Natural depression aid
An adaptogen that I'm fond of, Rhodiola rosea, has been the subject of a new clinical trial to see if it would prove useful in treating mild to moderate cases of depression.
Researchers divided 80 participants between the ages of 18 and 70 into three groups. One group received 340 mg per day of Rhodiola extract, the second group received 680 mg per day, and the third group received a placebo.
The two groups who received Rhodiola received a benefit, as they saw significant improvement in both insomnia and emotional instability—and no nasty side effects.
Adaptogens such as Rhodiola work by balancing anything that's out of whack in your body. Too much of something, it'll bring it down. Too little, and it'll raise it up.
In terms of depression, the researchers think that Rhodiola blocks an enzyme, enabling the brain to hang onto neurotransmitters like serotonin and norepinephrine, which are associated with good mood balance.
And unlike SSRI anti-depressants like Paxil, Prozac and Zoloft, which invariably squash your libido, Rhodiola stimulates it.
I prescribe it often for my patients—folks who are mildly to moderately down, stressed out and tired all the time. I can tell you it works beautifully.
I recommend New Chapter's Rhodiolaforce 100 (just follow the directions on the bottle). For more information, read THE RHODIOLA REVOLUTION by Drs. Patricia Gerbarg and Richard Brown, husband and wife, both medical school professors. Dr. Gerbarg relates how she was able to cure her chronic fatigue.
