Depression
Breaking Free of the Sadness

“He who has health has hope, and he who has hope has everything.”
                                                                     ~Thomas Carlyle~

Depression – a debilitating and persistent feeling of sadness.  Such feelings are quite common, also.  These feelings are so common, in fact, that nearly everyone has felt this way at one time or another.  The sadness of depression, unfortunately, is almost always accompanied by a loss of interest in those things which were once enjoyable and fulfilling.   The joy of living is lost; discouragement, even despair, sets in.

If these feelings are so normal, what is it that sets them apart from clinical depression, a major depressive disorder?  The major factor considered in a diagnosis of depression is time.  To be considered clinical depression, such feelings – such symptoms – must have persisted for at least two weeks.

Clinical Definitions

Depression, of any sort, disrupts lives and, sometimes, damages relationships.  Depression can decrease a person’s ability to function, both at work and at home.  There are many types of depression.  Naturally, some are more severe and more disruptive to a person’s life than are others.

Persistent Depressive Disorder

A depression, or depressed mood, that lasts for at least two years.  Generally, a person suffering from this type of depression will have episodes of major depression mixed with periods of less severe symptoms and disruption in their lives.

Postpartum Depression

Many women suffer from “baby blues” as their hormones readjust to a non-pregnant state. They may experience mild depression and sadness, perhaps even a bit of mild anxiety.  There is a lot of hormone shifting going on at this time!  Perhaps the birth did not go according to plan.  As a result, dearly held expectations were not met.  Instead of the expected euphoria, disappointment is felt.  The relatively mild symptoms of “baby blues” typically clear within two weeks after delivery.  Women with postpartum depression, however, experience full-blown major depression!  These feelings may have begun during the pregnancy or begin immediately after delivery.

These intense feelings of deep sadness, anxiety, and exhaustion may make it difficult for the new mother to care for either themselves or their baby.  If there are other children in the family, things can go from bad to worse in a hurry.  Then, too often, guilt sets in.   The woman berates herself for not being happy to be a mother.  She criticizes herself even further because the exhaustion and anxiety prevent her from being the mother she wants to be.

Seasonal Affective Disorder  (SAD)

The acronym (SAD) for this disorder explains so much about it.  Depression sets in during the winter months and lifts again in the spring.  Lack of natural sunlight is a major factor of Seasonal Affective Disorder.  The Pineal Gland, essential to the function of the nervous system in so many ways, requires sunlight to function properly!  It doesn’t take a lot of time spent in the sun to avoid SAD.  A few minutes every day is essential with consistency being a key factor.

This type of depression comes with all of the usual symptoms of depression.  There may be feelings of self-doubt and lack of confidence.  Sleep disorders – sleeping too much or being unable to sleep well – are common.  Mood swings occur as the body and mind seek to regulate themselves without proper input from the Pineal Gland.  These mood swings make life difficult for everyone – sufferer and family members alike.  There may be social withdrawal and even weight gain.

Psychotic Depression

This type of depression is severe – and very alarming.  The person not only suffers the symptoms of ordinary depression but will also display some sort of psychosis.  They may have disturbing false, but very fixed, beliefs (delusions).  They may even hear or see disturbing things that those around them do not see – hallucinations.  The psychotic symptoms usually have a theme, such as delusions of guilt, poverty, or illness that do not really exist.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is not really depression in the true sense.  It should probably be treated in an article of its own (maybe someday).  I include it here because bipolar disorder includes episodes of extremely low moods.  These low moods meet all the criteria for major depression except, possibly, the time factor of two years.  Bipolar depression is interspersed with periods of euphoria and intense excitement.  Occasionally, and more rarely, the high places may manifest as extreme irritability.

Possible Causes of Depression

Vitamin and/or Mineral Deficiencies.

It seems to me that vitamin and mineral deficiencies are, all too often, overlooked as the possible cause of debilitating depression.  Nerves and muscles, every body system, requires certain nutrients to function optimally.  Anxiety, irritability, and depression can result from a lack of the nutrients necessary to sustain a healthy nervous system.  Physical ailments and weakness, because they prevent us from doing and being all that we want to be, can also lead to sadness, disappointment, and depression.

Dietary Factors

Eat the rainbow.  Avoid empty calories and those things which negatively affect nutrition.  A diet that is high in sugar and non-nutritional carbohydrates results in unwanted chemical reactions in the body.  These chemical reactions can, and usually do, lead to both inflammation and high blood glucose levels.  The result is such things as hypoglycemia, fibromyalgia, and arthritis, to name just a few such things that can go wrong.  Hypoglycemia, for example, causes the brain to produce abnormally high levels of glutamate.  Higher levels of glutamate can trigger depression, anger, anxiety, and even panic attacks.  The pain and life-altering debility of such conditions as fibromyalgia and arthritis can, also be triggers for depression all by themselves.

Gastrointestinal Issues

Troubles in the digestive system are, too often, a major factor in depression.  Problems in the intestinal tract lead to issues with the absorption of nutrients.  Also, this leads to nutritional deficiencies. Nutritional deficiencies, without fail, lead to stress on the nerves.   A person’s diet is, therefore, extremely important.  But, what one absorbs from what one eats is even more important!  A healthy digestive system is essential to good nutrition and good health.

Serotonin is a chemical that has many functions in the human body.  One of these functions is to relay messages from one part of the brain to another.   Besides regulating and improving mood, serotonin regulates appetite, helps us sleep, improves memory and the ability to learn new things, and contributes to feelings of happiness, confidence, and well-being.  Serotonin is often referred to as the chemical of happiness.  As you can see, having sufficient serotonin in the body is extremely important to avoiding depression.

About 90% of the serotonin needed by the body is produced in the intestinal tract, not in the brain.  Because of this, a congested colon is a sure-fire recipe for serious depression as well as other emotional issues!

Serotonin is only one such important neurotransmitter that is created, to a large extent, in the intestinal tract.  Dopamine is another.  There are many more.

