Posted by Hombre on May 6, 2010, at 23:33:37
In reply to Chinese herbs, posted by Lao Tzu on April 10, 2010, at 9:24:40
What's interesting is that in Chinese medicine, depression is associated with "phlegm" rising to the head causing a fuzzy, muddled mind. This is the symbolic imagery at least, the actual phenomenon is probably a combination of things. But certain antidepressants and anytipsychotics are antihistamines. Also, niacin causes a release of histamine into the bloodstream resulting in a flush. Niacin interacts strongly with pysche meds, probably due to it's relationship to tryptophan (60 units of tryptophan make 1 unit of niacin, so if niacin is plentiful, tryptophan is spared and may be more available for serotonin synthesis). Some work has been done to see if schizophrenics have a non-standard flushing reaction to high dose niacin.
The "liver" is associated with the free flow and movement of energy in the body. A stagnation in this organ system (not necessarily the anatomical liver) may cause or be the result of frustration, anger, depression. A well known herbal formula called Xiao Yao Pian/xiao yao wan, often translated as "Free and Easy Wanderer" is used to ease the discomfort caused by liver stagnation. It is also indicated for PMS symptoms that lead to depression and anger. This formula is available in the form of teapills by several manufacturers such as Min Shan and Plumflower. I do not know how they interact with psyche meds.
Another though is that Chinese medicine could be used to treat some of the side-effects of treatment, such as insomnia, sweating, and constipation. I sometimes sweat a lot at night due to the Effexor. While western medicine probably doesn't have a good explanation for this (my doc has been mum), this is the sort of condition that is often well described via Chinese medical theory. I may look into trying some over the counter formulas (I'm currently in Asia) to see if they can help with the sweating.
Here's a look to a very well-made site with lots of good info on Chinese medicine:
http://www.shen-nong.com/eng/exam/internal_night_sweats.html
poster:Hombre
thread:942933
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20100322/msgs/946611.html