Reprinted from Sunshine Sharing Vol. 1 No. 5

Depression

Hope seems forever gone when the heavy cloud of depression descends upon someone. No happy memory or consolation from others seems to help. The possibility of it ever resolving appears gone forever. Why? A state of depression is usually the result of a shortage of brain chemicals called endorphins. These compounds are produced by the body to deal with pain or just to help you feel good. They are stimulated by exercise (“runner’s high”), certain musical tones and progressions, the hope for and also the achievement of goals, sexual expression, and other normal activities— as long as they aren’t too stressful. They are also stimulated by opiate drugs. But, these drugs overstimulate the brain to produce these euphorical compounds and thus deplete the body. Hence, over time, more powerful doses are needed to get the same effects. Finally, there is no pleasure left— just brain damage and the horrors of withdrawal.

Since depression is so common in our mixed-up modern society, it has been extensively researched and over the years most of the causes have been found:
- A faltering thyroid gland
- Genetic damage for long-term cases
- A blood chemical abbreviated DOPEG, a metabolic (breakdown) product of neorepinephrine
- Too much blood-sodium
- Biotin, thiamine, and other B vitamin deficiencies
- Lack of serotonin and norepinephrine (neurotransmitters)
- Low amounts of the amino acid tyrosine
- Lack of niacin, needed to synthesize serotonin
- In some cases, a night without sleep is needed! This could mean that the person’s internal clock (circadian rhythms) requires readjustment before the depression stops.
- Lack of the amino acid tryptophan
- Hypoglycemia or low-blood sugar. Moods can change from happy to sad in seconds!
- Birth control pills
- Insufficient germanium
- Excessive copper in the body (from water-pipes, etc.)
- Various prescription drugs for other problems

With so many possible causes, each person who suffers depression will have to take note of his/her lifestyle and be careful about drawing conclusions. Each must also determine whether professional counselling is necessary.

There is yet another cause for depression that has just come to light the last few years—light itself! During winter months when we tend to be indoors, natural light is not absorbed by the body strong or long enough. Yes, your body does like to feel “light” from our friend the sun. Light entering the eyes has been found to stimulate the small pineal gland in the brain (thought to be the “third eye” referred to in ancient cultures). This gland then produces certain hormones that contribute to the overall well-being of the mind and body. In turn, the hypothalamus deep within the brain is also stimulated. It governs our eating, sleeping and sex drive, all of which are disturbed during winter depression.
Treatment includes getting outside into the sun for longer periods and even installing “full spectrum” lights in the house. (Ask your health counsellor, gardening shop or health foods store.)

In this short introduction to depression, we can only suggest several alternatives and let you or your doctor decide what is best for your particular case. Be sure to get more exercise—but don’t overdo it.

Spirulina and Barley Juice powder are also excellent mood builders. Kelp will help restore the thyroid if that is the cause. Consider also the Thyroid Activator, TS-II Formula and other herbal/mineral rebuilders (both are thyroid formula).

Since all of these possible answers need to be considered thoughtfully, take enough time to be sure your evaluation is sound. There are many possible solutions to depression and we must never give up nor cease to learn how to overcome this living hell. Only then can we bring joy to others.

Depression and "Mood Elevator"
(Excellent Chinese Herbal Combinaton)
Modern psychiatry has provided many treatments for its most common mental illness, depression. But as early as 3000 B.C., Chinese medicine offered an alternative approach to treating “sagging energy.”
In contrast to allopathic medicine, Chinese herbology treats disease, including depression, by focusing on the whole body instead of focusing on the symptoms of disease. This approach requires recognizing similar types of behavior, physical make up and other responses typically found in people suffering from similar symptoms of disease. For example, depressed people frequently struggle with hypoglycemia, PMS, food allergies, chronic fatigue, hypochondria and candida as well.

To further understand the ancient Chinese method of treating depression requires first understanding how body energy works. Body energy, known as “chi” in Chinese herbology, refers to the organizing and harmonizing principle of the body. An example of chi at work is evident when you feel thirsty after your body is depleted of fluids so that you drink more liquids than you normally would to restore the needed fluids. This is the body’s effort to normalize itself. However, sometimes the body’s normalizing processes do not function properly, and your body remains in an abnormal state for an extended period. Then the energy of the body “sags,” and feelings of gloom and depression, loss of energy, weak digestion, fatigue and congestion result.

Known as energy restraint, this condition appears when imbalances occur in one or more body systems or in specific body organs. One such organ, the liver, plays a key role in the body’s internal homeostasis and balance. To accomplish its job, the liver provides an even supply of sugar and other nutrients to the body. When the liver functions normally, the adrenals and nervous system do not have to deal with internal emergencies that result from too much or too little blood sugar. In addition, the body does not need to deal with not enough or too much of a particular nutrient. When the liver furnishes an even supply of nutrients, the nervous system can carry out its purpose, giving you the ability to retain a sense of equilibrium, serenity and peace.

One outcome of a poorly functioning liver is an uneven supply of nutrients, which makes internal homeostasis difficult. For example, blood sugar levels may swing back and forth between high and low (hypoglycemia) since the body is unable to maintain homeostasis. Therefore, the body fluctuates between high and low energy levels, and moods may swing from high to low. Moreover, if the liver is not performing to capacity, toxins circulate in the blood stream and can contaminate the brain and central nervous system, leaving a feeling of heaviness, achiness, listlessness and despair.

To help restore balance within the body, Mood Elevator Chinese Combination, known as “Jie Yu” in
Chinese, “relieves the depression.” This combination is designed to regulate the flow of energy in the body. Jie Yu means “relieves the depression” indicating the general purpose of this formula. So, if your mental and physical energies are “down”, read on. This formula may be just what you need to get you “up” again.

Mood Elevator is designed to do the following:
1. It stimulates digestive secretions, thus helping to raise body energy by improving digestion.
2. It supports the liver energy. A weakened liver results in problems like depression, PMS, blood sugar imbalances and a general feeling of illness.
3. It helps to thin mucus, promote its flow and stimulate its expulsion from the lungs. This reduces lymphatic congestion and aids the respiratory system.
4. It helps to stimulate the nervous system and the circulation for more energy. May also help to relieve nervous tension and spasms.
5. Helps to balance the glandular system which is important for emotional stability. Specifically, it helps the pancreas and adrenals, which regulate blood sugar levels, and the reproductive glands.
6. It raises the energy or chi of the body and helps release trapped emotional energy.

The Chinese have used this formula to treat depression, fatigue, insomnia, neurosis, tinnitis, postpartum depression, dysmenorrhea, morning sickness, menopause, lung congestion and premenstrual syndrome.

Sources:
Planetherb Database by Steve Blake
Planetary Herbology by Micheal Tierra
Nutritional Herbology II by Mark Pedersen
Chinese Medicinal Herbs by Li Shih-Chen
Your Nature, Your Health by S. Dharmananda

This information is for educational purposes only. Consult with a qualified health practictioner for all serious or persistant illness. Copyright © 1990 by Robinson & Horne, L.C., P.O. Box 1028, Roosevelt, UT 84066. This material may be duplicated for educational purposes only (not for resale) provided it is not altered in any way. Distributed by: Four Winds Nutrition Club - Webnat.com