If you're feeling down in the doldrums, it's time to take action. These 10 easy-to-buy remedies claim to help lift your mood and put a smile back on your face (although we can‘t guarantee they‘ll make the weather improve)...

By Jane Murphy

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What is it? A herbal remedy taken in supplement form.

How does it work? The antidepressant properties of St John's Wort are already well-documented - but it usually takes up to six weeks for them to fully take effect. However, clinical trials have shown that combining the mood-lifting herb with calming Passion Flower speeds up the process - meaning you should see a big improvement in less than two weeks.

Where can I buy it? £12 for 30 capsules at most good health food shops and www.cressuk.com.

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What is it? A blend of organic flower essences, taken in water whenever needed.

How does it work? Based on the emotion-balancing flower remedies devised by Dr Edward Bach in 1936, this elixir harnesses the mood-lifting properties of seven wild flowers. Some examples? Gorse is believed to treat hopelessness and despair; willow helps you stop feeling self-pitying and resentful; and mustard stops you from being gloomy for no reason.

Where can I buy it? £7.95 for 20ml at www.lesfleursdebach.co.uk.

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What's the alternative? Complementary health remedies

What is it? A herb and mineral supplement, taken whenever needed.

How does it work? This natural stress-busting formula is quickly absorbed into the bloodstream to help relax and calm muscles, soothe nerves, remove anxiety and promote a sense of control. Ingredients include: magnesium, which is a natural relaxant; Siberian ginseng which helps the body to build resistance to stress and cope with fatigue; and ginkgo biloba, which increases oxygen flow to the brain.

Where can I buy it? £14.50 for 60 capsules at most good health food shops and www.betteryou.uk.com

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What is it? An organic blue-green algae taken daily in capsule form.

How does it work? Known as Klamath, this algae is a natural source of phenyletheylamine (PEA), which is needed to make the brain chemical dopamine. By raising dopamine levels in this way, VitalCALM boosts your mood, concentration, motivation, libido and sleep quality. Oh, and it can also help relieve restless legs syndrome.

Where can I buy it? £14.99 for 30 capsules at www.simplyvital.com

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What is it? A roll-on aromatherapy remedy containing a blend of natural pick-me-ups.

How does it work? This instant energy-booster contains a hand-blended combination of vitamin-rich essential oils including: bergamot to lift the spirits and tackle lethargy; grapefruit to boost immunity while easing stress and anxiety; and lime, which acts as a tonic for tired body and mind. You just roll it over your pulse points, such as wrists or temples, whenever needed.

Where can I buy it? £4.50 for 10ml at www.tisserand.com.

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What's the alternative? Complementary health remedies

What is it? A traditional herbal tonic taken whenever needed.

How does it work? Originally devised by 19th-century herbalist Duncan Napier, this ‘nerve debility tonic' contains skullcap to ease tension and anxiety, oat to combat stress, and passionflower for its calming properties. Its makers claim it can lift your mood ‘even on one of those days when you could happily lie down and cry'!

Where can I buy it? £9.95 for 100ml at www.napiers.net

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What's the alternative? Complementary health remedies

What is it? A daily mood-lifting hot chocolate drink - just add water.

How does it work? This tasty winter warmer contains a newly patented supplement, Lactium, which - as you've probably guessed from its name - is derived from milk. More than 10 years' worth of clinical trials have shown Lactium to provide calming support to help with the stresses and strains of everyday life. It's available in one-a-day capsule form, too.

Where can I buy it? £12.99 for 14 servings at www.boots.com

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What is it? A modern-day ‘bed of nails' acupressure mat.

How does it work? This roll-out mat is covered in 210 spiked flowers designed to stimulate your body's ‘acupoints' - which, according to Traditional Chinese Medicine, are where energy accumulates. Putting pressure on these areas helps to relieve stress and tension and improves the flow of energy throughout the body. Use for 20 minutes every day.

Where can I buy it? £39.90 from good pharmacies or www.yantramat.co.uk.

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What is it? A natural daily supplement taken in tablet form.

How does it work? 5-HTP is a natural extract, sourced from the seeds of a tree called Griffonia simplicifolia. It's been found to increase production of serotonin, the brain chemical messenger which has a positive influence on mood and anxiety levels. It's been found to be particularly effective in the treatment of Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

Where can I buy it? £9.95 for 60 tablets at www.naturesbest.co.uk.

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What is it? A blend of aromatherapy oils, applied to the temples and sinus minds whenever needed.

How does it work? This clever blend of oils contains lavender to reduce stress and help balance the body, peppermint to ease nerves and mental fatigue and marjoram to relieve tension. It's great for easing headaches, too - so a good one to pop in your handbag.

Where can I buy it? £23.50 for 15ml at www.kerstinflorian.co.uk

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