Who wants to think about the winter doldrums before Thanksgiving has even arrived? Yet if you have a history of suffering from seasonal affective disorder (SAD), now may be exactly the right time to focus on how you will manage the problem — before it even becomes one. In sensitive individuals the annual shift from the bright days of summer to the brief, dark ones of late autumn and winter can trigger a drop in mood right along with the dip in temperature.
ANNUAL BLUES AND BLAHS
It is estimated that a half million Americans suffer from some form of winter-onset depression during the cold, dark season, with symptoms such as lethargy and fatigue… difficulty concentrating… irritability… sleeping and/or eating too much… carbohydrate cravings… weight gain… and a reduced interest in previously enjoyed activities, such as social interactions and intimacy.
It’s common for conventional medical practitioners to prescribe antidepressants for this problem, but these drugs are not always effective and can cause many side effects. In his practice, Daily Health News contributor Mark Stengler, ND, finds homeopathic therapies to be particularly useful in countering the symptoms of seasonal affective disorder.
HOMEOPATHIC TREATMENT FOR SAD
In my view, one of the most fascinating things about this approach to medicine is the way the homeopathic practitioner carefully matches remedies and dosages with personal symptom patterns and even individual personalities, in order to best stimulate the body’s own natural healing response.
Accordingly, here are some of Dr. Stengler’s observations about the effect of homeopathic remedies on SAD. He says that if you are prone to the problem, you may want to start using these remedies in early December before you typically get depressed. Take them for two weeks, then stop. If symptoms return, take for another two weeks. 
• Aurum Metallicum. Also known as metallic gold, this is a classic remedy for many of the symptoms associated with seasonal affective disorder, and is often prescribed for bouts of depression associated with a lack of sunlight. It may be specifically helpful for stress, tension and sadness. People in authority and those with a strong sense of duty are good candidates for Aurum Metallicum.
• Ignatia. Homeopathic physicians frequently prescribe Ignatia for symptoms of SAD and other types of depression, emotional distress, anxiety, moodiness and grief. Dr. Stengler finds that perfectionists among his patients, in particular, are likely to benefit from Ignatia.
• Natrum Sulphuricum. Dr. Stengler prescribes this remedy especially for patients with depression that grows worse with dampness. Natrum Sulphuricum is particularly well-suited to those who are sensitive to changes from dry to wet weather.
• Pulsatilla. Dr. Stengler finds this homeopathic preparation from the windflower most beneficial for individuals with gentle, sensitive personalities — patients whose feelings are easily hurt and who tend to extend themselves in order to avoid hurting the feelings of others. In addition to using Pulsatilla for SAD, Dr. Stengler often prescribes it for anxiety, arthritis, headache and hormonal imbalances.
• Sepia. Made from cuttlefish ink, Sepia may be helpful in treating the symptoms of SAD and other forms of depression and may be especially effective for those who are irritable, overwhelmed, exhausted and who have a tendency to isolate themselves from others.
MORE WAYS TO COUNTER WINTER DOLDRUMS
Dr. Stengler says that other natural treatments can also be helpful for seasonal affective disorder. He often prescribes…
• Light therapy. Experts believe SAD is at least in part caused by a lack of sunlight, so it stands to reason that light exposure may ease symptoms. Dr. Stengler often prescribes 30 minutes of daily exposure to light, noting that even on winter days this can be accomplished with a brisk walk outdoors. However some people (especially those living in northern latitudes) find it worthwhile to purchase a special lightbox containing full spectrum — 5,000 to 10,000 LUX — bulbs.?
• Vitamin D. When the body’s exposure to sunlight wanes in gloomy winter months, so does your supply of vitamin D — the sunshine vitamin. Dr. Stengler says he believes people prone to SAD should supplement 2,000 IU vitamin D during winter months. Or you can take a daily multivitamin that contains vitamin D, and eat plenty of salmon, tuna, eggs and vitamin D-fortified dairy foods.?
• Melatonin. Some research suggests that seasonal affective disorder may be linked with melatonin, a light-modulating hormone that has already been associated with other forms of depression. Blood levels of melatonin rise and fall along with exposure to light and darkness. Since the reduced exposure to light in the winter months can derail circadian rhythms, a melatonin supplement may help get you back on track. Note: Melatonin should be taken only with professional oversight and advice.
NOT DO-IT-YOURSELF
Even with homeopathy, there’s always some risk associated with self-prescription. Using the wrong remedy, at the wrong strength or potency, or taking doses too little or too often may impede efficacy and can even make matters worse.
Also, depression can be an especially difficult condition to manage, so it’s best to seek expert medical supervision for homeopathic treatment and also to see your physician immediately if your symptoms are persistent or severe.
To learn more about homeopathy or to locate a practitioner in your area, visit the Web site of the National Center for Homeopathy at homeopathic.org… the American Institute of Homeopathy at homeopathyusa.org… or the Council on Homeopathic Education at chedu.org. Since naturopathic physicians are trained and experienced in homeopathy, you may also want to consult the site of The American Association of Naturopathic Physicians at naturopathic.org.

