1st Womens Health News

One cause of birth defects can be traced to medications ingested by the mom-to-be. There are several drugs that are known to cause birth defects if taken during pregnancy. Some medications have warnings on the label to advise pregnant women to not take them.

A study published in August of 2006, in the issue of Neurology, a scientific journal of the American Academy of Neurology stated that the epilepsy drug valproate is known to pose a higher risk for fetal death and also birth defects, more so than other commonly prescribed epilepsy drugs. Physicians prescribing for pregnant epileptic patients need to be aware of this information. According to the study, 20% of the pregnancies where valproate was used, there resulted death or birth defects of the skull, limb or brain with heart and lung problems also occurring.

In the study birth defect and death rates were lower for the drugs: phenytoin, carbamazepine and lamotrigine. These studies are consistent with other similar studies. It is important that this information be made available to pregnant women and those who treat them.

 The connection between medication and fetal risk depends on several factors:

 
Type of drug

 
Dosage

 
How it is taken

 
Gestational age of the fetus

 
Response of fetus to the medication

 
Maternal diet and illness

 
Even women who avoid medication all together during pregnancy  have a 4% chance for birth defects so avoiding medications will not necessarily mean that you can prevent all birth defects. Medication is certainly not the only cause of birth defects.

 Known Teratogenic drugs that pose birth defect risk:

 
ACE inhibitors (angiotensin converting enzyme)

 
Angiotensin II antagonist

 
Isotretinoin (acne drug)

 
Alcohol

 
Cocaine

 
Vitamin A in high dose

 
Lithium

 
Male hormones

 
Certain Antibiotics

 
Certain anticonvulsant medications

 
Certain Cancer fighting medications

 
Certain rheumatic medications

 
Certain thyroid medications

Thalidomide

 
Warfarin (blood-thinning)

 
Diethylstilbestrol hormone (DES)

 
There are other teratogenic drugs that lack medical studies; even illegal ones such as cannabis and amphetamines that may also cause birth defects but have not had studies to show conclusively that they do.

Medications can receive risk classifications so that physicians can have guidelines for prescribing for pregnant women. Australia has such as medication risk classification system. They have different categories for medications that apply to recommended doses and how safe they are for pregnant women to take. Such a classification system would be helpful for physicians in all countries to be able to refer to when making medication decisions. The classifications include those drugs that have been proven to increase the risk for birth defect, drugs lacking in data for safety in pregnant women, those drugs where there have been animal studies showing an increased risk for birth defects. Other categories include such things as known drugs that cause birth defects but whose health benefit to the pregnant woman outweigh the risk to the fetus for birth defect, drugs that cause harm to the fetus without causing birth defects and whose effects can be reversed, and those drugs that have a high risk for causing birth defects and should not be used in pregnancy.

Detox, short for detoxification, has gone a long way. Simply from being a clinical process it has been enjoying a growing popularity among mothers and their teens as well. It is because detox is considered as a new way of clean living. Hygiene now means that it is not enough to clean our bodies outside but also continue the cleaning on the inside.

But there’s more to that. Detox holds a lot more promises than making us beautiful, healthy, and young. Want to know more of what detox can do for you? Do you want to understand how these different processes help the body? Read on. 

Detox saves us from the harmful effects of the by-products of metabolism, which are the biochemical processes occurring within our bodies. When our bodies undergo metabolism, we produce enzymes like oxidases and transferases that hasten the breakdown of harmful substances in the body. Also, detox is further done through modification and release of molecules that are by-products from cell or tissue processes. This is considered as the body’s natural detox for the waste materials created by metabolism.

Other forms of detoxification are alcohol and drug detoxification. In a way, this process helps a patient undergoing rehabilitation for drug abuse or alcoholism. The treatment involves abstinence from the harmful substance to ensure that it is cleared from the body, a healthy diet and fitness routine, and social and environmental support for the patient. Most persons undergoing alcohol or drug detoxification will experience overwhelming physical and psychological changes.