Biochemistry

There are differences in certain chemicals in the brain of many people who suffer from clinical depression. The work done by The Enigma MDD working group has actually shown the brain of a person suffering from depression is different than the brain of a person fortunate enough to live without it.  These international studies gave overwhelming evidence of a relationship between depression and damage in the hippocampus. Out of the 9,000 participants studied, the individuals suffering from depression were significantly more likely to have shrinkage in their hippocampus.  (Link to study information:http://enigma.ini.usc.edu/ongoing/enigma-mdd-working-group)

But, what causes the shrinkage in the hippocampus?  How many of these brain chemical imbalances and deficiencies are the result of dietary factors?  How many are the result of poor “gut” health?  Does lack of sunlight play a part?  The Pineal Gland communicates directly with the hippocampus as well as other important brain structures and the Pineal Gland requires light on the retina in order to function properly.  Does a lack of exercise, and the endorphins produced by physical activity, play a part?

Are any of these imbalances the result of medications, given previously for some other condition?  Sometimes medications taken for illnesses such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and Parkinson’s – to name just a few – may cause side effects that contribute to depression.

Major Life Changes

It is an odd thing but sometimes seen, that even changes in our life’s circumstances that seem good may be a trigger for depression.  Finding ourselves in new surroundings, unsure of ourselves and the roles we are expected to play can trigger the sort of anxiety that settles into depression.

Grief/Bereavement or Depression?

The emotions experienced at the death of a loved one or the end of a relationship can be very difficult.  It is normal for feelings of sadness and grief to be experienced at such times in our lives. These emotions are sometimes described as depression.  However, being sad and grieving is not the same as suffering from clinical depression.  Both grief and depression may involve intense sadness and even withdrawal from normal activities.  However, they are different in some very significant ways.

• With grief, painful waves of sadness are, many times, mingled with positive memories of happier times.  With depression, good times and good memories become lost in the hopelessness and sadness.
• During times of grief, self-esteem usually remains intact.  The person knows who they are.  They know their strengths.  They find, before too long, sufficient faith in themselves to create a life for themselves under their new circumstances.  On the other hand, feelings of worthlessness and lack of competence and confidence are common.
• When grief and depression co-exist, grief often becomes much more severe.  The difficult stages of grief last much longer.  The depression, present before the loss, may deepen and become very difficult to counter or escape from.

Environment Factors/Unrelenting Stress

Continuous exposure to violence, neglect, abuse or grinding poverty may make some people more vulnerable to depression.  Unrelenting stress, such as the care of a chronically or terminally ill family member, can rob the body of nutrients and the mind of hope.  Violence and neglect can breed, in some people, a consciousness of their own mortality and vulnerability.  The result may be a deep and long-lasting depression.

Personality

People who suffer from low self-esteem, who are easily overwhelmed, or who are generally pessimistic rather than upbeat about daily events, appear to be more likely to experience real depression during their lives.  A tendency to focus on the past or on the future rather than staying present in the moment can also open a person to depression.  There is absolutely nothing we can do to change the past.  The future too, in spite of our best-laid plans, is always uncertain.

Physical illness

Depression, especially in midlife or older adults, can co-occur with other serious medical illnesses, such as diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and Parkinson’s disease. These conditions are often worse when depression is present. The slide from the natural discouragement to physical illness is easy and all too common.

Out-of-balance hormones can also contribute to or deepen depressive states.

Genetics

Depression seems to run in families.  For example, if one identical twin suffers from depression, there is a 70% likelihood that the other twin will suffer from depression, at some point, also.  Is this hereditary?  Is it the similar eating habits of people who grew up together in a family?  The answers to these questions are not completely clear at this time.

Possible Symptoms of Depression

• Feeling unusually and almost unbearably sad.  A feeling of impending tears close by almost all of the time.
• Loss of interest or feelings of pleasure with activities once enjoyed.
• Changes in appetite – weight loss or gain unrelated to diet or dieting.
• Trouble sleeping or sleeping too much.
• Loss of energy, feeling incredibly fatigued all of the time.
• Slowed movements or speech patterns.  These are usually unnoticed by the sufferer but are generally quite apparent to family and friends.
• Increase in activities such as signing, hand-wringing, or pacing.
• Feelings of worthlessness or guilt.  Notably, the reality of our lives does not explain these emotions.
• Difficulty thinking, concentrating or making decisions.
• Thoughts of death or suicidal thoughts.

An Analogy
Depression ~ A Boat in A Storm

Picture a relentless storm at sea.  You are that little boat out there, being tossed about on the waves.  You are well-built but, at the moment, you are really struggling.  In fact, it feels like – every moment – that you are about to sink!   It is impossible to know which direction to go in the storm.  In addition, there doesn’t seem to be any nearby harbor of safety.  It is all you can do just to stay afloat!  The waves are always crashing and crashing into you.  There is no rest or relief in sight.  Those of you who have ever suffered from depression know how exhausting, how debilitating, such a fight can be!  You are in real peril, physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Failure to Treat

Not treating depression can be a dangerous thing!  Depression can ruin relationships, cause problems at work, lead to drug or alcohol addiction, and even result in suicide.  Clinical depression affects not just a person’s mood.  It can affect the entire system.  Depression changes how people think and how they act and react to daily events.  It distorts a person’s perspective as to who they are and what they want or can even expect from life.  Once caught in this downward spiral, it is not just a matter of pulling ourselves out.  The words, well-meaning as they may be, “Just smile,” or “Just think more positively, ” can seem harsh and uncaring to a depressed person.  The cause, or causes, of the person’s depression, whatever they may be, need to be addressed.

The onerous cycle of depression can be very difficult to break free of.  The more depressed you get, the less you want to do.  The less you do, for yourself or others, the more depressed you feel.  Eventually, if you do nothing, hope itself flees.

Hope Renewed
Surviving the Storms of Life

There are so many ways in which the human system – physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually – can run into trouble.  This life is, very much, like being at sea.  Serious storms may overtake us at any time and without warning.  Since the beginning of time, mankind has attempted to find methods to restore good health and proper functioning of the body following accidents or illnesses.  Healing, without causing harm, has always been the goal of good men and women in the healing arts and sciences.  Unfortunately, ALL drugs have side-effects.  

In alternative (I dislike that word alternative – I don’t like complementary much better.  What I do is mainstream to me!)  In holistic (there, that is a better word) medicine, we see –  daily – wonderful illustrations of the goodness of God in providing for His children’s well-being.  I feel such gratitude to that loving Creator who established this world in such a way that the things we need – and the knowledge we need – is everywhere around us every day of our lives. 

