Discusses the case of a 51 yr old female who experienced a change in mental status with alcohol abuse combined with gingko biloba and valerian. The patient experienced delirium, with paranoid ideation, auditory hallucinations and disorganized behavior. The psychosis improved after 4 days, and was not thought to be due to alcohol withdrawal. It is suggested that physicians should be aware of the possible contribution to atypical clinical presentations of alternative and complementary medicines.