A study released this week in a European medical journal gives strong clinical support for the effectiveness of an herb called Rhodiola at fighting depression. This medicinal plant has a long history of usage in folk medicine dating back to the time of the Vikings. Researchers are learning more about exactly how Rhodiola works to alleviate depression, and along with positive results, the herb appears to have no negative side effects associated with it.
There are many medicinal plants and herbs that have been provided to us by our creator. However, the availability of these may be in peril as we live in a day and age when many governments, including the good old USA, along with powerful special interest groups such as pharmaceutical companies, are opposed to natural health freedoms that would allow the public to continue to choose medicinals and herbs as treatment options. If these organizations would have their way, natural herbs and supplements would be outlawed or so restricted and altered that they would lose their natural effectiveness. This, unfortunately, is the current political climate, despite an increasing awareness of the dangers linked to prescription drugs. Antidepressants, one of the largest segments of the pharmaceutical drug market, are also one of the most hazardous. Articles like the one below are significant because any publicity that can be garnered in support of natural medicine and alternatives to prescription drugs is always welcome as we attempt to offset the attacks on health care freedom worldwide. For more articles focused on natural remedies for depression go to: http://www.oasisadvancedwellness.com/learning/depression-articles.html
February 6 2008
Rhodiola Herbal Extract Found to Fight Off Depression
by Michael Jolliffe
(NaturalNews) A new clinical trial has found that an extract of the herb Rhodiola could be a useful treatment for cases of mild to moderate depression.
The study, published in the Nordic Journal of Psychiatry, involved 80 participants, aged between 18 and 70, who were divided into three groups. The first received 340mg of Rhodiola extract daily, the second twice as much, and the third two capsules containing a placebo.
The results revealed that only the groups taking Rhodiola had found benefit, with particularly significant improvements in insomnia and emotional instability, and no adverse effects.
Rhodiola is thought to work against depression in two ways. Firstly, researchers believe the herb blocks the enzyme monoamine oxidase in a manner similar to the early drug anti-depressants such as amitriptyline, which helps the brain to retain levels of 'feel good' neurotransmitters such as serotonin and norepinephrine.
Rhodiola is also believed to calm a part of the brain known as the HPA axis, which connects the brain to the adrenal glands. High levels of adrenal stress hormones have consistently been found in individuals suffering from depression, but Rhodiola may address this imbalance and help to restore normal levels.
The plant has a long history of traditional usage associated with improving strength, motivation and resistance to stress and fatigue. Early records suggest that civilisations as old as the Vikings have prized and cultivated Rhodiola. It was equally prized by Soviet researchers during the Cold War, who successfully tested its application with both athletes and astronauts.
Experts have commented on the promise that this latest research holds for the treatment of depression. Dr. Richard Brown, associate professor of clinical psychiatry at Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons, and one of the world's leading experts on Rhodiola, called for additional studies 'to explore and establish the potential applications of the herb', but stated his belief that both sufferers and researchers should be 'encouraged' by the results.
About the author
Michael Jolliffe is a health writer, and an expert on nutritional and environmental influences on health and disease. He is a member of the British Association for Nutritional Therapy, International Society for Orthomolecular Medicine and the Life Extension Foundation. To make contact, email michael@healthrevolutions.com or visit www.healthrevolutions.com.
http://www.naturalnews.com/022598.html
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