Drug detox is performed in many different ways depending on where one decides to receive treatment. Most drug detox centers simply provide treatment or interventions for the patient to avoid alcohol and other drugs. Ideally, a reliable drug detoxification facility will incorporate therapy and counseling for the patient, to help with the psychological stress that he may experience.

Alternative medical treatments use special devices to hasten detoxification. Aqua detox equipment involves immersion of the patient or his body part in water, while a weak electric current is applied. Colonics makes use of a machine that acts as a vacuum to clean out toxins from the colon. These are a few expensive measures used by many people to prevent sickness. After all, many still believe that prevention is better than cure.

The detox diet is very popular nowadays. The body accumulates harmful substances or toxins that must be removed, especially after eating large amounts of unhealthy and processed foods. The toxins which are targeted by the detox diet are initially introduced into the human body by unhealthy food, polluted air, unsafe drinking water, and exposure of the body to other elements.

Less conventional methods for detoxifying the body may also be through saunas, contrast showers, body wraps, dry skin brushing, and many more. These treatments may become costly, and require frequent visits to a wellness center. Because the market has recognized that people are getting more and more health-conscious, even more treatments for rejuvenation and detoxification are being introduced.

Many people are completely caught off guard by the results they see after using Emotional Freedom Technique for their problems with addiction: they can often stop using drugs, alcohol, cigarettes or overeating immediately after beginning EFT.

The first benefit of using EFT for addiction is that it effectively deals with the craving that a person experiences. The tapping of the body’s energy meridians should be completed along with positive thoughts such as “although I am addicted to alcohol, I am strong enough to overcome my addiction and live a fulfilling life”. The craving usually passes with a round or two of EFT tapping, while many other techniques fail to remove the cravings, making quitting an addiction difficult if not impossible. After regular EFT therapy or self-taught usage, a lot of people can walk away from their addictions and lead a much healthier life.

EFT also works with addictions because it is a holistic health approach, which means that all aspects of a person’s being are recognized: the physical, emotional and spiritual. Although addiction is also a physical problem, in the majority of cases it has an emotional reason. People drink or use drugs to relieve pain, forget past trauma, or deal with an unpleasant situation. Every time the person uses an addictive substance, he or she is trying to block out the fear, guilt or anger of a past issue.

EFT is not just a cover up of the symptoms or problems; with just a few EFT sessions many can leave the addiction behind. Performing the EFT tapping routine for the craving for a cigarette or certain illegal drugs can really help reduce those cravings for good. EFT has amazing healing powers, and can treat addictions quickly and effectively, even when you don’t recognize the reason for these cravings.

A number of people with eating disorders have used EFT to help them stop their unhealthy habits and return to normal eating patterns. Like any other type of addiction or excessive control, over-eating or starving revolves around an emotional issue that isn’t being dealt with properly. EFT tapping can help overcome the physical cravings for food or the revulsion at it, as well as the emotional attachment. A person has to learn the emotions that are causing the cravings and overeating, and once that’s recognized, the road to recovery begins.

Although drugs and alcohol are some of the most common addictions, there are numerous other addictions that can be treated with EFT. Compulsive hair pulling (trichotillomania), sexual addiction, and even overuse of caffeine can all be treated with EFT systems.

Many people are completely caught off guard by the results they see after using Emotional Freedom Technique for their problems with addiction: they can often stop using drugs, alcohol, cigarettes or overeating immediately after beginning EFT.

The first benefit of using EFT for addiction is that it effectively deals with the craving that a person experiences. The tapping of the body’s energy meridians should be completed along with positive thoughts such as “although I am addicted to alcohol, I am strong enough to overcome my addiction and live a fulfilling life”. The craving usually passes with a round or two of EFT tapping, while many other techniques fail to remove the cravings, making quitting an addiction difficult if not impossible. After regular EFT therapy or self-taught usage, a lot of people can walk away from their addictions and lead a much healthier life.

