Two naturopaths introduce us to the world of brain biochemistry, translating the science into laymen's terms, so that the reader can understand the potential power of herbs and nutrients to enhance health, prevent disorders, and affect existing health disorders. These alternatives, or supplements, to medication are being used across the country to help treat health conditions with a psychological component—from ADHD and anorexia to insomnia, menopause, and Parkinson's Disease. Authors Meletis and Barker explain 18 of these conditions, and review the most current research into how—or whether—the use of herbs and supplements has been proven to prevent, affect or remove these health conditions, or at least some of their symptoms. Can the Chinese herb Salvia curb cravings in alcoholics? Can niacin help treat anxiety? Other herbs, nutrients, and conditions addressed include the use of zinc to reduce symptoms of anorexia and bulimia, ginkgo biloba for Alzheimer's, and 5-HTP for depression. One appendix to this volume lists the top 20 brain-enhancing herbs and supplements. Another lists nutrient deficiencies and their links to health and brain function.It is not the intent of this book to advocate for the replacement of standard drug therapy, but for the integration of these natural medicines with traditional medical treatments. Consumers are urged to discuss these herbs and nutrients with their physician before beginning use, as some allergic reactions or interactions with traditional medicines can occur. The central argument of this book is that when properly nourished people can operate at maximum physical and mental capacity, with maximum ability to fend off or recover from disease and disorder.

Two naturopaths introduce us to the world of brain biochemistry, translating the science into laymen's terms, so that the reader can understand the potential power of herbs and nutrients to enhance health, prevent disorders, and affect existing health disorders. These alternatives, or supplements, to medication are being used across the country to help treat health conditions with a psychological component—from ADHD and anorexia to insomnia, menopause, and Parkinson's Disease. Authors Meletis and Barker explain 18 of these conditions, and review the most current research into how—or whether—the use of herbs and supplements has been proven to prevent, affect or remove these health conditions, or at least some of their symptoms. Can the Chinese herb Salvia curb cravings in alcoholics? Can niacin help treat anxiety? Other herbs, nutrients, and conditions addressed include the use of zinc to reduce symptoms of anorexia and bulimia, ginkgo biloba for Alzheimer's, and 5-HTP for depression. One appendix to this volume lists the top 20 brain-enhancing herbs and supplements. Another lists nutrient deficiencies and their links to health and brain function.It is not the intent of this book to advocate for the replacement of standard drug therapy, but for the integration of these natural medicines with traditional medical treatments. Consumers are urged to discuss these herbs and nutrients with their physician before beginning use, as some allergic reactions or interactions with traditional medicines can occur. The central argument of this book is that when properly nourished people can operate at maximum physical and mental capacity, with maximum ability to fend off or recover from disease and disorder.

Based on the ancient healing tradition from India that dates back thousands of years, The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies offers natural alternatives to conventional medicines and treatments with practical advice and easy-to-follow instructions. A leading authority in this field, Dr. Vasant Lad first explains the principles behind the science of Ayurveda, exploring the physical and psychological characteristics of each of the three doshas, or mind-body types--vata, pitta, and kapha. Once you have determined which type or combination of types you are, Dr. Lad helps you to begin your journey to the ultimate "state of balance" and well-being. The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies is an invaluable guide to treating common ailments and chronic problems with strategies tailored to your personal needs based on your dosha. Dr. Lad explains why certain imbalances often result in illness and shows you how to restore your body to natural order. You'll learn which traditional Ayurvedic remedies--herbal teas and formulas, essential oils, meditation, yoga--offer relief from a variety of conditions, such as cold and flu symptoms, headaches, toothaches, sore throats, high cholesterol, vision problems, anxiety, and depression. Dr. Lad also shows you how to use diet and specific Ayurvedic techniques to prevent future illness and to promote body consciousness and healthy living. The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies enables us all to experience the benefits of Ayurveda's healing properties that have been refined over thousands of years. All of the herbs, foods, and oils Dr. Lad recommends can be found in local health food stores or through mail-order catalogs. Complete withan extensive glossary and resource list, this is the definitive guide to natural, safe, and effective remedies, everyday keys to a lifetime of vitality and well-being.