I have found, over the years, that each of these modalities work better when I make use of them with gratitude in my heart.  No, gratitude, or even faith, does not heal all depression.  I would never want to be guilty of telling someone who is fighting depression such an insensitive thing.  Their gratitude and their faith are – as they must be – between them and their God.  Nevertheless, using these modalities IS more effective when used with appreciation, gratitude, and hope.  

Joy in the Journey

To live in the realm of healing with God’s living pharmacy and the knowledge available to us is to live in hope.  It is also the taking of a fuller measure of responsibility for ourselves, our welfare, and our happiness.  The accepting of this responsibility, coupled with gratitude to the Creator, blesses and strengthens us in a myriad of ways.  I hope you are finding as much joy in your healing journey as I have found in mine.  A further measure of joy will be found in helping your family and in reaching out to others with the solutions that you find.  

A Seemingly Backwards Approach

Sometimes, the only way to know what is causing a problem is to jump right in and try some “fixes.”  Knowing what made the situation better can tell us a lot about what caused the problem in the first place.  Unfortunately, it is very rare for any situation to have only one cause.  This is true, certainly, of depression.   A person might begin by improving nutritional intake and absorption.   They may, consistently and creatively, make use of the many essential oils that lift the spirits and cheer the soul.  Adding deep level homeopathic remedies to aid with unraveling the onion layers of unbalanced energy is something I would definitely try.   Alternative remedies to balance hormones has helped many a person escape the clutches of depression.  Looking back, when healing is well underway, may give us the best understanding of cause in a great many situations.

Possible Solutions and Starting Places

 

Herbal Remedies

Nutritional Support

KNA

KNA Tincture stands for the three herbs – kelp, nettles, and alfalfa – that this tincture formula contains.  We have since started using Dulse instead of Kelp as it is even more nutrient-dense. These three herbs contain all of the trace minerals, in adequate amounts and excellent proportions, identified as vital to good health. These herbs are particularly high in absorbable calcium, natural iron that does not cause constipation, iodine, vitamin C, and vitamin A.  In addition, alfalfa contains a lot of a very usable form of protein, which is unusual in herbs. Vegans should pay particular attention and make it a habit to supplement their diets with Dulse or Kelp.

Vitamin D-3 Supplement

Vitamin D is absolutely essential for strong bones.  This is because vitamin D is necessary in order for the body to utilize calcium from dietary sources.  Vitamin D deficiency contributes to a host of unhealthy conditions.  Rickets, a bone disease caused by bone tissue failing to absorb minerals properly due to lack of vitamin D, leads to soft bones and skeletal deformities.  Low blood levels of vitamin D contribute to such things as increased risk of death from cardiovascular disease, cognitive impairment in elderly people, severe asthma in children, and cancer.

Vitamin D is sometimes called the sunshine vitamin.  The body produces vitamin D when the skin is exposed to sunlight.  Vitamin D is also found, naturally, in a limited number of foods.  Some fish contain vitamin D.  Egg yolks are also a natural source of vitamin D.  If you shun the sun, or just don’t have time to play there, you may be experiencing a vitamin D deficiency.  Unfortunately, as people age, their kidneys may be less able to convert vitamin D to its active form.  This makes taking care of one’s kidneys very important, indeed.

Early symptoms of vitamin D deficiency include mild bone pain and muscle weakness.  The symptoms, unfortunately, are often subtle.  In addition, they are too often attributed to other causes and nothing is done to alleviate the vitamin D deficiency.

Remedies to Strengthen the Nerves

I created the first four of the tincture combinations listed below many years ago.  The last tincture, BBL, is based on a formula created by Dr. John Christopher – also many years ago.   My book,  Butterfly Miracles with Herbal Remedies contains the recipes for these tinctures.   Butterfly Express, LLC, currently markets them.   They can be purchased as tinctures or as herbal packs for you to make your own tinctures at home.

NV (formerly Nervine)

NV is the strongest an most complete of the nervine tinctures I created.  By this, I mean that it contains the largest variety of herbs.  Nervine herbs can be quite potent.  If a person is going to have an allergic reaction to an herb – a rather rare phenomenon – it will quite possibly be to a nervine one.  For this reason, I created three formulas.  That gives the Butterfly line enough variety that one or the other of them is usually just right for the person in need of such an herbal formula.

NS  (formerly Nerve Special)

NS is a mild and effective nervine.  This formula is much like the original NV that is discussed above except that it contains fewer herbs.  The herbs that are found in NV but left out of NS are herbs that have, on occasion, created a healing or allergic reaction in someone of our acquaintance in the past.  Also, someone somewhere is probably allergic to every herb on the planet.  We love NV but, on occasion, NS will test as a better choice for a particular person.  Adding a little bit of St. John’s Wort to this remedy makes it even more effective for anxiety attacks, sleeplessness, and depression.

NT  (formerly Nerve Tonic)

NT is one of my favorite nervines.  It is both gentle and effective!   I especially like it for PMS tension and for tension headaches.  It has also proven useful in some cases of mild depression.  Excellent but very gentle nervine herbs make up this remedy.

NVC  (formerly Children’s Nervine)

This formula contains the very mildest of nervine herbs.  Because of this, NVC is appropriate for use with children.  It also makes a good remedy for long-term use with mild depression.

BBL

BBL is not specially indicated for depression but, as a sleep aid, it may be useful when used along with other remedies.  I love this formula.  It has a variety of uses.  Calming my nerves and allowing me to sleep well are only two of them.

Remedies to Support Digestive and Intestinal Health

CAN

The presence of an overgrowth of Candida albicans – a yeast infection, in other words – can seriously impact digestive health.  A poorly functioning digestive system, as explained above, can be the cause of depression.  The CAN formula contains some of nature’s best anti-bacterial herbs.  However, like all things natural, CAN does not indiscriminately kill all bacteria.  It merely brings overgrowth situations into balance.  Candida albicans, in proper proportions, is a necessary part of the digestive tract.

CD

Inflammation and irritation in the digestive tract often respond to the herbal combination, CD.   It has helped with such conditions as chronic indigestion, colitis, ulcers of the small intestine, and constipation. The plantain, marshmallow, and papaya leaf are particularly soothing and healing,  Although CD, used in quantity, can be a mild colon cleanse, these three herbs keep any cleansing side effects quite mild, usually.

GI

GI is used most often as a gallbladder cleanse.  The creator of this formula called this remedy her “family reunion” tincture.  The sugary treats common at family reunions made her family quite ill.  This remedy contains herbal “bitters.”  These particular herbal bitter have been used for centuries.  Herbal “bitters” are herbs that stimulate the digestive tract by stimulating the production of bile and other digestive juices.   This formula also contains healing, demulcent herbs, as well.