EFT also works with addictions because it is a holistic health approach, which means that all aspects of a person’s being are recognized: the physical, emotional and spiritual. Although addiction is also a physical problem, in the majority of cases it has an emotional reason. People drink or use drugs to relieve pain, forget past trauma, or deal with an unpleasant situation. Every time the person uses an addictive substance, he or she is trying to block out the fear, guilt or anger of a past issue.

EFT is not just a cover up of the symptoms or problems; with just a few EFT sessions many can leave the addiction behind. Performing the EFT tapping routine for the craving for a cigarette or certain illegal drugs can really help reduce those cravings for good. EFT has amazing healing powers, and can treat addictions quickly and effectively, even when you don’t recognize the reason for these cravings.

A number of people with eating disorders have used EFT to help them stop their unhealthy habits and return to normal eating patterns. Like any other type of addiction or excessive control, over-eating or starving revolves around an emotional issue that isn’t being dealt with properly. EFT tapping can help overcome the physical cravings for food or the revulsion at it, as well as the emotional attachment. A person has to learn the emotions that are causing the cravings and overeating, and once that’s recognized, the road to recovery begins.

Although drugs and alcohol are some of the most common addictions, there are numerous other addictions that can be treated with EFT. Compulsive hair pulling (trichotillomania), sexual addiction, and even overuse of caffeine can all be treated with EFT systems.

The fight against stretch marks has heated up and there is precious little that those affected by the angry red and purple marks will not attempt in order to rid themselves of the unsightly marks or at least lessen their visibility. While at this point in time surgical methodology is the only way to at least partially rid you of these marks, prevention is considered to be best. Yet in those times when even prevention did not completely put a stop to the formation of the stretch marks, treatment is all that is left. Much lore and folk wisdom has built up around the fight against stretch marks, and while salves, lotions, home made creams, and commercially available treatments are part and parcel of the buzzing Internet economy, almost all healing regimens have one component in common: exfoliation.

Exfoliation is a process commonly used these days even during regular skin care and maintenance, but in some cases too much of a good thing can backfire. In order to ensure that you understand exfoliation and stretch marks, their relationship, and the proper methodology of the former, here are some fast facts you do not want to be without:

§  In most general terms, exfoliation is little more than the way of removing dead skin cells that are still fastened to the live skin cells. Obviously, this means that only the outer most surface of the skin is being affected by the exfoliation process.

§  The goal is to permit the live skin to be seen in its totality, and when not obscured by dead skin cells, this live skin is actually healthier looking and provides that “glow” so often associated with pregnant women.

§  Exfoliation may be accomplished with the help of a chemical agent, such as a commercially available scrub made from a wide variety of fruit enzymes mixed with citric acid and oatmeal extracts.

§  Exfoliation may also rely on the use of a scrubbing agent, such as a loofah, a pumice stone, or a home made scrub made from kosher salt.

§  Exfoliation will provide visible lessening of skin conditions that are aggravated by dead skin cells, such as acne, black heads, pimples, and even ingrown hairs, but it has a very limited effect on stretch marks, since they are actually at home in the dermis, the lower layer of the skin, that is not affected by the exfoliation directly.

§  Stretch marks are indirectly affected by proper exfoliation, however, because their visibility may be lessened when healthier looking skin is revealed and the skin’s overall health is being actively promoted with the use of exfoliates and proper lotions and sunscreens. As the stretch marks naturally fade, the healthy looking skin will further diminish their appearance, thus in fact creating in some cases the illusion of stretch marks disappearing, which is not the case!

§  Improper exfoliation, on the other hand, will irritate the skin, thus creating a skin condition that will showcase the stretch marks more clearly. It is imperative that you read any and all instructions that come with your exfoliate of choice to ensure that you use it is often or as little as intended by the manufacturers.

