Herbs For The Mind

First published in 2000. Routledge is an imprint of Taylor & Francis, an informa company.

Table of Contents:
St. John's Wort - the herb of light; Kava - tranquility from paradise; Ginkgo - fountain of youth and vitality; Valerian - nature's sandman.

About the Author :
Jonathan R. T. Davidson, MD, is Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Duke University Medical Center, where he is also Director of the Anxiety and Traumatic Stress Program. He earned his medical degree at University College and University College Hospital Medical School in London, UK. A board-certified psychiatrist in the U.S., he is also a Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and the Royal College of Psychiatrists (UK). He has participated in numerous studies of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in social phobia, PTSD, and generalized anxiety disorder. Currently he is involved in several National Institutes of Health-sponsored trials, including investigations of family risk factors in PTSD, and treatment of PTSD and depressive disorder. He has been actively involved in research of complementary and alternative treatments, and received professional training in homeopathic medicine. Kathryn M. Connor, MD, is Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Duke University Medical Center, where she works in the Anxiety and Traumatic Stress Program. A graduate of the University of Maryland School of Medicine, she completed her psychiatry residency training at Duke and was the recipient of a Glaxo Wellcome/Duke Clinical Psychopharmacology Research Fellowship. Her clinical research on anxiety and mood disorders includes trials of medications, herbs, and other therapies; epidemiologic studies; and the development of diagnostic screening and assessment instruments. SHORT BIOS: Jonathan R. T. Davidson, MD, is Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Duke University Medical Center, where he is also Director of the Anxiety and Traumatic Stress Program. He is principal investigator of the National Institutes of Health-sponsored study of St. John's wort in depression. He has been actively involved in research of complementary and alternative treatments, and received professional training in homeopathic medicine. Kathryn M. Connor, MD, is Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Duke University Medical Center, where she works in the Anxiety and Traumatic Stress Program.

