Experts suggest this ancient herb extract may be a natural alternative to antidepressants. It’s almost as powerful—but doesn’t come with scary side effects.

Centuries-Old Arctic Herb Reduces Depression

In All Health Watch, Big Pharma, Cognitive Health, Featured Article, Sexual Health

New research suggests an ancient herb may increase your serotonin—the “feel-good” chemical—levels by up to 30%.1

Researchers studied people with mild or moderate depression. They were given a placebo, Zoloft, or this herb extract for 12 weeks. Those taking Zoloft were 1.9 times more likely to improve their condition. But this herb wasn’t far behind… Subjects using it had 1.4 times greater odds of beating depression than the placebo group.2

So the drug worked slightly better… But there’s a major catch.

In the Zoloft group, more than 60% of subjects reported feeling side effects. These included nausea and sexual dysfunction.3 That’s about double the amount in the plant group.

That’s huge. Because even IF Big Pharma’s solution can help you feel better, most people will never take it long enough to find out. And with good reason. Depression affects 19 million Americans every year. And 70% of people stop taking SSRIs before they see any benefit.4 You can thank the side effects for that… These include anxiety, hallucinations, and suicidal thoughts. And the bad news doesn’t end there.

The same can’t be said about this resilient plant. It’s almost as powerful as one of Big Pharma’s most-prescribed antidepressants…but without the dangerous risk to benefit ratio.

What is this low-risk alternative for treating depression?

Rhodiola rosea. You might also know it as roseroot.

It’s a cold-weather plant that can survive in the Arctic. It also grows on the mountains and cliffs of Ireland.5 People have been using this European folk medicine for over 3,000 years.6 It’s been used to boost endurance, extend lifespan, and reduce fatigue…and more.7 Now research shows it can help you fight depression.

Fact is, SSRI’s are bad news. And that’s putting it mildly.

Health Watch readers know every pill you take increases your risk of breast cancer. Taking them can also increase your risk of a stroke by 45%. Using these drugs change the way your brain sends and receives messages. Even more frightening… It happens within just three hours of taking a single dose.

On top of that, trying to get off an SSRI can also cause withdrawal symptoms…like stomach cramps, fatigue, and memory impairment.8

Don’t risk your health—or your life—with SSRIs.

Look for roseroot extract at your local health food store. You may also see it on the label as Rhodiola. If you can’t find it locally, it’s easy to buy online. All you need is about 50 mg a day.9 That amounts to just a couple of drops. You’ll hardly notice it if you’re adding it to a hot cup of tea or a green smoothie.

In Good Health,

Angela Salerno
Publisher, INH Health Watch

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References:
1http://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Rhodiola+rosea
2http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0944711315000331
3http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2015-03/uops-rhs032615.php
4http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2015-03/uops-rhs032615.php
5http://www.designntrend.com/articles/45756/20150329/ancient-herb-treat-depression-without-side-effects.htm
6http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/291596.php
7http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/291596.php
8http://www.rxlist.com/zoloft-side-effects-drug-center.htm
9http://examine.com/supplements/Rhodiola+Rosea/