Saffron Helps Depressive Symptoms

Saffron has been used since ancient times for improving mood and calming anxiety. Documentation of saffron's use over the span of 4,000 years in the treatment of some 90 illnesses has been uncovered. In Persian traditional medicine, saffron is used to treat depression. In five preliminary double-blind studies, saffron was more effective than placebo and equally effective as antidepressants for treating major depressive disorder. In two studies, saffron was compared favorably to prescription antidepressants imipramine (Tofranil) and fluoxetine (Prozac).


Read more...
0 comments | Posted by Randi Fredricks, Ph.D. on Jun 2, 2013 at 7:39 PM | Categories: alternative medicine - depression - depression treatment - help for depression - herbal medicine - natural medicine - psychology - psychotherapist - psychotherapy - san jose california - therapist -

How ADHD Strains Adult Relationships

Having adult attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or attention deficit disorder (ADD) has a definite impact on a romantic relationship. While adult attention disorders affects every relationship differently, it's not surprising that it's often the cause of friction and anger. If the partner with attention disorders continually forgets to pick the kids up from school or can't decide what to make for dinner, that lack of focus can sometimes create feelings of hostility. The effects of this can strain the relationship, but having a positive attitude can help.


Read more...
0 comments | Posted by Randi Fredricks, Ph.D. on May 1, 2013 at 7:33 PM | Categories: adhd - attention disorder - counseling - psychotherapist - relationships - san jose california - therapist -

Sound Therapy and the Mozart Effect

Music affects heartbeat, pulse, and blood pressure. Our heart responds to music and our heart rate speeds up or slows down to match the music we hear. The faster the music, the faster our heart will beat. Like slower breathing, lower heartbeat creates less stress and helps the body heal itself. A study done with university students found that, after exposure to loud rock music by the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, the Rolling Stones, and other similar bands, students had increased heart rate, breathed faster, and were less sensitive to skin stimuli. In another study, it was found that excessive noise can raise blood pressure as much as 10 percent.


Read more...
2 comments | Posted by Randi Fredricks, Ph.D. on Apr 1, 2013 at 12:50 AM | Categories: music therapy - natural medicine - psychology - psychotherapist - psychotherapy - san jose california - therapist - therapy -