Nature's Happy Herb - It's in Your Kitchen

Can a spice lift you out of the doldrums? If it's saffron -- the world's most expensive seasoning -- maybe. There's evidence that it soothes the snarky symptoms of PMS -- you know: anxiety, irritability, depression, food cravings, and feeling like you want to clobber the person who stole "your" parking space. In fact, 75% of the women who took saffron daily in one small study cut their PMS symptoms in half, while not even 10% of the placebo takers saw their symptoms wane.

The people who got happy on saffron took specially made large capsules of it -- neither available nor economical. No worries. Until the researchers totally prove their findings -- and control the costs -- there's no reason not to use saffron to punch up meals around that time of the month. For one thing, it kicks up the taste of chicken, rice, and vegetables, so you can skip salt. And since it's a strong spice (use a light hand), you don't have to take out a loan just to get great flavor. And perhaps a happy meal.

While what you eat may improve your mood, what you do definitely will: Physical activity has major mood-boosting benefits -- and they can start after just one little 30-minute workout a day (even for people with major depression). When we say "workout," we don't mean sweating and grunting. We mean moderate-intensity walking. YOU can do that! Grab your shoes, and go for a half-hour walk. Why wait to feel great?