products from list members, you are agreeing to be fully responsible for your own health, and hold the List Owner and members free of any liability. Dr. Ian ShillingtonDoctor of NaturopathyDr.IanShillington Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 21, 2002 Report Share Posted December 21, 2002 Best of luck to you, lisa. It isn't easy to be where you are right now. Feel free to email me offline if you need a listener sometimes. CheriB herbal remedies , " Lisa Belcher " <lisabelcher@t...> wrote: > Hi CheriB. > > Thanks for you kind words. > > I am just in the process now of taking such actions as you describe. I am at major crossroads in my life, and having to make a decision or two. I am busily tuning my antenna to enable me to make those decisions :-) > > love, > Lisa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 21, 2002 Report Share Posted December 21, 2002 Dear CheriB, Welcome to Herbal Remedies, and I appreciate it when a new person just jumps right in there. I hope you enjoy your stay with us. Love, Doc Ian "Doc" Shillington N.D.505-772-5889Dr.IanShillington - writergrrrl48 <writergrrrl48 herbal remedies Friday, December 20, 2002 3:24 PM [herbal remedies] Re: Herbal anti-depressant? May I share my experience? I hope it helps your friend to find what she needs.I took Paxil for about 1 year (and a variety of other anti-depressants for about 1 year prior, trying to find the "right" one) and I quit taking it last Christmas. Mostly for the same reasons - I couldn't afford it. But also I was unhappy about relying on a medication to "balance" me. I too was very afraid of relapsing into my depression by quitting the drugs.Mostly I just wanted to stop taking drugs, stop relying on mood-changers, and stop feeling like my life was under the doctors' control. At the high point, I was seeing at least 5 doctors per week for something. A psychologist, a family counselor, a pastoral counselor, a general MD, a chiropractor, and a back specialist were all on my regular schedule. I needed to get off that merry-go-round and get back to living! Fortunately (!?) I lost my job last year and therefore lost my medical insurance. That was the end of going to doctors almost daily.I knew the cause of my depression - I lost my husband to cancer in June 2000 and I totally lost any interest in living. I was also battling chronic pain from a long-term back injury and I was not getting relief. So that's why all the docs and the pills.With the help of a supportive friend who encouraged me to find help in alternative medicine and herbal solutions, I decided to quit taking all my meds. You may not want to do it all at once like I did. But I did not have any special problems doing it this way. It has been a year and I have not dipped back into the depression, in fact I was inspired to lose weight (over 100 pounds) and feel great for the first time in many years. What I have found is that I still feel emotions (many that were "cocooned" by the anti-depressant) and sometimes that concerns me. But I remember that a full range of emotions is healthy. It's OK for me to feel sad when I think of my husband and losing him - I just don't have to keep that feeling for days. It's OK for me to feel angry when someone acts rude - but I can let it go in a few minutes. And it's OK to miss my husband still. My mind just doesn't linger on those things - it moves on. I have a very positive outlook, just like I used to have. I feel like I've recaptured my authentic self. Some of the herbal teas and capsules I have used during this time to help are: St.John's Wort (I took this for about 2 years prior to losing my husband, it was useful for mild anxiety for me but not nearly effective enough when I hit the "real" depression.) I use Valerian root to help keep calm during times I know will be stressful. I use chamomile for relaxing to sleep, and I use a "nerve food tea" similar to the one listed in the archives. And truthfully, I've let go of some "friendships" with people who were not supportive of me and were undermining my efforts to get out of the doctor-go-round. That helped a lot, I've been much more selective with who I pursue a deeper acquaintance with. I understand the fear of getting off of the Paxil, but now I am on the other side and I feel the joy and security of being totally myself, without chemical help. And it is definitely worth the effort.Good luck to your friend. I wish her the best.CheriB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 21, 2002 Report Share Posted December 21, 2002 Thank you for the kind welcome. I hope I'm not being pushy! I just read some posts that pulled at me, and I felt I had a lot to share. Already I've learned so much here - I looked through the files and found some terrific tonics and tinctures, plus some confirmation that what I am using has me on the right track... I'm happy to have found this group. CheriB herbal remedies , " Dr. Ian Shillington " <Dr.IanShillington@G...> wrote: > Dear CheriB, > > Welcome to Herbal Remedies, and I appreciate it when a new person just jumps right in there. > > I hope you enjoy your stay with us. > > Love, > > Doc > > Ian " Doc " Shillington N.D. > 505-772-5889 > Dr.IanShillington@G... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 21, 2002 Report Share Posted December 21, 2002 Thanks CheriB. I have forwarded your reply to my friend. Also have contacted Doc and he has sent her a tape. Chris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 21, 2002 Report Share Posted December 21, 2002 You're most welcome hon, and you're not pushy at all. I love it when a person realizes that they are the "causative" factor in their own life, grab themselves by the scruff of the neck, and make it go right to start surviving on a positive level. I've enjoyed your posts tremendously. I firmly believe that the first step in any healing is the self recognition of the responsibility for one's condition. Love, Doc Ian "Doc" Shillington N.D.505-772-5889Dr.IanShillington - writergrrrl48 <writergrrrl48 herbal remedies Saturday, December 21, 2002 6:41 AM [herbal remedies] Re: Herbal anti-depressant? Thank you for the kind welcome. I hope I'm not being pushy! I just read some posts that pulled at me, and I felt I had a lot to share. Already I've learned so much here - I looked through the files and found some terrific tonics and tinctures, plus some confirmation that what I am using has me on the right track... I'm happy to have found this group. CheriBherbal remedies , "Dr. Ian Shillington" <Dr.IanShillington@G...> wrote:> Dear CheriB,> > Welcome to Herbal Remedies, and I appreciate it when a new person just jumps right in there.> > I hope you enjoy your stay with us.> > Love,> > Doc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 22, 2002 Report Share Posted December 22, 2002 Thanks CheriB :-) - writergrrrl48 <writergrrrl48 herbal remedies Saturday, December 21, 2002 12:52 PM [herbal remedies] Re: Herbal anti-depressant? Best of luck to you, lisa. It isn't easy to be where you are right now. Feel free to email me offline if you need a listener sometimes.CheriBherbal remedies , "Lisa Belcher" <lisabelcher@t...> wrote:> Hi CheriB.> > Thanks for you kind words.> > I am just in the process now of taking such actions as you describe. I am at major crossroads in my life, and having to make a decision or two. I am busily tuning my antenna to enable me to make those decisions :-)> > love,> LisaFederal Law requires that we warn you of the following: 1. Natural methods can sometimes backfire. 2. If you are pregnant, consult your physician before using any natural remedy. 3. The Constitution guarantees you the right to be your own physician and toprescribe for your own health. We are not medical doctors although MDs are welcome to post here as long as they behave themselves. Any opinions put forth by the list members are exactly that, and any person following the advice of anyone posting here does so at their own risk. It is up to you to educate yourself. By accepting advice or products from list members, you are agreeing to be fully responsible for your own health, and hold the List Owner and members free of any liability. Dr. Ian ShillingtonDoctor of NaturopathyDr.IanShillington Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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