YYCGal

Does anyone have eny experience using herbal remedies instead of the drugs for the winter blues? I'm on Celexa right now, but am sinking into the depths. I've taken Paxil in the past. My counsellor has suggested light therapy and a trip to the natural foods store. I've tried light therapy without much success. I guess in Canada I need to up the light source much earlier than September if I'm going to make it through winter.

Doesn't help much to have an ABF in the house who doesn't 'get it.'

historyteach

Blue light therapy is supposed to beat regular white light therapy for SAD. It simulates the natural sky light that we are missing when we experience SAD. I think I read about it at www.webmd.com , but, you can google it for information too.

Good luck to you. I understand; I have SAD too. I've never used light therapy though.

Shalom!

YYCGal

Thanks - yes I have a light 'book' that was developed specifically for issues like SAD and even Jet Lag. It never seems to work for me, but that may be because I am impatient for results, too.

I am left to wonder about natural remedies tho and am wondering if it's even worth the trip to the health food store....

Found

I have been helped a bit by rhodiola rosea capsules or tablets - when I remember to take them

Some people are evening people for light therapy and some need it in the morning - and I expect undramatic results are safer than dramatic ones. I keep forgetting to plug my light in,

YYCGal

Okay - I did a bit of research and here is what I have found.

Vitamin B6, B12 and Vitamin E
Fish - (this one's going to be tough - I'm vegetarian)
Essential Fatty Acids
Folic Acid
St. John's Wort - particularly the active ingredient - Hypericin

Any one seen any results from these?