At least as worthy a challenger for the title of "best depression and anxiety treatment" as any patented drug is the powerful, yet subtle and non-additive extract of the Valerian root. Regularly triumphing against drugs in bouts of melancholy or edginess in Europe (where doctors are free to prescribe what works instead of what the drug biz dictates - at least until the wrath of Codex), Valerian root also brings to the ring proven effectiveness against insomnia and sleep disorders - common among the depressed or anxious.

Proving itself in over 200 scientific pharmacological studies published over the last 30 years (mostly in Europe, of course), Valerian extract's sedative properties equaled that of the mainstream promoted Halcion drug in at least one study - but without the hangovers and loss of focus that drug routinely causes.

As for side effects, typical doses tend to carry no more than occasional mild stomach upset. And with Valerian root, there have never been any reports of suicide, addiction, mental disturbance, or overdose.

From 1820 to 1942, Valerian root was officially listed in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia as a tranquilizer. Make no mistake, it's a real drug - just one of natural origin, like so many other legitimate cures which the mainstream is doing its best to smother out of existence. If you look around, you can find it in health food stores and compounding pharmacies. It's even on the shelves in pill form in many supermarkets.

I'd shop around for the liquid extract itself, though. For best results, look for the words "water-soluble" on the label, and make sure it's .8% valerenic acid in strength. And stock up - the way we're headed, the stuff might be outlawed soon.

Bottom line: If you're depressed or anxious, Valerian can help. But it can't beat the very best cure out there for these ailments: Perspective. If you're feeling low, reflect on all that's positive in your life compared to how it would be if you lived in third-world Africa, under the yoke of Islamic fundamentalism in the Middle East, or in the most isolated areas of the former Soviet Union...

This, plus some good sleep (aided by underdog "knockout artist" Valerian root) will pick you up again in a matter of weeks.

Naturally snoozing, not prescription-drug using,

William Campbell Douglass II, MD

http://www.realhealthnews.com/daily...dd20050906.html