There are certain birth defects that are more common than others they include: cerebral palsy, cleft lip/palate, clubfoot, congenital hip dislocation, congenital hypothyroidism, cystic fibrosis (CF), down syndrome, fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS), heart defects, muscular dystrophy (MS), neural tube defects (NTDs), phenylketonuria (PKU), sickle cell anemia, and tay-sachs disease.

Cerebral palsy is not a specific birth defect but is a term to describe various medical complications that can affect a baby’s brain at birth. It is very difficult to actually make the diagnosis of cerebral palsy at birth, as many times the symptoms do not present themselves until later. The diagnosis usually comes about when it is used to describe conditions that affect control of movement that can be attributed to some kind of brain trauma experienced at birth. The cause of cerebral palsy is usually unknown but may include rubella, Rh disease, prematurity, or brain damage during the last trimester of pregnancy or at birth. Cerebral palsy can also occur after birth due to meningitis or head injuries.

Cleft lip/palate can happen when the tissues of the mouth, lip and palate do not form properly during fetal development. An opening between the upper lip and the nose is known as cleft lip and an opening between the roof of the mouth and the nasal cavity is known as cleft palate. Both of these defects can be surgically repaired after birth.

Clubfoot is a structural defect of the ankle blood vessels and foot bones, joints and muscles that may affect one foot or both feet. There is usually a limited range of motion and the affected foot usually points down and turn in. The cause is unknown and treatment is a cast that is applied immediately after birth; which works 95% of the time to correct the defect. If the original casting does work, then surgery and recasting is then done in hopes of correcting the defect.

Congenital hip dislocation is when the upper end of the thighbone fails to sit inside the socket of the pelvis in the proper fashion. This can affect one or both hips. This defect tends to run in families and happens more often to girls. The baby is placed in a soft sling for 6 to 9 months to correct the defect. If it goes undetected at birth, surgery may be necessary to correct it.

Congenital hypothyroidism is when the baby’s thyroid gland is absent or is underdeveloped at birth. The baby is unable to produce enough thyroid hormone which is what supports normal growth and brain development. The baby will experience developmental delays and permanent mental retardation is the condition is not recognized and treated with oral thyroid hormone within the first few weeks of life. All newborns in the United States is now screened for this condition with a blood test done at birth.

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a respiratory and digestive system disease. Symptoms are: trouble breathing, trouble digesting food, pneumonia, bulky stools and poor weight gain. This is a genetic defect. Treatment includes therapy and proper nutrition.

Down syndrome is actually a group of abnormalities, which is genetic in origin. Babies with down syndrome have an extra (third) copy of chromosome number 21 in their cells. Mental retardation, distinctive facial and other physical features are characteristic of those with this syndrome. There can be a wide variety of severity. There may be other medical issues such as heart defects experienced by those with this disorder, which may be treated with medications or surgery.

Fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) is characterized by slow growth, mental retardation, abnormal facial features and central nervous system problems. There is no cure or treatment; moms avoiding alcohol as soon as they realize that they are pregnant can prevent it.

Muscular dystrophy (MS) is a term used to describe 40 different muscular diseases that involve progressive weakness and degeneration of muscle movement. This is a genetic disease and there is no cure. Treatment includes physical and respiratory therapy, and medications.

Neural tube defects (NTDs) include Spina bifida and Anencephaly and develop during the first month of pregnancy as a structural birth defect involving the brain and spinal cord. Many babies are stillborn or die soon after birth. MTDs are multifactorial defects and may often be prevented by mothers taking adequate amounts of folic acid before and during pregnancy.

Phenylketonuria (PKU) presents with developmental delays, mental retardation and is a genetic disease because the body does not process protein correctly. There is a blood screening test done shortly after birth that detects PKU. If the child is treated promptly with a special diet mental retardation can be avoided.

Sickle cell anemia is a genetic disorder involving abnormal shape of the blood cells and results in periodic episodes of pain and chronic anemia (low blood count). Treatment includes antibiotics, blood transfusions and bone marrow transplants. Most U.S. states have a screening blood test for newborns to detect this defect.

