Kurn Sidney J - Herbs & nutrients for neurologic disorders: treatment strategies for Alzheimers, Parkinsons, stroke, multiple sclerosis, migraine, and seizures

Herbs and Nutrients for Neurologic Disorders is dedicated to thousands of patients over the last thirty years. Instead of cursing the darkness, they light a candle to find undiscovered truths. Faced by daunting and, at times, unrelenting suffering from neurologic illness, their collective courage has widened the boundaries of standard therapies for their disorders. This book is a small offering of our gratitude for their priceless gift of sharing their path of discovery with us.

May we strive for science with humanity as advised by
Mahatma Gandhi.

Herbs & Nutrients for Neurologic Disorders

At once a scholarly work and practical guide, this book provides the essential conceptual framework, supporting research, and clinical formulations needed to treat common neurologic diseases from a functional, holistic approach. An indispensable resource for both the clinician and patient alike. What a gem!

GERALD CAMARATA, M.D., FAMILY PHYSICIAN SPECIALIZING IN HERBAL AND FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE AND CLINICAL DIRECTOR OF SONOMA COUNTY INDIAN HEALTH PROJECTS INTEGRATIVE HEALTH CLINIC

This book offers a unique integration of these two authors vast knowledge from their many years of dedicated clinical work and patient care. A real asset to neurological patients and their health providers.

ISAAC ELIAZ, M.D., M.S., L.AC., FOUNDER AND MEDICAL DIRECTOR OF THE AMITABHA MEDICAL CLINIC AND HEALING CENTER

Doctors and patients alike will benefit from this understandable and well-researched volume. This work fills an important void in the complementary alternative medicine literature.

DAN KENNER, PH.D., L.AC., WRITER AND CONSULTANT IN INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE IN BOTH ORIENTAL AND NATUROPATHIC MEDICINE AND THE AUTHOR OF THE WHOLE-BODY WORKBOOK FOR CANCER

This book offers an excellent source of information regarding the value of certain herbs, micronutrients, and diet for neurological disorders. The authors have described functions of various herbs and nutrients in great detail.

KEDAR N. PRASAD, PH.D., AUTHOR OF FIGHT ALZHEIMERS WITH VITAMINS AND ANTIOXIDANTS AND FIGHT PARKINSONS AND HUNTINGTONS WITH VITAMINS AND ANTIOXIDANTS

The authors have extensively researched all the herbs and supplements that have been scientifically shown to help with neurologic disorders. Interestingly, the same nutrients come up time and again across the conditionscannabinoids, essential fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, probiotics, enzymes, and herbs such as turmeric. These all have proven pharmacological effects and can be used together with treatments prescribed by an M.D.
The similarity of treatment should come as no surprise as the authors have made a fascinating comparison between the various neurologic disorders. In each of them, inflammation, oxidative stress, excitotoxicity, toxic exposure, diminished gastrointestinal health, genetics, and epigenetics all play a role. The herbs and supplements they describe help combat each of these.
But while there are similarities between the various conditions and treatments, there are also differences. In each chapter the authors succinctly list the specific herbs and nutrients special for each condition. In addition, they emphasize the vital importance of sleep and dietary considerations. This book should be required reading not just for anyone affected by any of the conditions mentioned but also for doctors who still opt to treat them exclusively with medication.

JUDY GRAHAM, EDITOR OF NEW PATHWAYS MAGAZINE AND AUTHOR OFMANAGING MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS NATURALLY AND MULTIPLE SCLEROSIS AND HAVING A BABY

Acknowledgments

This is the sweetest part of writing a book, repaying in small measure the debt an author owes with thanks and gratitude. My biggest creditor is Vicki, my wife, who suffered my hours of oblivious distraction as I summoned my concentration on this book. Her support, confidence, and affection created the momentum to bring the book to fruition. Second is my coauthor Sherylwho patiently turned my Zen brushstrokes into real substance. The readable, detailed form of the book belongs to her. Without the belief and assiduous efforts of her husband, Doug, this book would never have found itself in print. Thanks to the many patients who have taught me so much for so long and for whom this book was actually written, and to two of my formal teachers in herbal medicine, Lois Johnson, M.D., and David Hoffmann, who helped guide me into the greener world of real medicine. I also owe much to Jeff Hergenrather, M.D. He has long been a role model of courage in prescribing cannabis after the laws changed in California but before there was any acceptance of this practice by mainstream medicine. In addition, he has generously shared his comprehensive knowledge of both the basic science and clinical practice of cannabis medicine, and supported me on numerous occasions in my early attempts to bridge the divide between mainstream and alternative/complementary medicine. I owe a number of insights found in this book to multiple discussions we have had over the years. I also want to thank Dan Kenner, L.Ac., Ph.D., for many helpful discussions about alternative approaches to medical conditions. And finally, to many friends over the years, including Wayne Souza, Pharm. D., L.Ac., who answered my queries and taught me by example and who keep alive the deep humanism so important in the healing arts.

SIDNEY KURN, M.D.

As I reflect upon the compassionate individuals who have shared my journey, I am filled with appreciation for their unwavering support. My deepest gratitude goes to my loving and kind husband, Doug Fetterly, who continually inspires me with his graciousness and wisdom. The time we spend, side-by-side, writing our own books and editing each others manuscripts is the sweetest part of my work. With her lyrical spirit and thoughtfulness, my daughter, Mary, continues to provide me with abundant joy and love. She showed endless patience and delightful curiosity throughout her childhood as she accompanied me to work in the lab, hospital, and classroom. Without Sid, my coauthor, this book would not have been possible. He warmly welcomed me into this project and gave me the pleasure of a respectful and purely positive collaboration. I am grateful to my dear friend, Debbie Zakerski, who came into my life and taught me, and continues to remind me, what really matters. I extend heartfelt appreciation to Ellen Anderson for teaching me the meaning of family; you have strengthened my resolve. I am thankful for my parents, Sherry and Coy Shook, who encouraged me throughout my pursuits and filled my life with goodness and love. Kami McBride facilitated the big, beautiful step I took into the world of herbal healing. Thanks to Lois Johnson, M.D., for bringing Sid and me together. I would like to thank the staff at Inner Traditions/Bear & Company for putting our book into the hands of others.

SHERYL SHOOK, PH.D., L.S.P.

How to Use This Book

A Guide for Patients, Families, and Practitioners