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Pesticides that Cause Depression in Farmers

 The National Institute of Health recently published a 20 year study on the use of pesticides causing depression in farmers. Seven pesticides were cited, particularly organochlorines and fumigants. These categories increased farmer's depression between 80-90%. Malathion was used by 67% of the farmers interviewed. Malathion is widely used commercially and available for public use. The farmers were surveyed several times during a 20 year period to include the aspect of usage over time. Approximately 84,00 farmers and their spouses were interviewed since the mid 1990's to accumulate this information.

The way these pesticides lead to depression is believed to be through disruption of nerve pathways. They also inhibit specific enzymes affecting neuronal health. These pesticides find their way into our water supplies and into the soil we use for farming and growing at home.

There is no immediate indication that our government is going to limit or change anything about pesticide usage. Depression is only one symptom researched in this study. However, there are environmental groups lobbying the E.P.A. and governmental agencies that can use support. 

For our personal protection, I make an environmental mister that aids in self healing that can help and Harmony Blend to help alleviate symptoms of depression. The body knows how to heal when given proper stimulus. I also make natural insect repellents from organically grown plants in my gardens.

For more natural recipes for gardeners and organic gardening read: Mother Nature's Herbal; Mother Nature's Kitchen

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