These supplements are rich in adaptogens, which are natural substances that calm the body. Many of them are nervines, plant remedies that directly benefit the nervous system.
Valerian balances and regulates the autonomic nervous system, resulting in heightened calm. It soothes the panicking condition of the acute or chronic psychotic state, especially if the patient is inclined toward violent reactions, and it also helps insomniacs sleep faster.
Passion flower is recommended for people who are grieving or suffering from actual palpitations. It works well with valerian.
Milky oats is not just a gentle and reliable nerve tonic. It's also quite nutritious, which aids the recovery of many patients who cannot eat properly.
Furthermore, it is reputed to help reduce addictions to drugs. Milky oats are recommended for people who have undergone an acute crisis, such as the convalescent stages of mania or psychosis. (Related: Huge victory for natural medicine in Australia as nation rejects pharma-engineered attempt to outlaw nearly all herbs.)
Adaptogenic herbs and nervines alleviate worries
Hypericum perforatum or St. John's Wort may help with psychiatric and neurological conditions. Tonics made from this plant relax the limbic system and alleviates mild and moderate cases of depression.
Black cohosh is a complement to Hypericum in that it helps alleviate the deep, dark depressions associated with certain types of psychosis. It's also known for its use by women to lift their mood and help them focus during PMS or menopause.
Kava comes from the South Sea Islands. A drink concocted from its roots was served during gatherings to heighten consciousness and encourage people to be more open to each other. It greatly lifts moods and is a good partner with black cohosh.
Gotu kola (Centella asiatica) invigorates brain and nervous tissue. Acknowledged by Ayurvedic medicine, it improves concentration, increases calmness, clears the mind, and aids memory.
Dr. Vasant Lad says Gotu kola balances the left and right hemispheres of the brain, thereby reducing bipolar and schizophrenic states. It also supports the immune and adrenal systems for better stress adaptation.
Tinctures made from the spiny devil's club (Oplopanax horridum) are said to increase self-confidence in patients who suffer from anxiety. Oplopanax helps regulate blood sugar, thereby alleviating emotional symptoms linked to unstable plasma glucose.
Similar adaptogenic herbs include Eleutherococcus and licorice, with the latter also supporting liver function. Panax ginseng stimulates patients with catatonia, severe depression, or indolence.
Herbs that support metabolism, digestion, and emotions
A strained metabolic system can cause or worsen mental conditions, and so can gastrointestinal issues. Addressing liver, kidney, and stomach problems can improve the symptoms of mental issues.
Dandelion root, Oregon grape root, milk thistle, juniper, and gentian can support digestive functions and absorption of nutrients. There are also highly-nutritious alternatives – herbs that restore bodily function by detoxifying blood – like burdock, red clover, and nettles.
There are also specific herbs used for psycho-emotional disorders. For instance, the smoke from burning sagebrush contains volatile oils that are cleansing and antidepressant. It has the added bonus of killing parasites.
As for flower essences, there's one for every aspect of the emotional sphere. Bach flowers mediate acute panic and terror, while clematis helps bring people out of vacant states.
Gorse, mustard, and sweet chestnut relieve feelings of anguish, deep despair, and depression. Oregon grape and aspen do the same for paranoia, as does cherry plum for desperation and fear of impending insanity.
Learn more about herbal supplements at AlternativeMedicine.news.
Sources include:
AmericanHerbalistsGuild.com [PDF]
Please contact us for more information.
