St. John's Wort: The Miracle Cure for Depression [Mass Market Paperback]

Norman Rosenthal M.D. (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 1999

Do you suffer from
PMS depression winter blues insomnia work stress?

Are you trying to cope with the illness of a loved one
aging grief unemployment?

Discover the only nonprescription antidepressant straight from nature's own pharmacy

St. Johns wort, a simple yellow wildflower, has been used for centuries and is currently emerging as one of the most popular, effective, and safe treatments for depression. Available over the counter everywhere from supermarkets to pharmacies, St. John's wort costs a fraction of doctor-prescribed medicines. Plus, it has very few toxic effects and works after just two weeks. Now, in this essential, authoritative guide, the author of Winter Blues, Norman Rosenthal, M.D., a leading authority in the field of depression, shows how this flower's exceptional healing powers can work for you. Easy to read and use, this essential sourcebook includes:

documented real-life success stories the latest scientific research fascinating anecdotes answers to commonly asked questions advice on switching from prescription drugs to St. John's wort and how to combine both and much more.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

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 --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

From Publishers Weekly

The fuzzy subtitle doesn't do justice to this comprehensive and authoritative work on depression and the alleviating effects of treatment with St. John's wort. Rosenthal (Winter Blues, 1993), an expert on depression who has appeared frequently in the media, describes how the herb St. John's wort (SJW), known since ancient times and available without a prescription, "may emerge as one of the most popular, effective and safest antidepressants." Part I features SJW "success stories," anecdotal reports of the herb's role in successfully reducing symptoms of such conditions as subsyndromal depression, PMS and anxiety disorder. Part II gets down to the nitty-gritty: how to diagnose one's depression; involve (or get rid of) a doctor in treatment; and develop "an antidepressant lifestyle." The history of the herb's use and reputation and its current scientific, government and economic status are considered in Part III. Rosenthal evenhandedly details what research has and has not been proven about SJW, and offers notably clear explanations of depressive disorders and pharmacology. Although he advocates appropriate use of SJW, Rosenthal repeatedly points out that those suffering severe depression should seek immediate professional help. (Aug.) FYI: HarperCollins will release an audio of this title simultaneously ($12, ISBN 0-694-51958-8).
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.

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Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Harpercollins (Mm) (April 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0060984392
• ISBN-13: 978-0060984397
• Product Dimensions: 6.8 x 4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,728,354 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Norman E. Rosenthal is a psychiatrist and scientist who in the 1980s first described winter depression or seasonal affective disorder (SAD), and pioneered the use of light therapy for its treatment. Rosenthal was born and educated in South Africa and moved to the United States to complete his medical training. He established a private practice and spent 20 years as a researcher at the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) where he studied the disorders of mood, sleep, and biological rhythms. Rosenthal's research with SAD led him to write "Winter Blues" and two other books on the topic. More recently Rosenthal has written a book on the Transcendental Meditation technique and conducted research on its potential influence on Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). In total, he has written seven books, including one on the topic of jet lag, and published 200 scholarly papers.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Ambitiously researched, creative, remarkably comprehensive, August 23, 1998

By A Customer

This review is from: St. John's Wort: The Herbal Way to Feeling Good (Hardcover)

This book is a much needed INFO booster for people suffering with depression, as well as for individuals interested in herbal medicine. Plus it's an interesting read! Ambitiously researched and creatively presented, Dr. Rosenthal has a talent for drawing from sources such as classic literature, music, poetry, medical research, and philosophy, to pen interesting highlights throughout the book. In this remarkably comprehensive book, the history, mythology, past and current medical research, case studies, experience of physicians, and even the politics of St. John's Wort are smoothly chronicled. The reader is also given crucial information on the self-monitoring of mood, the diagnosis of depression, and specifics on how to use St. Johns Wort and when to consult with a physician. The appendix includes helpful logs that the reader can use to monitor their daily mood and sleep. A special bonus is the chapter on how to develop an anti-depressant lifestyle by making simple behavioral and environmental changes. St. John's Wort: The Herbal Way to Feeling Good, is an important, timely, and superbly written book. Thanks Dr. Rosenthal, we needed that!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Execellent book!!!!, January 28, 2006

By 

savvy consumer (NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: St. John's Wort: The Herbal Way to Feeling Good (Hardcover)

I strongly recomend this book for anyone who suffers from depression or thinks they may be experienceing any form of deppression even if you are not considering St.John' wort as treatment. The book contains a wealth of information about symptoms and degrees or depression, things the doctors and terapists don't tell you.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars One of the best, January 22, 2010

By 

Born to Read (East Coast) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: St. John's Wort: The Miracle Cure for Depression (Mass Market Paperback)

Dr. Rosenthal is the undisputed king of St. John's Wort. He was a pioneer on the effectiveness of this herb and worked at the National Institute of Mental Health at the National Institutes of Health. This is a classic. I just wish he'd update it, as it does not include some of the newer types of St. John's Wort. He, however, sticks by the brand he recommends. His information is credible and you trustworthy. When you're trying to make decisions about whether to use alternative therapies, that's what you need. That and current information, which is why I wish he's update it so it can be the undisputed latest word from the undisputed king.