Depression is startlingly widespread in the U.S., with some 30 million people-nearly one out of ten people-taking Prozac to alleviate symptoms. One in four women will have clinical depression in their lifetime, as will one in eight adolescents or men. Yet even with so many on antidepressants, depression remains rampant and nobody is getting truly healed. Why?The answer is that the true causes of depression are not being treated, explains medical journalist Stephanie Marohn. Drawing on the successful clinical results of 11 practitioners from different fields of natural medicine she shows convincingly how depression can be reversed for good, without drugs. By treating the underlying causes of depression, rather than suppressing the symptoms as most pharmaceutical drugs do, you can have lasting recovery.So what does cause depression? Marohn identifies 16 different causes, from chemical and heavy metal toxicity to hormonal imbalances, t o food allergies and neurotransmitter deficiencies to intestinal problems and psychospiritual issues.And what heals it? Marohn reviews a rich array of successful, nondrug-based treatment approaches including applied psychoneurobiology, chelation, allergy elimination, neural therapy, anthroposophic medicine, acupuncture, herbs, homeopathy, CranioSacral therapy, flower essences, visceral manipulation, shamanic healing, and more.Marohn also draws from real-life patient stories to show how healing from depression works. It's all backed by science and clinical results.You don't have to learn how to cope with depression. The uplifting message of The Natural Medicine Guide to Depression is that you can actually heal your depression through proven treatments from natural medicine.

For people who start losing their vision to macular degeneration, the prospect of impending blindness is frightening and terribly depressing. They often get contradictory advice about surgery, medical treatments, natural supplements, and lifestyle changes that might arrest or reverse the condition, and these conflicting recommendations only compound their anxiety.Finally, in Macular Degeneration: A Complete Guide for Patients and Their Families, patients and their loved ones can turn to one easy-to-understand and authoritative source for up-to-date information about macular degeneration. Written by renowned ophthalmologist Michael Samuel, M.D., a retinal specialist, this book casts the spotlight on macular degeneration and dispels the myths surrounding this disease.Macular Degeneration: A Complete Guide for Patients and Their Families offers a wealth of insights into what macular degeneration is, what causes it, and the array of contemporary treatment options. Here you_ll learn:-Lifestyle and environmental factors that can affect your risk of developing age-related macular degeneration (AMD)-Dietary strategies to prevent or slow the progression of macular degeneration-Nutritional supplements that work-The difference between dry AMD and wet AMD-When surgery is the best option-How to choose an eye care professional (or know that you_ve chosen the right one)-How to deal with the stress of vision loss to macular degenerationWritten for patients-and those who love and care for them_Macular Degeneration: A Complete Guide for Patients and Their Families presents a clear picture of this illness and how best to address it. It_s the definitive source for information about macular degeneration; the tools, techniques, and strategies contemporary medicine offers people grappling with this frightening illness; and the prospects for stopping, and even reversing, the progression of this disease.

Autism is now an epidemic in the United States and in much of the world, rising by as much as 1000% in some areas. The Healthy Mind Guide: Reversing Autism explores why and offers effective treatment options and the possibility of a positive outcome via natural medicine therapies that can ameliorate or reverse the disorder in many cases. Part I of the book covers the basics of autism—what it is and what causes it. The book includes discussion of the following factors that are often involved in the disorder: vaccines, heavy metal toxicity, nutritional deficiencies/imbalances, food allergies, digestive problems and fungal overgrowth, viruses or viral overload, immune dysfunction, problems in the birthing process, and energetic legacies from unresolved family issues in previous generations. A chapter in the book is also devoted to the deeper question of what makes a child susceptible to autism—after all, not all children who are vaccinated develop autism, for example. Included in this discussion is the work of William J. Walsch, Ph.D., whose latest research may well have pinpointed the genetic component of autism that has previously eluded scientific inquiry. In addition to the biochemical therapy practiced by Dr. Walsh, Part II of the book covers a range of natural medicine treatments for autism. These are advanced therapies that demonstrate the comprehensive healing potential in the field, and include treatments to eliminate allergies, integrate children’s listening and learning skills, nutritional supplements to correct imbalances, cranial osteopathy to reverse birth trauma, and many more.

Mainstream medicine's first guide to safe and effective modes of alternative healingThe world of natural and alternative medicine offers an amazing array of effective, inexpensive, but still controversial health-care choices. Now in this milestone book, America's most trusted provider of medical information, the Physicians' Desk Reference®, cuts through the controversy and tells you what you need to know about your healing options.- Which widely available herbs, vitamins, and minerals act like potent prescription medication- Fifty alternative therapy options--how they work, what they strive for, and potential side effects- Self-help techniques to stave off--and even reverse--chronic problems and disease- The latest findings on acupuncture, aromatherapy, chiropractic adjustment, homeopathy, and much more- How certain natural remedies interact with conventional drugs- Easy-to-use indexes that will enable you to find treatment options for hundreds of ailments, identify the most effective herbal remedies, and research natural medicines by both common and Latin names- A sixteen-page herb identification portfolio featuring more than one hundred medicinal herbs, photographed in full color