Natural Substances

Nutrients and Herbs

Certain nutrients and herbs have been shown to improve mood and psychological health. They include vitamins, minerals, amino acids, phospholipids, adrenal adaptogenic herbs, etc.  The books on this list are excellent resources of information about the effect of food, nutrients and herbs on the brain and easy practical ways to feel better.  However, this is not a substitute for medical treatment or psychiatric care and is provided for educational purposes only.  Please consult your physician or a qualified mental health professional regarding symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

Adaptogens:  Herbs for Strength, Stamina, and Stress Relief, by David Winston

The Antianxiety Food Solution, by Trudy Scott, CN

The Better Brain Book, by David Perlmutter, MD

The Mood Cure, Julia Ross, MA

Eight weeks to Vibrant Health: A Take Charge Plan for Women to Correct Imbalance, Reclaim Energy and Restore Well-Being, by Hyla Cass, MD

The Brain Wellness Plan: Breakthrough Medical, Nutritional, and Immune-Boosting Therapies, by Jay Lombard

Healing Depression & Bipolar Disorder Without Drugs: Inspiring Stories of Restoring Mental Health Through Natural Therapies. by Gracelyn Guyol

Healing Schizophrenia:Complementary Vitamin & Drug Treatments, by Abram Hoffer, MD

How to use Herbs, Nutrients and Yoga in Mental Health Care, by Richard P Brown, MD, Patricia L Gerberg, MD, Philip R Muskin, MD

Natural Healing for Schizophrenia and Other Common Mental Disorders, and Other Common Mental Disorders, by Eva Edelman

Natural Highs: Supplements, Nutrition and Mind Body Techniques to Feel Good All the Time, by Hyla Cass

Nutrition and Mental Illness, by Carl Pfeiffer, MD

Optimum Nutrition for the Mind, by Patrick Holford

A Promise of Hope, by Autumn Stringam

The Rhodiola Revolution, by Richard P Brown, MD and Patricia L Gerberg, MD

Stop Depression Now: SAM-e - The Breakthrough Supplement that Works as Well as Prescription Drugs in Half the Time… with No Side Effects by by Richard Brown

Supplement Your Prescription, by Hyla Cass, MD

Micronutrients

The following scientific papers provide information about a particular micronutrient formula, Empowerplus.  Originally formulated specifically for bipolar disorder, it has been shown to also be helpful for other psychiatric disorders - OCD, ADHD and autism. You can read the papers by clicking here.

Gately D and Kaplan BJ.  Database analysis of adults with bipolar disorder consuming a micronutrient formula.  Clinical Medicine Psychiatry.  2009:4:3-16.

Kaplan BJ, Crawford SG, Field CJ, Simpson JS:  Vitamins, minerals, and mood. Psychol Bull 133:747-760, 2007

SAM-e

SAM-e (s-adenosyl methionine) is an amino acid, sold over the counter in the US, but is a prescription medicine in some countries in Europe.  The following scientific papers provide evidence that SAM-e is as effective as prescription antidepressants.

Bressa GM.  S-adenosyl-l-methionine (SAMe) as antidepressant: meta-analysis of clinical studies.  Acta Neurol Scand Suppl. 1994;154:7-14.

Mischoulon D, Fava M.  Role of S-adenosyl-L-methionine in the treatment of depression: a review of the evidence. American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. 2002;76(5):1158S-1161S.