Tay-sachs disease is a central nervous system disorder that results in blindness, dementia, paralysis, seizures, deafness and death. Symptoms develop during the first few months of life.

For some reason, when a person thinks there is something that should be changed physically with them, they first think of plastic or cosmetic surgical procedures.  There are often times when cosmetic surgery should not even be an option.  However, as long as patients are willing to pay, many plastic surgeons will go forth with whatever the patient requests, no matter if it is the right decision or not.  When you are suffering from cellulite, liposuction however is simply not a treatment option.  There are many things you can do to try to reduce the appearance of cellulite, although liposuction is not one of them.

The whole reason liposuction is not seen as being an appropriate cellulite treatment is because with liposuction, the fat removed is not in the same area as cellulite.  In fact, it is often much deeper than the cellulite is.  Cellulite is fat stored close to the skin’s surface.  It is usually trapped there and becomes deformed.  When someone has liposuction, this area is gone past and the fat is taken from deeper within.  Therefore, it doesn’t even get close to the problem and only treats other areas of fat.

Although liposuction is not seen as a cellulite treatment option, there are surgeons who still perform the procedure, just to see if it helps.  Often times, it is done on patients with severe cellulite and those that have tried everything on the market with absolutely no results.  The problem is that when someone with cellulite has liposuction, their cellulite can become much more pronounced and more noticeable overall.  Some patients claim that they never had cellulite until after having liposuction.  Experts will say that it is simply a possible after effect from liposuction, however many patients claim they are not warned before hand about this possible after effect.

When you are looking for a way to treat your cellulite, you can always stick with the more traditional treatment options.  Many women and men with cellulite claim creams and lotions do wonders for their skin.  In addition, many people choose to get bi-weekly wraps to help the appearance of the cellulite be reduced. 

There are also less invasive treatments being used widely for cellulite, including mesotherapy.  Mesotherapy is a treatment in which a special and nature substance is injected near the cellulite fat cells.  This is something used often in Europe as well as the rest of the world. Cellulite sufferers can talk with their doctors about this treatment or see a local dermatologist for more information.

The thing to remember is that something like liposuction or other cosmetic surgeries are not always the answer to your physical appearance problems.  In fact, they can often make things worse.  In addition to being very expensive, they are also full of risk in most cases.  Keep in mind that plastic surgeons will likely tell you anything to get that extra money out of your pocket.  But, if you do your research you will know that cellulite is something that just cannot be treated with surgeries like liposuction.

Stretch marks are also called Striae. They are bands, stripes or lines that are seen on the skin in areas where you usually have fat deposits such as the buttocks, abdomen, thigh, arms, belly, hips and lower back. They are common in pregnancy and can also occur when any individual male, female or child gains weight rapidly, losses weight rapidly or gains an excessive amount of weight. They start out as reddish to purple in color and then fade to a lighter color, silver or white. Stretch marks are soft to the touch and do not cause any pain. There may be some itching when they first appear.

Stretch marks appear in the dermis layer of the skin, which is the middle layer. They do not have any lasting ill effects on the skin and the skin performs normally, renewing itself just as before. Sometimes stretch marks can fade, especially in pregnancy, after the baby is born and the body returns to the pre-pregnancy size. Stretch marks do not always fade though; so don’t count on it happening.

Stretch marks can also form as a result of certain medications or chemicals that interfere with the formation of collagen, a substance needed by the skin. Cortisone long-term usage has been linked with the forming of stretch marks. Other medical conditions can lead to stretch marks including Cushing syndrome, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Puberty, Obesity and over use of cortisone skin creams.

