Here are a couple of great natural alternative. Rhodiola and 5-HTP

In a recent Study by Professor Kirsch it was demonstrated that anti-depressants like Prozac were no more effective than a placebo!

Rhodiola

Well there are some very good natural alternatives that have been proven to work. The first one that most people think of is St Johns wort. However that is really for treating anxiety. A much better anti depressant is Rhodiola. This herb comes from Siberia and has the following properties.

• A) ADAPTOGENIC Rhodiola increases tolerance to various stressors (e.g. mental, physical, environmental).
• B) ANTI-DEPRESSANT Rhodiola's role in aiding depression is due to various factors. Active compounds in this herb (e.g. rosavin and salidrozid) enhance the transport of serotonin precursors (tryptophan and 5-HTP) into the brain, and through an MAO/COMT inhibiting effect these compounds also reduce the degradation of mood-elevating neurotransmitters. With respect to serotonin, the studies show a 30% increase of levels in the brain. As stress accelerates the destruction of mood-boosting neurotransmitters, the adaptogenic effects of Rhodiola would be of additional value.
• C) MENTAL ENHANCER Rhodiola intake may also boost learning and memory skills. Improvements have been shown even after 10 days treatment with Rhodiola extract.
• D) MALE SEXUAL TONIC Rhodiola has traditionally been used as a tonic to enhance male sexual function.
• E) IMMUNE SUPPORTIVE Research suggests that Rhodiola's benefits extends to the immune system - a factor that combines especially well with its adaptogenic activity. Not surprisingly, it has been reported that Rhodiola is particularly effective in aiding recovery after viral infection.
• F) ANTIOXIDANT

Potential applications of Rhodiola

• Stress (mental, physical, environmental
• Chronic fatigue (e.g. ME)
• Depressant
• Anxiety
• Impotence
• General mental enhancement
• Poor memory
• Convalescence after illness
• Protection against free radicals

I have NEVER seen any side effects from Rhodiola and have successfully treated suicidal patients with it!

Buy this now at goodvitality.

5-HTP 5-Hydroxytryptophan

5-HTP is mode enhancer, and used by the human body to make serotonin, an important substance for normal nerve and brain function.

5-HTP is a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter involved in sending messages through the nervous system. This formula also includes B vitamins to promote nervous system health and the herb, Valerian.

We recommend the Solgar 5-Hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) :

One(1) vegetable capsule provides:

5HTP 100mg

(L-5-Hydroxytryptophan fro standardised Griffonia simpliciifolia seed extract)

Valerian (Valerianan officianalis) (root) 100mg

Magnesium (as magnesium oxide and fully-reacted magnesium glycinate) 50mg

Vitamin B6 (as pyridoxine hydrochloride, P-5-P) 10mg

Encapsulated with these natural ingredients:

vegetable cellulose, vegetable magnesium stearate.

Vegetable capsule shell:

hydroxypropylmethyl cellulose.