LC

LC aids the liver in secreting the bile into the colon that is necessary for digestive function. When the liver is sluggish, the result is indigestion, constipation, fatigue, headaches, and a long list of other problems which are somewhat unique to each individual.   These problems will, inevitably, include depression and mood swings.  It is recommended to strengthen and support the kidneys and colon while working with the liver by using either KB or KT for the kidneys, CD for the colon, and RC (formerly Red Clover combination) to keep the blood clean of toxins and impurities.

Essential Oils

The two best essential oils for depression are ^LeHeart Song and ^LeVitality .  I will talk about them first then list the other oils that are good for depression alphabetically.

^LeHeart Song   

^LeHeart Song is the leading remedy in the Butterfly line for loss and grief.  This blend is especially effective for loss and grief that may be leading to despondency and depression.  The high frequency of ^LeHeart Song reminds us that we are loved, both by Heaven and many people around us.  ^LeHeart Song balances the heart chakra and meridians and stabilizes the electrical fields and energy systems.  It is difficult to stay despondent in the face of the beautiful aroma of ^LeHeart Song.

^LeVitality

^LeVitality is very specific for the cardiovascular, circulatory, pulmonary, and lymphatic systems.  Try ^LeVitality for all heart related and circulatory conditions.  ^LeVitality has amazing uses in so many other areas. For instance, ^LeVitality is often used for lowering high blood pressure.  This is because it acts on the cardiopulmonary system and because it reduces stress levels.  This blend can be useful for increasing stamina among the sick or the elderly.  ^LeVitality is a remedy for the treatment of shock and is reputed to stop or slow the progress of an oncoming stroke.  (Apply to the neck and forehead while encouraging the person to breathe as deeply and calmly as possible until medical assistance arrives.)

What does all this have to do with depression?  Not much, but it may be useful information!  For depression, I can only say that this blend provided me with a hopeful feeling about the state of my health after I experienced some serious – and seriously discouraging – issues with my own heart health.  When I applied ^LeVitality and smelled the aroma of it, I felt more confidence in my body’s ability to heal and be strong again.  ^LeVitality, whether one has a heart issue or not, gives one more enthusiasm for life.

^LeAcknowledge

^LeAcknowledge nourishes and strengthens the nervous system, helping to quiet feelings of fear and discouragement. Another benefit of this blend is in enabling us to see the “reality” of life or health situations.  Accepting what will be or will not be in our lives can allow us to move forward with healing and peace instead of discouragement and despair. Recognizing what it is that we are feeling, and knowing that it is acceptable to feel that way for the moment, often allows us to move through that feeling and move on with our lives.

^LeBaby Me

This is one of the best of the Butterfly essential oil blend for the “baby blues” and for depression of any kind.  ^LeHeart Song is, also the other leading blend.  The frequency of ^LeBaby Me is extremely high, well into the spiritual range emotionally.  It is so well balanced, however, with notes from all three realms (physical, emotional, and spiritual) that can be felt and enjoyed.  First, the more volatile top notes do their work with the spirit and the emotions, and then the middle and lower notes kick in, grounding and balancing the more physical aspects of whatever is out of balance.

^LeBelieve

This oil aids in learning to love oneself and achieve a sense of inner peace.  ^LeBelieve releases negative emotions and perceptions at the cellular level.  Working at the cellular level helps to make these changes permanent. Such changes bring us more confidence in ourselves. ^LeBelieve can help us see that we have the abilities we need and that we will be led to where we need to be at appropriate times in our lives.  This blend is a great oil to aid us in being more optimistic, more motivated, and more tenacious.

^LeBeloved

Profoundly affects the heart chakra.  It is a relationship oil in every way.  Building and maintaining a healthy relationship with one’s own self is critically important in combatting depression.  Understanding the great love that God has for us can help us to heal our own emotional wounds. From our wholeness of heart, we can then see clearly and respond generously in just the right way.  The aroma of this beautiful blend helps us find this amazing place within ourselves.

This blend is helpful in developing inner strength and fortitude.  The oils in this blend keep us from feeling overwhelmed.  They help us accept changes in the circumstances of our lives.   An amazing thing about ^LeBeloved is the way it helps us combat mood swings and panic attacks.

^LeCherish

Osmanthus and Jasmine are members of the same exotic family.  They are used, in the perfume industry, in only the most costly and extraordinary of fragrances. These essential oils are among the most expensive and desirable of fragrances.  These two essential oils ace in multi-faceted and multi-dimensional ways.  They impact the senses and the energy one layer after another.  Jasmine is very concentrated, heady, and sensual.  It reaches the core of both the feminine and the masculine in our natures where it magnifies qualities of strength and courage.

In ^LeCherish, the intense aroma of the Jasmine is moderated by Osmanthus and Cistus making this blend both delightful and powerful.  This is an expensive blend but it is worth every penny.  The aroma of ^LeCherish encourages us to set our feet on a path that will help us reach a higher and more satisfying plateau in our lives.

This high-frequency blend helps us rebuild our emotional balance and gain perspective in the aftermath of quarrels, traumatic events, the loss of a loved one, or the loss of a cherished hope or dream.  This intense blend requires the use of only a drop or two at a time.

^LeEZ Traveler

^LeEZ Traveler promotes feelings of calmness, emotional strength, and the ability to cope with the day’s events and responsibilities.  Stress manifested in the digestive system respond well to this blend.  Anorexia is a very emotional condition.  Try this blend for any such tendencies.

^LeEternity

I emphasize the ^LeEternity blend here because it aids the digestive tract in absorbing nutrients.

^LeGrateful Heart

This blend promotes feelings of gratitude for all that we have and all that others do for us.  It has a marked effect on the dark clouds of depression.  This blend accomplishes the relaxation of the mind and the body.  Dissatisfaction and discontentment are destructive to the nervous and immune systems.  ^LeGrateful Heart addresses these imbalances and can provide support and healing for these feelings.  Essential oils, and homeopathics and blessed waters, do not change our way of thinking in some automatic or magical way.  Rather they open our vision to other possible ways of acting and reacting.  The choice is, as always, ours – and there is always a choice that is better for our health than another choice might be.