There are some things you can do to lessen the chance of stretch marks before your abdomen starts to expand (during pregnancy). The first thing that can easily be done, drink plenty of water. Drink at least 8 – 8 oz. glasses of water daily. Your skin needs water to stay hydrated. Use a body moisturizer every day. Eat nutritious meals and snacks to give your skin the vitamins and minerals it needs. Exercise regularly to keep the blood circulating.

One treatment that has seen some promising results is the application of vitamin E oil directly to the stretch marks on a daily basis. This works on new stretch marks and old ones too. The old stretch marks just take longer to disappear. The vitamin E needs to be applied to wet skin, like right after a shower or to skin that has been moistened. Just break open or cut the vitamin E capsule and apply the oil directly to the stretch mark. If you find that you experience clothing sticking to where you have applied the oil, then after applying cover the area with a piece of gauze, first aid wrap or Band-Aid depending on the size of the area.

Have you ever wondered why so many youngsters these days seem to have more than enough piercing on and around their ears to hold up your average household shower-curtain? A tongue in check response may claim that they are trying to kick the tobacco habit or stop chewing gum!

Seriously though, the fact that manipulations of the ear’s pressure points may lead to desirable health effects is not a new finding. In Chinese medicine there are many references to emperors who chose to wear heavy gold earrings in the hopes of curing a vision problem Acupuncture of the ear is also a rather common practice in this form of medical practice. It is termed auriculotherapy and a practitioner who specializes in this form of acupuncture is known as an auriculotherapist.

Practitioners point out that the ears are the location for a large number of nerve endings which, when directly manipulated, will affect the eyes, the centers of the brain directing the ability to relax and even sleep, and amazingly seem to be directly related to the stimuli areas that are intricately connected to addictive behavior. To this end, to many smokers who were unable to kick the habit with the gum, patch, support program or any other methodology, acupuncture needles used on the ears are often a last ditch approach – one which yields amazing results! In some cases auriculotherapy has also been used to help drug and alcohol addicts, and at this point in time there is experimentation to see if food addiction may be treated as well in this manner.

Whenever you undergo any form of acupuncture, and most certainly auriculotherapy, the practitioner you choose must be a well trained, certified or certificated (depending on your municipal laws), and experienced therapist. Make sure the practitioner takes a good look at your ears first, preferably under a high powered light with a magnifying glass, to ensure that there are no lesions and other irregularities which may be points of possible infection.

One word of caution: do not undergo any form of acupuncture, but most certainly not auriculotherapy, if you are pregnant. There is a great risk of adversely affecting your uterus to such an extent that it may spontaneously abort your child because of the muscle relaxation stimuli it receives.

In addition to the foregoing, be aware of the feelings and sensations you are encountering; a bit of discomfort is normal, but if you feel cramping, profuse sweating, suddenly find that you are becoming dizzy, and various other adverse reactions are taking place, you must inform the practitioner immediately and stop the treatment. Erroneously informed individuals have claimed in the past that this is just the toxins in your body being released, when in reality it is a sign that the needles were inserted too deeply or in the wrong spots! Toxins are flushed out of your body by drinking water and also taking cleansing herbal supplements, not by becoming dizzy or experiencing pain and suffering during the treatment of your ears.

Leptospirosis is a disease caused by bacteria in the leptospira group. While this bacterial disease can be found all over the world, including the United States, it is more often than not prevalent in tropical and temperate climates in areas of the world that are rural and stricken with poverty. Access to proper hygiene and protective measures are the reasons why it is not a commonly occurring disease in this country.

Many people who get leptospirosis are exposed to the urine of infected animals, typically through a water source. A number of different animals carry the leptospira group of bacteria and some of them will never show signs of illness but others may. These bacteria are commonly found in farm animals such as horses, cattle, pigs and dogs. However, rodents and other wild animals may also have the disease.

Water, food and soil can become contaminated by the leptospirosis found in the animal urine and people become exposed to it through these means. Food grown in contaminated soil, walking barefoot or swimming in contaminated water and even drinking it can cause the disease. The water just has to touch a mucosal membrane like the eyes, nose or mouth or even an open sore or scratch on the skin. Luckily, the disease does not seem to be spread from person to person contact.

