New study saying that Curcumin can safely treat Major Depressive Disorder

Turmeric (Curcumin)

In the U.S., turmeric is best known as a spice. It's one of the main components of curry powder. In India and other parts of Asia, turmeric is used to treat many health conditions. It is believed to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and perhaps even anticancer properties.
Why do people take turmeric?

Curcumin, a substance in turmeric, may help to reduce inflammation. Several studies suggest that it might ease symptoms of osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, like pain and inflammation. Other compounds in turmeric might also be medicinal.

In lab tests, curcumin seems to block the growth of certain kinds of tumors. One study showed that turmeric extract containing curcumin could -- in some cases -- stabilize colorectal cancer that wasn't helped by other treatments. But more research is needed.

Other preliminary lab studies suggest that curcumin or turmeric might protect against types of skin diseases, Alzheimer's disease, colitis, stomach ulcers, and high cholesterol. Based on lab studies, turmeric and curcumin might also help treat upset stomach, scabies, diabetes, HIV, uveitis, and viral infections.

I've used turmeric (along with other herbs) for three years now to help with inflammation in the body in general (Lyme being an inflammatory disease) and in my joints, with very good results. Many, including myself, find that combining turmeric with ginger and boswellin can really reduce pain levels.

Although I do have a ragweed allergy and many who have a ragweed allergy find that they have a horrible reaction to milk thistle, so do be careful!

While I certainly understand your concerns, if you wish to use herbs, I would still encourage you to use them!!! You do need to always keep your allergies in mind of course, and find a good practitioner that will also keep your allergies in mind as you are being treated - but don't let it stop you! It's really no different that being allergic to an abx or two and still using abx to treat this or that.

The key is to have a good practitioner!

BTW- I'm jealous that the only reaction you had was a sore throat!! You should have seen me before I started using local honey daily! LOL!! My eyes would swell horribly, I was sooo stuffed up and really couldn't breathe well and would just sneeze my head off all day! I didn't know I was allergic to ragweed until I moved to an area that has a bunch of it!!

OH MY!! I think I would have panicked at least a bit!!

I sure hope that this new practitioner fits like a glove for you! A good practitioner that you have trust in is like no other! I was privileged to have that kind of a relationship with the Practitioner I used to treat my infections and it was wonderful!