John's Wort was judged to be as effective as prescription antidepressants but with considerably less and safer side effects. The famous Dr. Gary Null, among others, considers Royal Camu among the best agents for depression. Optimind , which contains Rosavin and other potentiating herbs may work even better. Another herb, Jiaogulan , also normalizes mood. MSM tends to normalize mood and increase feelings of well-being.
Depression is associated with low levels of serotonin, norepinephrine or both.
Norepinephrine levels might be raised by taking the amino acid DL-Phenylalanine . In fact, one out of five people who respond well to 5-HTP, relapse after a month. The effective dose was 12 grams per day for four weeks. Inositol has no side effects and is as effective as prescription drugs. Depression is also linked to an abnormally low amount of NADH in the body.