^LeJulia

^LeJulia calms and soothes the emotions, allowing the “knots” in the stomach to dissolve.  The synergy of the oils in this blend creates an atmosphere where fear, anxiety, and the need to hold on tightly to emotions can be released.  As digestive issues related to stress resolve, serotonin and other neurotransmitters thrive and do their jobs.

^LeInsideOut

^LeInsideOut was the first Butterfly blend that targets the digestive system.  In my opinion, it is still one of the strongest for physical problems in the digestive system.

^LeLetting Go

^LeLetting Go is a favorite blend of many people.  This blend is literally exactly what the name, letting go, implies.  Holding on to negative emotions, from the past, or even holding on and trying to change situations over which we have no control, can be destructive of both mental and physical health.  Letting go – putting these things into perspective – can have a very great impact on depression.

^LeMeditation

Meditation is a unique blend.  The aroma alone seems to set the stage for the reception of divine inspiration as well as the organization of our own thoughts and perceptions.  Meditation is useful for calming ourselves, finding compassion for others, and lifting ourselves out of depression.  This blend can help us find the motivation to make any changes in our lives that we know need to be made.

^LeTurmoil

^LeTurmoil helps us to view trials from a more positive perspective, realizing that this, too, shall pass or shall at least give us experience.  Consider this blend for the anger stage of grief and later, if the grief seems to be settling into depression.

^LeUnity

^LeUnity promotes harmony within ourselves, with others around us, and with our Creator.  This is the greatest essential oil product I know of for fostering a sense of physical and mental well-being, overall.  If ^LeBenediction is not providing enough protection from other people’s energies for you, try adding ^LeUnity.  This blend, like ^LeBountiful, fosters a sense of abundance and appreciation in our hearts.  This essential oil blend must be experienced to be believed.  It is absolutely beautiful.

Diffuse these essential oils for an all-day up-lift of spirits and mood.  Wear these essential oils as perfume.  The aroma of most of these oils is very pleasant.  A possible exception might be Turmoil.  Dilute these essential oils and apply them anywhere on the body.  The heart and heart chakra area are especially nice places to apply them.  These essential oils are excellent when added to a bath or shower.  Some people have found it helpful to carry an essential oil inhaler, with their choice of essential oil, with them wherever they go.

Homeopathic Remedies

There are, literally, hundreds of remedies listed in the Repertory under the heading of Depression.  The first basic list fills an entire column, single-spaced in small print.  The following three pages break the lists down by outstanding symptoms.  For example, there are lists for “depression with a headache,” “depression after humiliation,” “depression with hunger,” “depression during menopause,”  “depression after childbirth” and “depression with drowsiness.”  I am sure that you get the idea.  I cannot, of course, give you a description of each of them.  So, I will be creating some pretty long lists here but describing only a few remedies – and those only briefly.

Flower Essences

Flower essences remedies are very low potency homeopathic remedies.  Dr. Edward Bach, an English physician was the creator of the original 36 Bach Flower Essence Remedies.  These gentle and amazing healers address issues of emotional well-being and the development of character and spirituality.  As such, they impact the health of the physical body in a myriad of ways.  In the early 1930’s (yes, these remedies have been available to us for that long), Dr. Bach wrote, “Behind all disease lie our fear, our anxieties, our greeds, our likes, and dislikes.   True healing involves treating the very basis of the cause of the suffering. Therefore, no effort directed to the body alone can do more than superficially repair the damage. Treat people for their emotional unhappiness, allow them to be happy, and they will become well.”

How do these remedies work? 

Once again, I will quote Dr. Bach.  Bach described the process by saying, they “flood our natures with the particular virtue we need, and wash out from us the fault that is causing the harm.” Flooding our natures with the opposing virtue is the way to eradicate any fault, in my opinion.  Focusing on the fault only feeds the negative and gives the fault more power.

How does this philosophy work with depression?  I can’t say, exactly.  I only know that the remedies listed in that category work very well, indeed!

Other Flower Essence Remedies

Over the years since Dr. Bach created his first flower essences, there have been literally hundreds more added.  You can now purchase North Amercian Flower Essences, Essences from Australia, Hawaii, New Zealand, and many others.  One of my favorites is a set of remedies created from flowers in the high mountain ranges of the Sierras.

Please see the book, Butterfly Miracles with Homeopathic Remedies, for further information about these remedies.

Flower Essence Categories

Dr. Bach divided his 36 remedies into categories of emotions.  The category that is applicable to a discussion of depression is, “For Those Who Suffer Despondency or Despair.”  The remedies which Dr. Bach placed in this category are listed below – with very short descriptions of the situations for which they might be useful.  There are, also many other remedies from the other, more recently created flower essence sets that might also be useful.  Energetic, Blessed Water versions of several of these sets, including remedies similar to the Bach Flower Remedies.

Flower Essence Remedies 

Black-eyed Susan   The depression of this remedy is usually tied to traumatic episodes from the past.  Positive qualities, with use, include keen insights into one’s own emotional health and an ability to learn and grow from past experiences and traumas.

Green Cross Gentian   Deep despair leading to debilitating depression characterizes this remedy.  The sufferer may be unable to function sufficiently to get by.  The depression is usually connected to man’s inhumanity to man or discouragement at the depletion and misuse of natural resources.   Positive qualities include a desire to serve, help, and heal others, unconditional love, and concern for the welfare of the earth.

Sierra Primrose  Lack of gratitude and appreciation for the gift of life or for the things done for them by others.  This depression includes fatigue and boredom.  Positive qualities are, also gratitude, strength of character, physical vitality, enthusiasm and boundless energy.

Fireweed   Physical depletion and depression following adversity or events that have disrupted normal living.  Depression with erratic and irrational behavior.  Positive qualities include the ability to envision the future, create and carry new projects to completion.

Joshua Tree   Depression linked to an inability to break free of destructive relationships, often family related but may be cultural in nature, as well.  Insight and compassion for the imperfections of family members.  Conscious striving for the betterment of family relationships.  A developing ability to change negative family patterns and/or move past cultural conditioning.

Mustard   Melancholy.  Deep gloom; and despair.  Depression tied to deeply repressed, misunderstood parts of the past.  Manic-depressive mood swings.  Positive qualities include light in the soul and in the countenance.  The ability to find joy in life as it is in the here and now.

