A crash course in Chinese herbology for the psychopharmocological prescriber.

Exp Clin Psychopharmacol. 2009 Dec;17(6):384-95

Authors: White KP

Given the unparalleled popularity of botanicals in the United States, it is safe to say that almost every psychopharmacological prescriber will see some patients using Chinese herbs. Data show that between 36% and 42% of Americans use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) each year and that persons suffering from depression and anxiety (67%) use CAM services significantly more than do their nonanxious and nondepressed counterparts (39%). This article gives an overview of several classical Chinese medical single herbs and herbal formulas commonly used for persons with psychiatric disorders and discusses some of the herbs that have the potential to interact with various pharmaceutical drugs. In addition, the article reviews scientific evidence and, at times, the lack thereof to validate the use of Chinese herbs and formulas in treating psychiatric conditions. Overall, the article seeks to prepare the pharmacological prescriber for working with patients concomitantly taking psychiatric medications and Chinese herbs. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2009 APA, all rights reserved).

Dr.Steve's BOTTOM LINE: If you  want a quick 411 article on Chinese psychoactive herbology (e.g. anxiety, depression etc) which is pretty readable and is well referenced, this is it.  It's not comprehensive even for this area of interest, so don't think that if something it missing that it must not work. They did a great job, but the study of herbs is VERY broad and this is simply a great start about the "best" stuff as far as scientific evidence is concerned for psychoactive herbs.

Technorati Tags: alternative cures, chinese herbs, natural cures

Tagged as: alternative cures, chinese herbs, natural cures