Natural supplements for managing mood

I am unable to post links yet as I am new to the forum. I read published research, journal refereed. The article below is an abstract from one publication.

I will put the article name below and you can search it and pull the link and read the paper so you can see tested volumes.

Jt

Medicinal Plants Used for Anxiety, Depression, or Stress Treatment: An Update

Depression, anxiety, stress, and other mental disorders, which are on the rise worldwide, are indications that pharmacological therapy can have serious adverse effects, which is why many patients prefer to use herbal products to treat these symptoms. Here, we reviewed plants and products derived from them that are commonly used for the above indications, focusing on clinical data and safety profiles. While lavender, hops, maypop, lemon balm, and valerian have consistently been shown in clinical trials to relieve mild forms of neurological disorders, particularly depression, anxiety, and stress, currently available data do not fully support the use of peppermint for anxiety disorders and depression. Recent studies support the use of saffron for depression; however, its toxicological profile raises safety concerns. St. John’s wort is effective in alleviating mild to moderate depression; however, careful use is necessary particularly due to possible interactions with other drugs. In conclusion, more studies are needed to validate the mechanism of action so that these plants can be used successfully and safely to alleviate or eliminate various mental disorders.

A good one to read. This has a full review.

Therapeutic Effects of Phytochemicals and Medicinal Herbs on Depression

Sections. There are two sections, phytochemicals against depression and medical herbs against depression, in this review.

Good one.

Medicinal Plants in the Treatment of Depression: Evidence from Preclinical Studies

Medicinal plants and their extracts are natural remedies with enormous potential for treating various diseases, including depression and anxiety. In the case of depression, hundreds of plants have traditionally been used in folk medicine for generations. Different plant extracts and natural products have been analyzed as potential antidepressant agents with validated models to test for antidepressant-like effects in animals, although other complementary studies have also been employed. Most of these studies focus on the possible mediators implicated in these potential effects, with dopamine, serotonin, and noradrenaline being the principal neurotransmitters implicated, both through interference with receptors and with their metabolism by monoamino oxidases, as well as through neuro-endocrine and neuroprotective effects. There are approximately 650 reports of antidepressant-like medicinal plants in PubMed; 155 of them have been compiled in this review, with a relevant group yielding positive results. Saffron and turmeric are the most relevant species studied in both preclinical and clinical studies; St. John's wort or kava have also been tested extensively. To the best of our knowledge, no review to date has provided a comprehensive understanding of the biomolecular mechanisms of action of these herbs or of whether their potential effects could have real benefits. The purpose of this narrative review is to provide an update regarding medicinal plants from the year 2000 to the present to examine the therapeutic potential of these antidepressant-like plants in order to contribute to the development of new therapeutic methods to alleviate the tremendous burden that depression causes worldwide.

Good one.

Phytochemistry and pharmacology of anti-depressant medicinal plants: A review

Medicinal plants have long been used in discovering novel treatment strategies and compounds with promising roles in treating various disease conditions. There has been an increase, worldwide, in the use of medicinal plants and herbs for developing nutraceuticals for treatment of depression and other psychiatric disorders. Medicinal plants in their natural forms are valuable as they are rich in various phytochemical compounds. These phytochemical compounds have pharmacological roles in treating various diseases conditions; apart from being widely available in nature and commercially beneficial. The phytochemical compounds in plants are constantly being explored through various experimental studies to determine the molecular basis of how medicinal plants work in relation to drugs and diseases and to develop neutraceuticals for improving conditions. This review summarizes 110 medicinal plants and their phytochemical constituents that have been shown to possess anti-depressant activity. This review also highlights the various mechanisms of anti-depressant action of some of these plants and their plant parts like roots, stem, leaves, flowers, fruit or whole plant; phytochemical compounds showing anti-depressant activity such flavanoids, steroids, saponins, sugars, lectins, alkaloids, etc.; and various anti-depressant

I have done a fair bit of research regarding, "natural" remedies for depression and anxiety. A couple of things I've found.

Natural, does not mean free of side effects.
Natural, does not mean safe.
Natural, does not mean effective.
Natural, does not mean you get what the label indicates you are getting.

Natural, products are largely unregulated. What you think you are getting is very likely not what you are getting. The FDA may approve poisons, but at least one knows their poison.

The only natural remedies that I consider are those that have extensive research backing them up. Ideally, numerous double blind studies indicating their effectiveness.

I carefully review first person accounts regarding the effectiveness and side effects of these products. And then I have to research the company making the supplements. Even after such extensive research I am very careful regarding taking more than one supplement at a time.

Keep in mind that everyone's biology reacts differently. What works for one person may not work for someone else.

Two free and guaranteed to work, interventions are: a nutritious diet (free of garbage) and exercise. Both interventions work for everyone and have nothing but positive side effects.

I would not even consider taking any supplements until I have addressed my diet and exercise regimen. If I had my life to do over, I would never have taken a psych med until I cleaned up these two critical areas.

No one wants to hear it (I didn't) but no pill or supplement can make up for a poor diet and lack of exercise. If these are dialed in then one might consider supplements. I've made a lot of mistakes with supplements and medication. Be careful.

I wish you good health and peace.

I suggest you look at books by Dr. Daniel Amen. Perhaps have a consultation or if possible, take your daughter to one of his clinics. http://www.amenclinics.com.

Thanks for your kind and thorough review.

There is Orthomolecular Therapy. I don't know much about it. Here is some information from PubMed. PubMed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. An Orthomolecular approach to the prevention and treatment of psychiatric disorders. Mark Zell, et. al. Adv Mind Body Med. 2012, Fall.

I’ve tried SAMe in the past with no effect. I was recently prescribed SAMe again but this time a different brand.
extreme V Azendus SAM-e Mood Support 400mg, 60 Count, SAMe Butanedisulfonate Fiber Enteric Coated Tablets. You can get it on Amazon.
I’m early saying I think this one works because I’ve only been taking it for a few days but it is definitely doing something positive. I take 400mg twice a day on an empty stomach. Not too close to bed because it’s stimulating.
The other thing I was prescribed is for sleep. Nature's Way CalmAid Softgels with Silexan Lavender Oil, Helps Reduce Tension and Stress*, Non Drowsy, 30 Softgels.
I take two at bedtime.
I hope this helps and will check back if this continues to work. Wishing you all the best.

@clkurth You have read some interesting responses here. What do you think?

As for my experience, I can say this. First, everyone is different. And many times, we have a combination of issues affecting us on a daily basis, some more than others. Working hard on eating well for me, exercising, getting fresh air and natural endorphins are a foundational thing in my case. I am an introvert, and find journaling helps me a lot in managing moods. Over the years I have been able to see a good therapist. Also, making sure I honor myself, following what makes me feel better, whether that is watching a silly comedy, doing art therapy, volunteering to help people or animals in some way. One size does not fit all people. Be gentle on yourself. Do not fall for the latest "fad". Take your time and find what works for you.

Wishing you and your daughter success.
Ginger