The NHS estimates that SAD affects approximately one in 15 people in the UK between September and April.*
Seasonal Affected Disorder can produce mood swings, trouble sleeping, social anxiety, depression, apathy and mood swings to name but a few. However, it doesn't have to be like this if you are able to learn ways to relax, take more exercise, cut out some sugar from your diet, go out with friends, take up a new hobby maybe. There are also products that can help you manage SAD.
My friends and I have been trying these products and I now have some of the reports back to share with you. More will be added as I receive them.
Hyperiforce® St John’s Wort
This is made from Hypericum Perforatum which is commonly known as St John's Wort. It has been around for a long time as a traditional remedy for treating mild anxiety and low mood swings. I know friends and families who have benefitted from this remedy. Make sure you read the leaflet carefully before using as Hyperiforce can interfere with many medications including hormonal contraceptives. The recommended dosage is one tablet three times a day.
Retailing at £11.99 for 60 tablets.
Friend A reports. 'I have been experiencing low mood for a few months now and do not want to go down the chemical route. I have now been taken these tablets for one month and as per instructions in the packet, I have not been staying out too long in the sun when it comes out! We have been having some lovely weather for the last week in March and this has certainly lifted my mood! I want to hope that Hyperiforce is also contributing and I have purchased another pack as there is three weeks supply in each bottle. Users generally start to feel the full effect within 6 weeks. I have experienced no side effects and shall continue with Hyperiforce.’
Stress Relief Daytime
This is a product which can be used as a temporary stress reliever. Combining tinctures of valerian and hops. Maybe you suffer from mild anxiety now and again? If so put 10-20 drops in a little water or fruit juice and take once or twice daily. 10 drops may be sufficient, so start off with this dose.
Always read the leaflet before use.
The Oral Drops retail at £4.50 for 15ml or 50ml for £10.50
Paula G. ' This product has been effective and helpful at times of stress, and easy to take added with juice.'
AvenaCalm Drops
AvenaCalm is another traditional herbal medicinal product which can be used to help with mild stress and anxiety. Made from extracts of the oat plant, It may also help you get to sleep.
Not to be used for under 18's. The usual dosage is 25-30 drops in a little water twice a day for stress and anxiety and 30 drops in a little water an hour before bedtime to aid sleep.
Always read the leaflet before use.
AvenaCalm retails at £10.50 for 50ml.
Dormeasan® Sleep Valerian-Hops oral drops
Dormeasan is another traditional herbal medicinal product which can be used to help with sleep. Made from organically grown valerian root and hops. The tase of these drops is quite strong so use a juice of your choice when adding 30 drops in a little water. This is best taken 20-30 mins before bedtime. Should you wake in the night, the dose can be repeated. Not suitable for under 18's.
Always read the leaflet.
Dormeasan Sleep Valerian-Hops oral drops retail at £10.50 for 50ml.
Agnus castus oral drops
Agnus castus is a traditional herbal medicinal product used to help relieve premenstrual symptoms (PMS) such as irritability, mood swings, breast tenderness, bloating and menstrual cramps. Put 15 – 20 drops in a little water twice daily. Please avoid if taking hormonal contraceptives as Agnus castus affects hormone levels. This product also contains 69.5% ethanol (alcohol).
Always read the leaflet.
Agnus castus oral drops retail at £10.50 for 50ml.
Molkosan® Fruit
Molkosan® Fruit is a probiotic drink made from organic milk and is lactose and calorie free. It is prepared using 100% natural fermented whey. This can help with digestion and improve the environment of the gut. There are many ways to take Molkosan® You can try it in plain water, in a fruit tea, a fruit smoothie or a fruit drink. After opening, store in a refrigerator where it will keep for up to two months. Suitable for ages 2 and over, this is a versatile product for all the family.
Always read the leaflet.
Molkosan® Fruit retails at £7 for 250 ml.
Me. 'I am now on my second bottle of Molkosan and I really like the taste! I do suffer with IBS symptoms from time to time, but touch wood, haven’t experienced any bloating or cramps since starting this product and will continue to buy it.'
Atrosan® Devil's Claw
Devil's Claw is known to help some people with joint pain during the menopause and can be a useful supplement to take along with the other menopause products listed above. Once we reach the age of 50, considerable wear and tear have been made on our bodies due to hormonal changes. It can also be used on its own to treat back pain and other muscle complaints. Not suitable for anyone under the age of 18.
The recommended dosage is one tablet twice daily immediately after food. This dosage can be increased to two tablets twice a day after food if no relief is felt from just taking one.
Always read the leaflet.
Atrosan® retails at £18.99 for 60 tablets.
Me. 'I am now taking Devils Claw for joint pain in my shoulders. I find that I need to take 2 tablets twice daily to notice some relief. This works out quite expensive at £10.99 for 30 tablets, so I am alternating now with using Atrogel once a day and the tablets once a day.'
Menoforce® Sage
If you are going through the menopause, do you suffer from night sweats and/or hot flushes? Menoforce® Sage tablets could be the answer you are looking for. One tablet a day is taken and if after 4 weeks you do not see any benefit, it is advisable to see your GP.
Always read the leaflet.
Menoforce® Sage tablets retail at £13.99 for 30 tablets.
Menopause Support
This is another product that can be taken during the menopause and provides 50mg of bioavailable phytoestrogenic soy isoflavones. This supplement also contains magnesium, which can help with excess tiredness. The remaining ingredients are hibiscus and vervain. Take one tablet twice daily.
Menopause Support tablets retail at £14.99 for 60 tablets.
Lesley O. 'I tried a complete course of A Vogel Menopause Support. My hot flushes had returned with a vengeance after a few months where I felt they were easing off, so I was more than happy to try something. This product definitely helped. It was much more apparent during the night as I often had disturbed sleep due to feeling very warm and uncomfortable. I have not experienced a ‘ night sweat’ for over a month. I’m really hoping this is due to the A Vogel and that it’s not just a coincidence. I’ve bought some more so fingers crossed.'
Nature C
I can remember having chewable vitamin tablets as a child and I also gave them to my children. Did you know that the majority of vitamin C products available are made synthetically? Vitamin C supports the immune system and other bodily functions. Nature C is made from extracts from a variety of fruits.
Nature C tablets retail at £8.45 for 36 tablets.
'The vitamin tablets are easily chewable and pleasantly flavoured with blackcurrant, these are a good way to take Vitamin C. I haven't had a cold all this year, so perhaps the Vitamin C has helped to keep the viruses at bay.'
- Margaret J
All of the above products can be taken at any time of the year, not just during the SAD period between September and April. However, if they are started during this time, you may find that they will help with some or all of the ailments mentioned in the first paragraph.
I have shared some of the menopausal products with friends and I will post their reports back on here when they have taken them.
AVogel is a brilliant website with SO much information, recipes, health advice, support, blogs, plus the story behind the launch. Do pop over and take a look?
*Source AVogel