Source(s): ?
Mark Stengler, ND, a naturopathic physician and leading authority on the practice of alternative and integrated medicine. He is author of Bottom Line/Natural Healing newsletter.

So with that in mind I want to alert Leroy and the rest of the tiny weenies of is ilk that he should be wary of buying some of those sex supplements big pharma and the scammers are pushing.
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Beware of tainted sex supplements

Here’s a sad reminder that the word “natural” doesn’t mean squat when it comes to marketing.

The feds say a “natural” sex remedy is actually contaminated with a Viagra-like substance… and that the additive is illegal and potentially unsafe.

The product is called Stiff Nights and, amazingly, is still widely available – both online and in stores. Goes to show you just how powerless the FDA really is.

The product claims to be made of “natural enhancement herbs and greens,” but the FDA says the real active ingredient is sulfoaildenafil, a substance similar to the sildenafil sold as Viagra.

Now, the feds and many in the mainstream media will try to cast this as some kind of failure of natural remedies — when in fact there was nothing natural about this beyond a word on a label.

The problem is not natural treatments, but shams and scams that try to capitalize on your interest in drug-free alternatives.

Stiff Nights isn’t the first sex supplement to try to slip something unnatural inside – it’s not even the first to use this particular dangerous compound – and it certainly won’t be the last. The marketplace is full of poorly regulated sex supplements, and taking them is the adult equivalent of accepting candy from a shady stranger.

Never – and I mean NEVER – put anything into your body from a company you don’t know or trust. As with anything else, you need to be an informed consumer before you buy supplements, especially remedies that promise better sexual performance.

There are completely natural recipes for some real stiff nights out there – but they’re in danger of being shouted down by products that are dangerous, ineffective, or both.

The key to male sexual health is the circulation. Remember, erections are caused by the flow of blood to the penis. If your blood roars like a river, you’ll be fine. If your blood is struggling to make its way around an oversized, unhealthy body, you’re going to have some problems.

And there are two great ways to improve your circulation. First, consider some supplements aimed at your circulatory system. Promising studies suggest that both ginseng and gotu kola can help with the circulation – and, conveniently, both have been used as aphrodisiacs.

The amino acid L-arginine may also help with both circulation and sex, and omega-3 fatty acids (fish oil) are great for improving the circulation and so much more. Talk to your doctor to find out if these might work for you, too.

And most importantly, lose any extra pounds and get some steady exercise – around 20-30 minutes a day on most days will boost your circulation.

There’s a side benefit to that, as well – you’ll help build that stamina you’ll need to take full advantage of your reinvigorated sex life!
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So Leroy and the rest of you who think through that often limp head of yours should be more careful because men have no problem duping “smart’ men.

Roberta

I am thrilled that you are in our corner. We on Guam have long wanted to have the rest our fellow US citizens know that we exist. It is so frustrating trying to convince people in the post office, phone companies and other american businesses to believe that we are not a foreign country.

Guam is where America’s day begins.

The sun sits on Guam first, then it moves to the next place where the American flag flies proudly and free.

Hafa adai, Zen Lill

I would love to send you a post card from Guam. Maybe I can send it to Michelle and she can forward it to you.

I am not fishing for private conservation so I will send it sans a return address. But the post stamp will tell you it is from Guam.

I am up early today. When I say Guam is where America’s day begins, I mean it. It is 3:09 AM and counting Friday morning. That is the earliest time in any American territory or state.

Would love to see you on the Island

Anna

And Chamarros, I have to admit that although I did know about Guam/US I did not know all the historical info as well as other info I’ve read here. I skipped/skimmed it a bit at first, now I don’t, I read it all just like all the comments here.

Caio, Zen Lill

PS Misch, thanks for the good wishes on my sample sale and my ski wish – I’m working all angles on both big time : ) LA’s small surrounding mountains are snow capped right now, and it looks beautiful…