 Symptoms of Leptospirosis

The time between exposure to the disease to the presentation of the first symptoms may be anywhere from just a few days to a month later. Fever comes on suddenly and may be high. Bad headaches, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle aches and pains and chills are additional symptoms. Jaundice (yellowing of the eyes and skin) is a possibility as well as rash, bloodshot eyes and stomach pain.

Some people may seem to recover temporarily but may become sick once more. If a second stage of the illness occurs, it will likely be more severe with meningitis symptoms, kidney problems, respiratory illness and liver damage. It is imperative that treatment be rendered before the second stage begins as some damage to the internal organs may be permanent.

The problem with diagnosing leptospirosis is that the symptoms can mimic other diseases. It takes a blood test and urine sample to definitively diagnose this disease so that proper treatment may be rendered.

 
Treatment and Prevention of the Disease

 
Leptospirosis is treated easily with antibiotics such as penicillin or doxycycline as long as it is administered early on in the illness. IV antibiotics are best for those with more severe presentation of symptoms. In addition, treatment of the symptoms through pain medication as well as hydration may be necessary as well.

Visiting foreign countries where sanitary conditions are not the norm (i.e. poverty stricken areas), it is important to take proper precautions such as not swimming or wading in waters that may be contaminated with leptospirosis. In addition, you should not go barefoot in these countries as walking in contaminated water or soil can also cause the disease.

Many outdoor enthusiasts like campers and rafters are at higher risk of getting the disease in addition to farmers, livestock workers, military personnel and even health care workers in poor areas. At the first signs of illness, antibiotics should be administered, especially if no health care facilities are immediately available for lab analysis of blood or urine.

Usage of herbal medicine for depression is gaining popularity as people look for alternatives to the side-effect laden medication that we have currently. However, you have to take note that herbal medication that are used for depression are not suitable for severe cases of depression. Herbal therapies should never be used as a substitute to the medication that your doctor has prescribed to you. If suicidal thoughts ring through your mind frequently, it is still better to consult a psychiatrist or call a suicide hot-line and they would gladly help you. Herbal therapies are meant for milder cases of depression and may not be 100 percent effective.

St. John’s Wort - St. John’s Wort has long been used for the treatment of depression and anxiety. Studies have been favored this particular herb as it truly possesses the ability to treat depression and thus is widely used for the treatment of depression. Besides, it has also been treated as nature’s Prozac as it bolsters the amount of serotonin in our brain, a kind of brain chemical related to our moods, and is found to be responsible for our good moods. It also improves the production of other brain chemicals that promote concentration ability that are also related to moods.

Kava - Kava an herb that is widely used in the Fiji Islands for a long time now is also classified as one of the greatest herbs to treat depression. It has an ability to promote a calm state of mind and helps relaxes the body. More specifically, Kava helps treat depression occurring with anxiety.

Ginkgo Biloba - Ginkgo is often praised for its ability to increase oxygen flow to the brain and other bodily tissues. Ginkgo can also improve our memory by causing an increase in our neurotransmitter activity and thus can help depression especially in the elderly who suffer reduced blood flow to the brain.

Besides herbal medication that can be used to treat depression, there are also other kinds of natural nutrients that can aid in the treatment process of depression by lifting your depressive feelings and enhance our mood.

Fish Oil – The omega 3 fatty acids found in fish oil haven been proven to be very effective in boosting our mood and lessen depression. However it only applies the omega 3 fatty acids found in fish oil and not those found in other food stuff. Research has also proven that with a lack of these omega-3 fatty acids, it may lead to a person to suffer from depression.

Herbal medicine may seem effective, however like said previously, it is meant for use only in depression cases that are mild. For more severe cases of depression, professional help is definitely needed, or else there is no harm trying out these herbal medicines, since they do not contain any side effects.