Cell Salts (also called Biochemic, Tissue, or Schuessler Salts) for Depression

The word biochemic comes from a Greek word­—bios— which means life.  Biochemic, therefore, means the chemistry of life.  According to biochemical theory, there are 12 major inorganic salts that make up the composition of our cells and our blood.  Blood is to the body what soil is to a plant.  Poor, exhausted soil that is lacking in essential nutrients produces weak and sickly plants. Poor, exhausted blood that is lacking in essential constituents produces weak, sickly bodies.  Weak bodies are prone to disease and unable to provide the quality of life that we would like to have.  Plants thrive in vitamin and mineral-rich soil.  By enriching the blood and ensuring that the proper nutrients are being carried to the cells, a healthy balance within ourselves can be maintained or recovered.

Cell Salts

There are three cells salts which may be important in the treatment of depression.  A brief description of them is given below.

#1 Calcarea Flourata  (Flouride of Lime)
The depression of Calc Flour usually has its roots in fear of poverty.  It may also ensue following a financial crisis or loss.  A person who suffers from a depression that Calc Flour might help with has usually become uncharacteristically indecisive.  Because of loss or stress, there may be an unusual and over-blown focus on money and financial security.

#6 Kali phosphoricum (Phosphate of Potash)
Kali Phos improves the uptake of nutrients that are essential to nerve health.  Because of this, Kali phos is helpful to any depression that was brought on by stress.  The depression of Kali phos – like all remedies containing phosphorus – is keynoted by great weariness and fatigue.

#8 Magnesia phosphorica (Phosphate of Magnesia)
Mag phos is often used to relax over-wrought nerves.  Used as a team, Kali phos and Mag phos work together very well!   Although being a phos, there will be great weariness.  It will, however, be weariness with a great deal of nervousness.  Nerves are markedly on edge.  The least little bit of stress makes things immediately worse.  Restlessness, even restless leg syndrome, are keynotes of this remedy.

Mineral Remedies

In each family of remedies – mineral, animal, plant – certain traits seem to be common to the entire family.  There may be variations in the manner of manifestation or in the severity of the symptoms but the commonality can still be seen.  For example, competitiveness is common to nearly all remedies of the animal kingdom.  In the mineral kingdom, the symptom pictures show a degree of disconnection.  Opposites and extremes are commonplace.  Extremes of mood, for example very joyous or very depressed.  When depressed, or even when in a joyous state, the opposite emotion cannot be seen or comprehended at all.  Bi-polar (manic/depressive) traits are common among the mineral remedies.

People with mineral characteristics have a need for structure.  Lack of structure, chaos in their environment, sudden unexpected situations, and lack of control of situations are extremely stressful to them.  Covering one emotion with another, such as the covering of deep sadness with anger or irritability, is another keynote of mineral remedies.

Subsets Among the Minerals

There is a clear distinction in the mineral kingdom between salts and minerals.  Generally speaking, salt remedies are about misperceptions and problems in relationships.  Depression is common among the metallic remedies.  The emotional aspects of metallic remedies usually connected to problems which center on the person’s role in his workplace or his performance of his duties and responsibilities.

Among the mineral remedies, the natrum remedies are the most clearly keynoted by grief and depression.  In addition, natrums are generally pessimistic in nature.   Remedies with carbon, carbonicums, have a marked tendency to self-pity and depression.  They require a great deal of constant care and nurturing.  People who would benefit from a Magnesium remedy will go to extreme lengths to avoid conflict.  They are likely to become depressed if a conflict is unavoidable or forced on them.

Calcareas people are overly sensitive to criticism and full of fear and insecurity – an obvious recipe for depression.  The Phosphorus group focuses on family and friends.  They tend to either put others needs too far before their own or, in contrast, feel disconnected and out-of-touch with other people.

Sulphuricums seek beauty, grace, and harmony.  Lack of joy when their standards are not met is a commonality in this subset of mineral remedies.  Kalis are all about duty and living their lives according to the principles that they believe in.  Depression in this family of remedies is always connected to a real, or just perceived, fear that they have failed to do their duty in some way.  Flouratas fear death and loss.  Perhaps they realize that these are likely triggers for major depressive episodes.  Nitricums have a great need to be in control.  If they cannot maintain control of a situation, they are likely to abdicate all responsibility and sink into depression.

Combination Mineral Remedies

Natrum carbonicum    

The depression of Natrum carbonicum is a very deep depression, indeed.  Certainly, combining the deep and ever-lasting grief of the Natrums with the natural self-pity and tendency to depression of the carbonicums denotes a very deep depressive state.  This sort of depression rarely responds to medical/drug treatments.

Natrum fluoratum

Too often, the superficial and on-the-go aspects of fluoratum become agitation.  Eventually, the agitation, finding no relief in the fast-paced lifestyle, eventually disintegrates into the depression characteristic of the Natrum group.  Having tried it already – travel, shopping, relationship changes, anything and everything at top speed – there doesn’t seem to be a “fix” for their sadness in their estimation.  The result?  Even deeper despondency, also is the inevitable result.  Natrum fluoratum is often of benefit here.

Natrum phosphoricum 

The Phosphoricum feeling of being disconnected from family and friends combined with the gloominess, grief, and depression of the Natrums becomes a depression.  Ultimately, a Nat phos depression is characterized by indifference to loved ones.  They lose interest in nurturing their most important relationships.  Additionally, mental confusion in other aspects of their lives, sooner or later, also appears.

Natrum sulphuricum  

This is one of the most desperate and scary of the homeopathic remedies for depression.  It is often indicated after head injuries.  Relationship problems and the absence of joy that is characteristic of Sulfur combine with the gloom and depression of natrum.  The result is a very deep and disturbing pathology.  Irritability and estrangement from family decline, more often than not, into suicidal impulses. The materia medica description of Nat sulph includes having to use self-control to keep from shooting oneself.  Moreover, following the head injury, there will likely be a bit of childishness and irresponsibility.  There are a lot of bi-polar attributes, with a deep depression in that part of the cycle, as a result.

One redeeming feature.  Although they are very depressed, a Nat sulp personality usually views themselves as indispensable to family or work environment.  They will be heard to say that they would like to die but the “company/family could not get by without them.”  They feel other people’s pain.  Ultimately, this deepens their depression but keeps them from acting on their suicidal thoughts.