Review :
"Herbs for the Mind is a much-needed source of information on four of the most commonly used herbs in the western world. It is informative, scientifically reliable, and highly readable. This is a valuable resource for the layperson and professional alike. Before taking any 'herb for the mind, ' read this book." --Larry Dossey, MD, author, Reinventing Medicine; Executive Editor, Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine "This book is an excellent guide for consumers struggling to wend their way through the bewildering thicket of herbal medicines. Clearly written and authoritative, it will serve as an invaluable resource for those who are seeking relief of anxiety, depression, and other problems with the help of nature's own remedies." --Norman E. Rosenthal, MD, author of Winter Blues "This book combines the latest scientific information with practical, user-friendly advice to help readers make educated decisions about whether herbs can make them feel better, which ones to take, and how to use them correctly. Clearly written, well organized, and filled with real-life patient anecdotes, this information-packed resource will help both professionals and consumers demystify the wonderful world of 'herbs for the mind.'" --Jerilyn Ross, MA, LICSW, author of Triumph over Fear; The Ross Center for Anxiety & Related Disorders, Inc. "The most comprehensive and balanced account ever written about the topic 'herbs for the mind.' Detailed, sensible, and well documented. This book is a 'must' for all who are considering taking herbal remedies for mental or emotional difficulties. Read it! Give it to your doctor. Give it to a loved one." --Wayne B. Jonas, MD, Former Director, Office of Alternative Medicine, National Institutes of Health ""Herbs for the Mind" is a much-needed source of information on four of the most commonly used herbs in the western world. It is informative, scientifically reliable, and highly readable. This is a valuable resource for the layperson and professional alike. Before taking any 'herb for the mind, ' read this book." --Larry Dossey, MD, author, "Reinventing Medicine"; Executive Editor, "Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine" "This book is an excellent guide for consumers struggling to wend their way through the bewildering thicket of herbal medicines. Clearly written and authoritative, it will serve as an invaluable resource for those who are seeking relief of anxiety, depression, and other problems with the help of nature's own remedies." --Norman E. Rosenthal, MD, author of "Winter Blues" "This book combines the latest scientific information with practical, user-friendly advice to help readers make educated decisions about whether herbs can make them feel better, which ones to take, and how to use them correctly. Clearly written, well organized, and filled with real-life patient anecdotes, this information-packed resource will help both professionals and consumers demystify the wonderful world of 'herbs for the mind.'" --Jerilyn Ross, MA, LICSW, author of "Triumph over Fear"; The Ross Center for Anxiety & Related Disorders, Inc. "The most comprehensive and balanced account ever written about the topic 'herbs for the mind.' Detailed, sensible, and well documented. This book is a 'must' for all who are considering taking herbal remedies for mental or emotional difficulties. Read it! Give it to your doctor. Give it to a loved one." --Wayne B. Jonas, MD, Former Director, Office of Alternative Medicine, National Institutes of Health "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" "Two reputable psychiatrists, professors at Duke University, step outside the confines of thephysicians' desk reference to report on four 'natural remedies' that may have value in a number of ways....With this book, physicians 'too often lagging behind in alternative medicine'can catch up with and guide their patients in this increasingly popular and important but hazardous realm....Doctors Davidson and Connor write responsibly and well for a general and professional audience...."Herbs for the Mind" balances the weight of knowledge and the lightness of ignorance with common sense, hope, and the promise of more and better research." --"Foreword" "What distinguishes this book from other herbals is balance. The scientific studies are reviewed objectively, and in-depth discussions are offered of each herb's side effects, limitations, and possible benefits and drawbacks....Sure to please both diehard adherents of alternative medicine and outright skeptics, this should be required reading for all health professionals and students. Highly recommended for all libraries, from consumer to academic to medical." --"Library Journal" ., ."two medical doctors present evidence from controlled clinical studies and case histories from their own practice to show that four specific herbs do work in treating psychological conditions....This information will be welcomed by the many people who prefer to self-medicate these sensitive conditions." --"Booklist" " Herbs for the Mind is a much-needed source of information on four of the most commonly used herbs in the western world. It is informative, scientifically reliable, and highly readable. This is a valuable resource for the layperson and professional alike. Before taking any 'herb for the mind, ' read this book." --Larry Dossey, MD, author, Reinventing Medicine; Executive Editor, Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine "This book is an excellent guide for consumers struggling to wend their way through the bewildering thicket of herbal medicines. Clearly written and authoritative, it will serve as an invaluable resource for those who are seeking relief of anxiety, depression, and other problems with the help of nature's own remedies." --Norman E. Rosenthal, MD, author of Winter Blues "This book combines the latest scientific information with practical, user-friendly advice to help readers make educated decisions about whether herbs can make them feel better, which ones to take, and how to use them correctly. Clearly written, well organized, and filled with real-life patient anecdotes, this information-packed resource will help both professionals and consumers demystify the wonderful world of 'herbs for the mind.'" --Jerilyn Ross, MA, LICSW, author of Triumph over Fear; The Ross Center for Anxiety & amp; Related Disorders, Inc. "The most comprehensive and balanced account ever written about the topic 'herbs for the mind.' Detailed, sensible, and well documented. This book is a 'must' for all who are considering takingherbal remedies for mental or emotional difficulties. Read it! Give it to your doctor. Give it to a loved one." --Wayne B. Jonas, MD, Former Director, Office of Alternative Medicine, National Institutes of Health "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 "Two reputable psychiatrists, professors at Duke University, step outside the confines of thephysicians' desk reference to report on four 'natural remedies' that may have value in a number of ways....With this book, physicians 'too often lagging behind in alternative medicine'can catch up with and guide their patients in this increasingly popular and important but hazardous realm....Doctors Davidson and Connor write responsibly and well for a general and professional audience.... Herbs for the Mind balances the weight of knowledge and the lightness of ignorance with common sense, hope, and the promise of more and better research." -- Foreword "What distinguishes this book from other herbals is balance. The scientific studies are reviewed objectively, and in-depth discussions are offered of each herb's side effects, limitations, and possible benefits and drawbacks....Sure to please both diehard adherents of alternative medicine and outright skeptics, this should be required reading for all health professionals and students. Highly recommended for all libraries, from consumer to academic to medical." -- Library Journal , .."two medical doctors present evidence from controlled clinical studies and case histories from their own practice to show that four specific herbs do work in treating psychological conditions....This information will be welcomed by the many people who prefer to self-medicate these sensitive conditions." -- Booklist "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 this book a valuable addition to your health library." --"Natural Health Magazine" "Readers considering using these herbs wouldbe 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" "Two reputable psychiatrists, professors at Duke University, step outside the confines of the physicians' desk reference to report on four 'natural remedies' that may have value in a number of ways....With this book, physicians 'too often lagging behind in alternative medicine'can catch up with and guide their patients in this increasingly popular and important but hazardousrealm....Doctors Davidson and Connor write responsibly and well for a general and professional audience...."Herbs for the Mind" balances the weight of knowledge and the lightness of ignorance with common sense, hope, and the promise of more and better research." --"Foreword" "What distinguishes this book from other herbals is balance. The scientific studies are reviewed objectively, and in-depth discussions are offered of each herb's side effects, limitations, and possible benefits and drawbacks....Sure to please both diehard adherents of alternative medicine and outright skeptics, this should be required reading for all health professionals and students. Highly recommended for all libraries, from consumer to academic to medical." --"Library Journal" .,."two medical doctors present evidence from controlled clinical studies and case histories from their own practice to show that four specific herbs do work in treating psychological conditions....This information will be welcomed by the many people who prefer to self-medicate these sensitive conditions." --"Booklist"