The Herbal Brain


Book Description

The Herbal Brain By: Emory E Prescott, Ph D, MS, CCC/SLP Do you want to improve your ability to pay attention, think, and remember? The Herbal Brain introduces a unique blend of twelve “nootropics” – highly beneficial herbs containing vital nutrients and properties needed for cognitive health. These same herbs are also collectively neuroprotective, regenerative, restorative, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, good for your heart and good for your immune system. Sadly, global toxicity is increasing at an alarming rate along with an unprecedented general decline for many in language skills, intelligence, and memory. The Herbal Brain focuses on natural ways to enrich your mind and body and improve your overall well-being. Included are the twelve safest and most effective nootropics you can consume, expanded with straight talk about natural medicine, the limits of western healthcare, and healthy lifestyle modifications you can make in order to survive and thrive on our toxic planet. Whether you want to improve brain health, plant a nootropic herb garden, increase your knowledge of brain-boosting aromatherapy, or just drink the ideal herbal tea blend for better health, Dr. Prescott’s guide of herbal nootropics has the beneficial information and ideas you need for stronger mind and memory.




Herbal Supplements and the Brain


Book Description

Today, many manufacturers of plant-based "neuroceuticals" claim their products can offer powerful benefits in brain function. However, the US government does not require these manufacturers to demonstrate their products’ effectiveness, leaving it difficult for consumers and health professionals to make decisions about the benefits and risks. In Herbal Supplements and the Brain: Understanding their Health Benefits and Hazards, two leading researchers provide this crucial information in clear language any intelligent reader can understand and use. They begin by introducing the fundamental principles of pharmacology, explaining how drugs and natural products can affect the body’s organs and organ systems. Using examples, they show how to determine whether an ingested substance can enter the bloodstream and reach its target at a concentration sufficient to have an effect. They also explain how natural products may influence blood levels of other substances, and discuss whether such interactions may diminish the effectiveness of prescription medications or alter normal body chemistry. Throughout, the authors emphasize factors relating especially to neuroceuticals and the brain. Individual chapters are devoted to nutritional supplements which promise to enhance memory, relieve pain, safely promote sleep, and aid in the treatment of depression or anxiety. Specifically, readers will find research-based coverage of Ginkgo biloba; St. John’s Wort; Valerian; Lemon Balm; Kava; Lavender; Kudzu, Daffodil, Passion Flower, and Camellia Tea and other caffeinated beverages.




Your Brain On Plants


Book Description

A practical, authoritative reference guide to more than 50 medicinal plants that offer natural, safe ways to optimize your brain health. Expert authors and mother-daughter team Elaine and Nicolette Perry have mastered an ever-growing body of scientific research (some of which they themselves pioneered) on how medicinal plants can help you sleep soundly, reduce stress, improve your memory, and simply feel better—in body and mind. Organized to easily steer you toward the best remedies for your individual needs, Your Brain on Plants presents:Calming BalmsCognition BoostersBlues BustersSleep PromotersPain RelieversExtra EnergizersMind-Altering PlantsPlant Panaceas Within each of these chapters are detailed entries for the medicinal plants and herbs suited to the task, including what scientists know about them, their active ingredients, and guidelines regarding their safe use. Make-at-home recipes for foods, teas, tinctures, balms, and cordials demonstrate how simple it is to benefit from everything these plants have to offer. Plus, foods naturally containing ingredients proven to alleviate symptoms appear throughout the book, along with complementary wellness practices such as meditating (on a chamomile lawn), qi gong (in a wildflower meadow), and walking (in woodland). Praise for Your Brain on Plants “Two qualified nutritional specialists have assembled a clear, concise reference of well-known plants believed to benefit the brain . . . Fascinating facts and bits of folklore, controversies, and important herb-drug interactions add to this timely and intriguing text.” —Choice “This unique volume focusing on plants for mental health will be of interest to anyone considering herbal medicines.” —Booklist




Herbs and Nutrients for the Mind


Book Description

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.




Nutraceuticals in Brain Health and Beyond


Book Description

Nutraceuticals in Brain Health and Beyond focuses on a variety of health disorders where intervention with nutritional supplements prove valuable, such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, autism, and attention-deficit disorder in children. In addition, Nutraceuticals in Brain Health and Beyond addresses "herb-nutra psychiatry" which is a field of research focused on developing a comprehensive, cohesive, and scientifically rigorous evidence base to shift conceptual thinking around the role of diet and nutrition in mental health.Intended for nutrition researchers, nutritionists, dieticians, regulatory bodies, health professionals, and students studying related fields, Nutraceuticals in Brain Health and Beyond will be a useful reference in understanding the links between nutrition and brain health. - Addresses nutritional psychiatry and cognitive health at all stages of the lifespan - Contains extensive coverage of vitamins, minerals, botanicals, and other nutrients - Offers novel insight into cognitive dysfunctions including depression and other neurodegenerative disorders - Explores the role of genomics and epigenetics, including discussion of the gut–brain axis




