Depression/Anxiety

DIY - Eat two handfuls of cashews. Inside you, the essential amino acid L-tryptophan is broken down into anxiety-reducing, sleep-inducing niacin. Even more important, L-tryptophan is made into serotonin, one of your body's most important neurotransmitters. Serotonin gives a feeling of well-being and mellowness. With this being said, cashews should NOT be a replacement for any antidepressive medication currently being taken.

Foods high in the Amino Acid L-Tryptophan (in milligrams (mg)per 100 gram (3.5 ounce) portion), about the size of a deck of playing cards. While this doesn't seem like much, according to American portions, it is the actual serving size for an average female.

  • Beans
  • Lentils 215 mg
  • Dried Peas 250
  • Dried Peas 250
  • Navy (pea) 200
  • Pinto Beans 210
  • Red Kidney 215
  • Soy 525
  • Nuts and Seeds
  • Brazil Nuts 185 mg
  • Cashews 470
  • Filberts 210
  • Peanuts 340
  • Peanut Butter 330 (this is for natural peanut butter, not popular commercial brands)
  • Pumpkin Seed 560
  • Sesame Seeds 330-575 (if seeds are ground up)
  • unflower 340
  • Other nuts generally provide at least 130 milligrams per small serving; usually more


Grains
  • Wheat Germ 265 mg

    • Cheese
  • Cheddar: 340 mg
  • Parmesan: 490
  • Swiss: 375
  • Other cheeses tend to be lower in tryptophan, but are still very good sources

    • Grains
  • Eggs 210 mg
  • Brewer's Yeast 700 mg
    • (Source: US Department of Agriculture, Amino Acid Content of Foods.)
    Meats are generally regarded as a good source of tryptophan, organ meats supposedly being the highest. However, most meats are in the range of 160 to 260 mg/100 g, (chicken is about 250) with organ meats ranging between 220 and 330. These figures certainly do not compel meat-eating. Compare with soybeans, split peas, cheese, and cashews!

    Copyright C 2008, 2004 and prior years Andrew W. Saul.
    Essential Oils for Anxiety and Depression

    There are many EOs (Essential Oils) available that can help you to ease symptoms of stress, depression, and anxiety. Scents are very personal and they must not upset or stress you even more because they don't smell right or make you too emotional.

    Bergamot -Bergamot has a refreshing scent that uplifts the spirit and helps with feelings of pain, anxiety, depression, and sadness.
    Basil -Uplifting refreshing scent that works against depression, fatigue, and anxiety.
    Clary Sage - Clary sage can help with insomnia, anxiety, and depression.
    Frankincense - One of the best essential oils to slow down your breathing which helps to reduce feelings of fear, nervous tension, stress, and anxiety.
    Geranium - Works as a natural sedative to lift the spirit and release negative emotions. It works great to ease symptoms of depression and stress.
    Jasmine - Jasmine has a relaxing flowery scent that is known for its antispasmodic and uplifting properties.
    Lemon - Lemon's refreshing scent has purifying and uplifting properties. It helps to combat negative emotions, stress, depression and boost your immunity.
    Lavender -Lavender is a true cure-for-all. It helps with headaches, migraine, fear, anxiety, depression, nervousness, hypertension, and insomnia. It has a calming and relaxing effect on body and mind.
    Mandarin - Mandarin has antispasmodic properties and works emotionally to uplift the spirit.
    Marjoram - Marjoram has been used for ages to ease feelings of fear, loneliness, grief, rejection, and anxiety.
    Wild Orange - Just like all the other citrus EOs, orange has a refreshing, energizing, and mood-lifting effect. It works great to ease feelings of panic, anger, irritation, and nervousness.
    Palmarosa - Palmarosa can help you reduce nervous tension and anxiety.
    Rose - Its great fragrance has a stimulating effect on the entire nervous system and helps to create a sense of well-being.
    Roman Chamomile -Works calming and relaxing for body and mind. It is often used to treat depression and stress.
    Sandalwood - Sandalwood's comforting scent has sedative properties that can help you to ease tension and fight inner stress.
    Ylang-Ylang - Has a relaxing scent that balances male and female energies. Its scent restores confidence and equilibrium and can be used to treat insomnia, anxiety, and depression.
    How To Use Essential Oils For Anxiety And Depression

    Diffuse Add a few drops to your diffuser and diffuse throughout the day to uplift your spirit or calm your mind. Diffuse at night in your bedroom to promote a better night's rest or to ease your thoughts. Or add a few drops to your pillow to inhale while you sleep.

    Inhalation Use a discreet, easy-to-use Personal Inhaler. Place inhaler near nostril and take 4-6 deep and slow breaths to reduce feelings of stress, depression, or anxiety.

    Massage Add 10-12 drops of your favorite EO or EO blend to 2 oz. carrier oil (sweet almond, jojoba, or grapeseed oil are all good examples) for a relaxing and uplifting massage. Rub the mixture onto your neck, chest, bottoms of your feet, wrists, and behind the ears to find relief.

    Relaxing Bath Add 5 to 10 drops of EOs to your bathtub to alleviate feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression. If you have sensitive skin, dilute the EOs in 1 tablespoon carrier oil of your liking before adding them to your bathtub. This will give your bath an added moisturizing effect and protect your sensitive skin. Do not add the oils to running water as they will evaporate at a higher rate. Add them after you have run the bath and gently mix them in by hand. Add a cupped handful of Relaxing Bath Salts to your running water.

    Surround Yourself With The Fragrance Of Healing EOs
    Wear your EOs with a beautiful Aromatherapy Diffuser Pendant
    Use a plug-in car diffuser and enjoy while you are driving. Do not use essential oils with sedative properties while driving.