PP Depression herbs and homeopathics

Question 1

grounding, soothing, helps focus mind, nervous debility

sig: 2-3 c infusion daily

Answer 1

avena sativa

Question 2

deep, dark depression
hormonal imbalance
mood affected by hypoestrogenic state
sig: 60 gtt BID

Answer 2

cimicifuga racemosa

Question 3

intensely bitter, wide reputation for alleviating many PP problems including severe depression

sig: 1 tsp herb/8 oz water; infuse x 10 mins, 1 c BID, bitter
tincture: 30 gtt TID, less bitter

Answer 3

cnicus (blessed thistle)

Question 4

for depression with worry and anxiety
scanty milk flow
sig: 10-60 gtt QID

Answer 4

humulus lupulus

Question 5

restores appetite
raises spirits
steadies
gives inner strength, courage
calms and balances
no sedative effects
no additive or abuse potential

Answer 5

lavendula officinalis

Question 6

palpitations, cardiac tonic
gives courage
strengthens spirit
sig: 30 gtt TID or 200 mg TID

Answer 6

leonurus cardiaca (motherwort)

Question 7

used historically as a nutritive, pro-fertility, mood supporting adaptogen
used to tx anxiety, depression, fatigue, sexual dysfxn

Answer 7

maca

Question 8

nervousness w/insomnia
depression
melancholy
hysteria
considered specific for helping one cope with life situation that are difficult to accept, such as the many unexpected changes a new child brings to its parents
1 TBSP leaves in 8 oz hot water steeped for 20 mins
sig: 1-2 c qd for 2 wks

Answer 8

melissa officinalis

Question 9

depression w/restlessness, palpitations
calms w/o drowsiness
emotional upset
sig: 5 gtt q 2 hr prn

Answer 9

mithcella repens

Question 10

most studied botanical for depression

300-600 mg TID

Answer 10

hypericum perfoliatum

Question 11

not well studied regarding safety in lactation
adaptogen (stimulates thyroid w/o causing hyperthyroid, supports adrenals, CNS effect of serotonin, dopamine and NE)
sig: 100 mg TID
whole plant 500 mg BID

Answer 11

rhodiola rosea

Question 12

depression w/nervousness, insomnia, emotional lability
also a source of calcium
prolonged use establishes emotional calm
sig: 5-30 gtt prn or 2 c infusion/d

Answer 12

scutellaria lateriflora (skullcap)

Question 13

normalizes pituitary
for depression dt hormonal causes
decreased libido
sig: 15-20 gtt TID
caps: 30 mg BID

Answer 13

vitex agnus castus

Question 14

uterine tonic, good for back pain, lack of vitality, decreased sex drive, depression
sig: 10-30 g/16 oz water, simmer w/cinnamon to help w/digestion
if eating plain herb 1 oz/d

Answer 14

rehmannia

Question 15

herb of choice for most female reproductive d/os including PPD, source of phytosterols so may work via easing hormone letdown
be careful- increases fertility!
sig: 3 g in 8 oz warm milk

Answer 15

shatavari

Question 16

most useful if adrenal stress, sleep deprivation

sig: 60 gtt QID

Answer 16

ashwagandha

Question 17

physical complaints
anxious, fearful
gloomy
foreboding thoughts, worse night
want company- partner, mother, midwife all reassure her
chilly w/burning pain

Answer 17

arsenicum album

Question 18

severe depression, suicidal
dark, gloomy despair w/periods of anxiety
worse evening, winter, noise, excitement

Answer 18

aurum metallicum

Question 19

anxiety around future
financial worries
worse contradiction
angry, irritable
dryness of mucous membranes, constipation

Answer 19

bryonia

Question 20

etiology of overwhelmedness
she doesn’t ask for help until to point of breaking
feels it is her duty to do everything herself
insomnia and nightmares
apathy
loss of interest in personal appearance, unkempt

Answer 20

calc carb

Question 21

severe depression w/nervous excitability, anxiety
etiology involves loss of body fluids, usu hemorrhage
possible delirium, hallucinations, suicidal ideation

Answer 21

china

Question 22

excessive moroseness
negativity
strange, irrational fears

Answer 22

cimicifuga

Question 23

elation and inability to calm down after birth
this leads to exhaustion and depression
irritability

Answer 23

coffea cruda

Question 24

etiology of grief or disappointment 
hysteria
mood swings
frequent sighing
lump in the throat
decreased appetite, insomnia

Answer 24

ignatia

Question 25

severe depression w/many crying spells
mental confusion and inability to express self
irritability worse pain, touch, noise

Answer 25

kali carbonicum

Question 26

mild depression
fear of change
fear of future

Answer 26

lycopodium

Question 27

averse to consolation
disappointing birth experience or loss near term
good after C-section
loss of confidence
excessive rigidity

Answer 27

nat mur

Question 28

extreme irritability/short fuse

intense emotional outbursts

Answer 28

nux vomica

Question 29

changeable moods
tearful
too influenced by outside influences
better warm, emotional caring

Answer 29

pulsatilla

Question 30

imaginary health fears
overidentification w/suffering of others
worse sundown

Answer 30

phosphorous

Question 31

overwhelmed by the responsibility of caring for others
feel insufficiently appreciated
apathetic
worn down
wants to be alone and quiet

Answer 31

sepia