Description:
Almost 18 million people suffer from depression in the United States. Powerful antidepressant drugs are widely prescribed. Yet the bestselling remedy for depression in Germany, with more than 10 times the sales of Prozac and fewer side effects, isn't a drug--it's a shrub: St. John's wort, or Hypericum perforatum. St. John's Wort: The Herbal Way to Feeling Good is a comprehensive, reader-friendly guide to assessing whether St. John's wort is right for you, and what you need to know about depression, conventional antidepressants, and this herb to manage your condition effectively. Rosenthal is a National Institutes of Mental Health researcher and psychiatrist who conveys a great deal of information simply and interestingly. He relates success stories of clients who have benefited from St. John's wort, discusses the research, helps you diagnose and understand your depression, and shows you how to create a personalized plan for using the herb. He also recommends leading an "antidepressant lifestyle" through stress management, exercise, social support, sleep, and adequate light. A history of the herb ("from ancient remedy to herbal superstar") chronicles its 2,000 years of use. This is a must-read book if you or a loved one suffers from depression. (Rosenthal stresses that the herb and his program are not substitutes for medical care, and that anyone suffering from severe depression should seek medical help.) --Joan Price
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