Aurum metallicum

The picture of Aurum metallicum depression is a very specific and particular one.  This remedy is for people who set very high standards for themselves and feel that they have failed to meet them.  Certainly, with those traits and feelings as keynotes, there is always a fear of failure in people needing Aurum.  Consider this remedy for depression brought on by such things as business reversals, a lower grade than the usual on a report card, or not the expected A grade. Consider Aurum also for someone who has lost or fallen from a perceived social position.  Certainly, always remember that, with Arum, the “tragedy” that looms so large to them may seem very small to those around them.

Calcarea fluorata

There is an unreasonable fear of financial loss and poverty.  The grief, after a sudden loss, goes on and on seemingly as fresh as the day it happened.  As a result, the depression brought on by the grief can also go on and on forever.  There is almost always an unusual amount of anxiety about one’s health.  Additionally, a Calc-f depression comes with indecisiveness.  Eventually, making a decision becomes something to be avoided at all costs.

Calcarea carbonica

There is always a strong sense of duty and responsibility among people who would benefit from the Calcarea carbonica remedy.  The person, almost always, runs faster than they have strength.  They will feel, and will often be, overworked and overwhelmed.  As a result of this exhaustion, there is usually great anxiety about their health.  Additionally, these poor folks often feel like their mind is weak from exhaustion and overwork.  There is a very great fear that everyone can see this and is judging them harshly as a result.

Magnesia muriatica  

This is a remedy in which there is great passivity.  They simply cannot muster up the emotional strength to cope with life.  This is especially true if they are surrounded by quarrelsome people.  Those who would benefit from Magnesia muriatica usually weep easily.  Finally, their anxiety and depression get much worse in bed, lying down, with eyes closed.  Consequently, they avoid bedtime and sleep until they have, sometimes, greatly undermined their health.

Kali nitricum

Kali nitricum as a homeopathic remedy has the tension/relaxation of the nitricums but with the kali connection to duty and principle.  The closed in personal relationships leads to isolation and deep sadness which is more pronounced whenever they are alone. There can be depression when the desire for enjoyment is unfulfilled because of the inability to establish relationships with others.

Kali phosphoricum

The combination of the phosphorus deep love of people and a tendency to put other people’s needs ahead of one’s own gets blown way out of proportion by the kali sense of duty in the Kali phosphoricum remedy.  The result is nervous prostration, mental and physical fatigue, general weakness and, too often, depression.

Other Possible Remedies

Lilium tigrinum

This remedy acts primarily on the heart and female hormones.  The person is usually in a hurry, wanting to do several things at once.  They can become nervous and snappish when things are not progressing fast enough for them!  Profound depression describes the emotional symptoms of this remedy.  Sepia , the number one remedy for women in general, is similar to Lilium in many ways.  The depression of Lilium, however, is much deeper than the discontent and feelings of being overwhelmed that keynotes Sepia, at least in the early stages.  Sepia people sink into deeper depression states if intervention and nutritional supplements are not utilized.

Stramonium

This remedy has a great many symptoms – deep and alarming symptoms – having to do with the mind and mental health.  Some of them include raving mania with a cold sweat and delirium with a desire to escape.  Paranoia, schizophrenia, manic-depression and religious insanity are a few other pieces of the Stramonium symptom picture.  A truly deep and frightening remedy.  I hope that you – and I – never have a need for this remedy for anyone, ever, anywhere.

Hypericum perforatum

This remedy is St. John’s Wort in energetic form.  Hypericum is frequently used for general depression.  However, like all homeopathic remedies, it is only really successful when other keynote symptoms are also present.  It is not a palliative for all types of depression.  Some non-physical keynotes of Hypericum include mistakes in writing – omitting letters, mistakes in speaking, using wrong words for things such as saying right when meaning left.  Hypericum is a polycrest remedy for Seasonal Affective Disorder.  Nervous depression that came on as the result of an emotional shock of some kind often responds to Hypericum.

Lac vaccinum butyricum

Keynotes of the Lac vaccinum butyricum remedy include deep depression – the future looks dark and hopeless, aversion to company, not wanting to see or talk to anyone.  Interestingly, the depression seems to lift when they have to carry on a conversation with people.  Depression with crying, palpitations, and fainting spells.  Claustrophobia is often part of the depressive picture.    Other symptoms unique to this remedy are that the person has no fear of death but talks about his sure feeling that he is about to die.  Suicidality is possible in extreme cases of need for this remedy.

A Few Other Remedies from the Repertory

The following list includes a few minerals that are not mentioned above.  Calcarea carbonica (calc), Calcarea arsenicosis (Calc-ar), Calcarea sulphuric (Calc-s),Carcinosin (Carc),Chamomilla vulgaris  (Cham), China officinalis (chin),Cimicifuga racemose  (Cimic),Ferrum metallicum  (ferr),Graphites naturalis  (graph), Helleborus niger (hell),  (hyos), Ignatia amara (ign), Iodium purum (iod), Lachesis muta (lach), Lycopodium clavatum, (lyc), Mercurius solublis (merc), Platinum metallicum (plat), Pulsatilla nigricans, (puls), Rhus Toxicodendron  (Poison oak),Sepia succus  (sep), Sulphur (sulph), Veratrum album (verat), Zincum Metallicum (zinc),Zincum phosphoricum  (zinc-p) tallicum

Butterfly Miracles with Homeopathic Remedies

There is a section titled Suicidal Depression in the book, Butterfly Miracles with Homeopathic Remedies, pages 250-252.

Color and Sound Remedies

Remedies made from colors and sounds are relative new-comers to the homeopathic and Blessed Water communities.  They are fascinating remedies.  A few applying to depression are described, briefly, below.

Red and Middle C

These two remedies, Red and Middle C, work with the adrenal cortex.  Balance and health in the adrenal cortex help a person determine what requires a “fight,  flight or freeze” response from them.  These remedies are particularly helpful for quieting suicidal thoughts and for coping with prolonged grief.

Orange and the D note remedy

Orange and the D note have a strong effect on the reproductive systems, both ovaries and testes.  They are particularly useful for depression which brings on very low energy and extreme fatigue.  The sadness that these remedies may help with often centers around feelings that a particular part of their lives is unlikely to ever change for the better.   Consider these two remedies when depression and sadness are the emotional drivers of an eating disorder.

