Product Description

More and more Americans are taking herbs to soothe their psychological aches and pains - from depression, stress, and anxiety, to insomnia and memory loss. Yet much of what consumers learn about herbal remedies comes from commercial sources, and may be unsubtantiatiated, confusing, or at worst, intentionally misleading. From leading researchers and Duke University, psychiatrists Jonathan R.T. Davidson and Kathryn M. Connor, this book provides an authoritative guide to the safe and effective use of the most popular "herbs for the mind": St John's wort, Kava, Valerian and Ginkgo. Offering step-by-step guidelines for optimal self- care, the book should help readers to: decide when herbs may be the right choice; select wisely from available brands; anticipate possible side effects; and know when to seek the advice of a health care professional. Written in clear, nontechnical language, the book features a wealth of case examples and answers to frequently asked questions, as well as helpful checklists, tables, and charts. Also included are a handy glossary of terms and resource listings on psychological and herb-related topics.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #2745408 in Books
• Published on: 2000-06-15
• Format: Illustrated
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Hardcover
• 278 pages

Review
"In a very readable and straightforward style, the authors look at the traditional uses of each herb, current patterns of use, and the quality of the evidence that each is effective....A particularly useful section included with each herb details standardization techniques, how to choose a brand from among the many available, and how to adjust dosage for dissimilar preparations. Strong points of the book include a comprehensive reference section and a list of resources, including herbal journals, government agencies, mental health organizations, and herbal professional organizations, most with Web and e-mail addresses indicated....this book will be useful for those seeking an introduction and those wanting good quality information for their patients."--"Canadian Journal of Psychiatry"
""Herbs for the Mind" is a worthwhile read for both providers and consumers of mental health services, and I recommend it to my colleagues as a source of detailed information on the practical aspects of these 4 herbal supplements."--"The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry"
"Drs. Davidson and Connor have given us a book that nicely defines depression, dementia, anxiety and sleep disorder. They have informed us in depth of the usefulness of four popular herbs that favorably affect these human problems. This is accomplished with admirable clarity and a note of encouragement and support one will find from a skilled psychiatrist."--"The Herb Society of America Newsletter"
., ."the thoroughness of the information about each herb and the eager intelligence of the authors make thisbook a valuable addition to your health library." --"Natural Health Magazine"
"Readers considering using these herbs would be well served by studying this book. Davidson and Connor add credibility to their discussion about herbs with their impressive credentials and with a balanced examination of the subject matter." --"NAMI Advocate"
., ."highly recommended...."Herbs for the Mind" is an intelligent insightful look at the practical use of...four popular herbs....Cover to cover, this guide is filled with detailed facts and case studies to help professionals and consumers who want to be informed regarding the uses of these four psychoactive herbs. This invaluable guide should be included on the book shelf of every physician, mental health professional and informed consumer. This information is needed for consumers who have the right of choices in regard to maintaining their health." --"Metapsychology"
""Herbs for the Mind" is an invaluable resource if you're considering using natural remedies to treat mental maladies. It guides you in deciding where herbs fit into an overall treatment plan, how to enlist your doctor's help in developing an herbal self-help program, how to know if an herb is working for you, when to switch brands or products, and when to stop using herbs altogether. It also points out what medicine has yet to learn about herns, including the potential dangers of long-term use." --"Natural Health Newsletter"