Plants and the Human Brain


Book Description

We're all familiar with the idea that plant-derived chemicals can have an impact on the functioning of the human brain. Most of us reach for a cup of coffee or tea in the morning, many of us occasionally eat some chocolate, some smoke a cigarette or take an herbal supplement, and some people use illicit drugs. We know a great deal about the mechanisms by which the psychoactive components of these various products have their effects on human brain function, but the question of why they have these effects has been almost totally ignored. This book sets out to describe not only how, in terms of pharmacology or psychopharmacology, but more importantly why plant- and fungus-derived chemicals have their effects on the human brain. The answer to this last question resides, in part, with the terrestrial world's two dominant life forms, the plants and the insects, and the many ecological roles the 'secondary metabolite' plant chemicals are trying to play; for instance, defending the plant against insect herbivores whilst attracting insect pollinators. The answer also resides in the intersecting genetic heritage of mammals, plants, and insects and the surprising biological similarities between the three taxa. In particular it revolves around the close correspondence between the brains of insects and humans, and the intercellular signaling pathways shared by plants and humans. Plants and the Human Brain describes and discusses both how and why phytochemicals affect brain function with respect to the three main groups of secondary metabolites: the alkaloids, which provide us with caffeine, a host of poisons, a handful of hallucinogens, and most drugs of abuse (e.g. morphine, cocaine, DMT, LSD, and nicotine); the phenolics, including polyphenols, which constitute a significant and beneficial part of our natural diet; and the terpenes, a group of multifunctional compounds which provide us with the active components of cannabis and a multitude of herbal extracts such as ginseng, ginkgo and valerian.




The Healthy Brain Toolbox


Book Description

At last, neurologist-proven strategies to improve your memory and protect yourself against age-related diseases of the brain! The science and the "art" of functional medicine for the brain are laid out in this book. Dr. Ken Sharlin shows us how the individual pieces of the puzzle are integrated and nurtured along in a stepwise, achievable fashion, while recognizing the uniqueness of each individual who makes this approach their own. Here's what you will find inside: FORWARD by Terry Wahls, MD, IFMCP PART 1 - THE SCIENCE CHAPTER 1 Houston, We Have a Problem! How to Think Outside the Box to Solve a Global Health Crisis CHAPTER 2 I am a Product of My Generation: The Truth About How I Got Here CHAPTER 3 The Apple Can Land Far from the Tree, If You Give it a Push: How A Conventionally-Trained Doctor Turned into a Functional Medicine Fanatic CHAPTER 4 Inflammation and Oxidative Stress: Unearthing the Root Causes of Chronic Disease CHAPTER 5 The Seven Biological Systems: Imbalances in Functional Systems Affect One Another and Spark the Fire of Illness CHAPTER 6 The Clues are in the History: How Your Story Can Help You Learn What You Need to Do to Protect Your Brain CHAPTER 7 Getting Around the Parts of the Brain: How Structure Relates to Function, When it Comes to Preventing Memory Loss PART 2 - THE STRATEGIES CHAPTER 8 Brain Tune Up! In the Office: How a Functional Medicine Practice Can Work for You CHAPTER 9 Sleep Is More Than A Time Of Rest: Get Your Zzzs to Protect Your Brain! CHAPTER 10 Movement and Exercise: How Physical Activity Prevents Memory Loss and Protects Your Brain by Amy Gordin, PT CHAPTER 11 Nutrition to Tune Up Your Brain: How Food Provides the Building Blocks to Brain Health by Angela Jenkins, RD, LD CHAPTER 12 To Om and Beyond: An Emotional and Spiritual Stress Resilience Practice Can Improve Your Memory and Grow Your Brain by Chuck Renner, OTR, CHT CHAPTER 13 Eureka! How to Use Supplements, Herbal Brain Enhancers, and Technology to Prevent Memory Loss and Protect Your Aging Brain EPILOGUE: The Road Back




Herbs for the Mind


Book Description

Studies the effectiveness and safety of taking St. John's Wort for depression, kava for stress or anxiety, ginkgo for memory loss, or valerian for insomnia.







Your Brain On Nature


Book Description

How to safely de-tox from IT overload—with the healing effects of nature Scientific studies have shown that natural environments can have remarkable benefits for human health. Natural environments are more likely to promote positive emotions; and viewing and walking in nature have been associated with heightened physical and mental energy. Nature has also been found to have a positive impact on children who have been diagnosed with impulsivity, hyperactivity, and attention deficit disorder. A powerful wake-up call for our tech-immersed society, Your Brain on Nature examines the fascinating effects that exposure to nature can have on the brain. In Your Brain on Nature, physician Eva Selhub and naturopath Alan Logan examine not only the effects of nature on the brain—but the ubiquitous influence of everyday technology on the brain, and how IT overload and its many distractions may even be changing it. Offering an antidote for the technology-addicted, the book outlines emerging nature-based therapies including ecotherapy, as well as practical strategies for improving your (and your children's) cognitive functioning, mental health, and physical well-being through ecotherapeutic, nutritional, and behavioural means. Details the back to nature movement and the benefits of nature on the brain and body, from reducing the symptoms of ADHD to improving mood and physical energy Explains the effects of air quality, aromas, light and sound on the brain, including SAD and sleep loss A fascinating look at the effects that both nature and technology have on the brain's functioning and one's overall well-being, Your Brain on Nature is every tech-addict's guide to restoring health and balance in an increasingly IT-dependent world.