Violet and the B note remedy

These remedies, Violet and the B note remedy work strongly with the pineal gland.  A major secretion of the pineal gland is serotonin.  People lacking sufficient serotonin often suffer from depression, insomnia, and feeling that they lack spiritual drive and connection.  Because Violet and B act on the pineal gland, they may increase understanding and intuition, clear our perceptions, and foster appreciation of life while, at the same time, tempering ego and quelling prejudice and narrow-mindedness.  These remedies act as nerve tonics.  They also have proven valuable in the treatment of liver conditions.  Balance in the liver would, naturally, reduce feelings of anger and irritability.

CranioSacral Therapy

In Craniosacral work, as in all areas of life, certain situations exist together. If one bone, joint, or suture becomes misaligned, other seemingly unrelated areas follow it into misalignment and stress.  One of the most important of these correlations in Craniosacral is referred to as the “Compression Triad.”  This threesome of misalignments is often called the “Triad of Endogenous Depression” because of its more than a casual link to a particular type of depression – endogenous depression.  Endogenous refers to a depression that has no other identifiable physical or emotional cause, at least to the mainstream medical way of thinking.

This is not the appropriate venue to try and teach enough of a craniosacral class for a person to correct for this misalignment on themselves or others with no further training.  My purpose in mentioning it here at all is to make you aware that misalignment of the physical body is, too often, the root cause of depression.  If the other suggestions in this article do not bring you relief, please find a craniosacral therapist.  If they are unfamiliar with this term, keep looking for a therapist who is!  This is an amazing correction and easy to do!  Butterfly Expressions now offers a CranioSacral Class!

Other Suggestions

Exercise and Light

Exercise is an excellent way to combat “the blues” and to work with mild forms of depression.  Physical activity releases some amazingly helpful endorphins.  Consequently, these endorphins can boost the mood.  They can make you feel calmer and more optimistic about the day and about the future.  Generally speaking, I certainly notice an immediate slump in my own mood and self-esteem if I do not make exercise a priority.

Exercise in the sunlight can be especially helpful because of light’s effect on the pineal gland.  Even in the winter, a few minutes with the retina of your eyes exposed to sunlight can make a very big difference.  In addition, using in-house lighting that simulates natural daylight can be very helpful in fighting depression that worsens in the winter months.  If you don’t have this type of lighting available to you, take advantage of natural light – go outdoors – for a few minutes every day.

By all means, take advantage of any natural hot springs in your area.  A spoil-yourself soak in a mineral spring creates a multitude of benefits all on its own.  An hour or two spent in such a fashion is a good way to “catch some rays” while increasing the intake of Vitamin D, as well.

Eating and Drinking

Be sure to eat for good nutrition and optimum health.  A conundrum in my own life.  When I eat, even snack, for nutrition’s sake, I find that fruits and vegetables really do taste better than cakes and cookies.  So, this being the case, why do I eat “junk” when feeling stressed or depressed?  When I focus on what I can eat and be healthy (more fruits and vegetables, better protein, good fats) instead of what I shouldn’t eat (too many fried foods, sugary treats, soda, too many prepared and process foods, etc.) I feel better in so many ways.  There is no feeling of deprivation.  I don’t feel as though I am going to be living on a perpetual “diet” for the rest of my life.  Instead, I feel blessed and lucky to live in such a land of plenty.

Dehydrated contributes to some forms of depression.  Slight dehydration is enough to contribute to depression in some people.  Always, every day, drink plenty of water!  If you don’t like water, consider that it may not be water you dislike, but some chemical or another that is present in the water you typically drink.  Finding a better source, or filtering the water that you have, may make water more palatable and enjoyable.

Confide in a Friend

Sometimes, talking with a friend can help lessen the burden of depressive feelings.  Having a friend that you can spend time with – a friend who will take a few minutes to listen to your feelings and help you sort them – can be a very great blessing.  A word of advise (and warning) here:  During a stressful time in my own life, my wise husband advised me to find a friend to tell my tale to.  “But,” he said, “tell it only once, listen and consider any advice given, and then let it go.”  This was sound advice.  I wish I was better at following it.  Repeating the same sad story over and over again only digs the trench of depression deeper and deeper.  As a general rule, subsequent tellings do little to resolve the problem or lift the burden.

Service

An excellent way to lift our own mood is to reach out and help someone else!  Little acts of kindness and service bless and lift the world.  It is such a beautiful blessing that each act of kindness and service performed blesses the giver as well as the receiver.  The giver is always blessed along with the receiver of each act of service.

Live in the Present Moment

The past cannot be changed.  Insisting on dwelling there is, almost inevitably, a recipe for sadness and depression.  The future is also, to a great extent, out of our control.  Traveling there prematurely can bring on anxiety and set us up for disappointment if our expectations are not met when we get there.  It is far better for us to live in the present, doing all that we can to make it a time we will be happy to remember.

Bringing it all Together

A comprehensive program that incorporates as many good lifestyle changes and as many alternative modalities as possible may bring relief from depression about more quickly.  It may never be entirely clear what was most responsible for the lifting of the sadness and depression.  Nevertheless, one should continue with the “good life.”  Enjoying and being grateful for every little step forward is, naturally, a great antidote to depression.

Continuing the Analogy
Reaching the Harbor and the Dock

Picture your ship coming safely into the harbor.  Imagine it moored securely to the dock.  There are ropes, angling out in front and in the back, to keep our ships (ourselves) from floating away into new oceans of sadness or despair (or even poor health).  Perhaps, we can liken those lines to the rituals of our daily lives.  Taking care of our children, getting ourselves to work on time, cooking, cleaning, and whatever we have to do every day to be who we are can keep us in the here and now and can help stabilize us docked and steady.

The stern line in the back of the ship can represent for us that amazing list of accomplishments in our past.  It can, when we glance at it for just a moment, remind us of the things we have overcome and the things we have learned.  The storm rages on, somewhere out there on the vast ocean of life but we are safe against the dock.

There is a bowline in front – let’s look there just a bit now and then – and envision where we are likely to go next.  Let’s have faith in our goals and desires and remember that there are still many things that we will yet achieve.  We know where we have been. Whatever happens in the future, we likely know who has helped us through the storms of the past.   Chances are we have some idea of where we are going.  We know, because we have been through storms before and reached the harbor, that we have the skills and the ability to stay afloat out there on the sea if traveling through another storm is required of us.

Additional Reading

If you enjoyed this article you may be interested in fear, worry and anxiety disorders as well as our in-depth look at  Anxiety Disorders.