Herbal Medicine: Herbs for the brain/nervous system

Question 1

What are the key herbal actions that support the nervous system?

Answer 1

Nootropic (enhances brain function), nervine (relaxes the nervous system), thymoleptic (lifts mood), sedative (relaxes nerves and promotes sleep), anxiolytic (alleviates anxiety).

Question 2

What part of Ginkgo is used medicinally?

Answer 2

The leaves.

Question 3

What are the key constituents of Ginkgo?

Answer 3

Flavonoids, diterpenes.

Question 4

What are the main actions of Ginkgo?

Answer 4

Antioxidant, neuroprotective, nootropic, circulatory stimulant; enhances memory and concentration, useful for Alzheimer’s, vascular dementia, and other conditions.

Question 5

What is the recommended intake of Ginkgo?

Answer 5

2 teaspoons daily; follow product label.

Question 6

What is a safety consideration for Ginkgo?

Answer 6

Use caution with anti-clotting drugs; discontinue 1 week prior to surgery.

Question 7

What part of Lavender is used for medicinal purposes?

Answer 7

The flowers.

Question 8

What are the key constituents of Lavender?

Answer 8

Volatile oils.

Question 9

What are the main actions of Lavender?

Answer 9

Nervine, antidepressant, anxiolytic, antispasmodic, carminative, antimicrobial; effective for depression, anxiety, insomnia, PMS, and stress headaches.

Question 10

What is the recommended intake of Lavender?

Answer 10

3–6 g/day dried flower (infusion); essential oil for baths.

Question 11

What is a safety consideration for Lavender?

Answer 11

Avoid during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Question 12

What part of Passionflower is used for medicinal purposes?

Answer 12

Leaves and flowers.

Question 13

What are the key constituents of Passionflower?

Answer 13

Flavonoids, alkaloids.

Question 14

What are the main actions of Passionflower?

Answer 14

Anxiolytic, antispasmodic, mild sedative, hypnotic; useful for insomnia, anxiety, agitation, and muscle pain.

Question 15

What is the recommended intake of Passionflower?

Answer 15

1–2 teaspoons of dried herb 2–3 times daily (infusion).

Question 16

What is a safety consideration for Passionflower?

Answer 16

Avoid during pregnancy and lactation.

Question 17

What part of Rosemary is used for medicinal purposes?

Answer 17

Leaves and twigs.

Question 18

What are the key constituents of Rosemary?

Answer 18

Volatile oils, flavonoids.

Question 19

What are the main actions of Rosemary?

Answer 19

Circulatory stimulant, cardiotonic, nootropic, antioxidant; supports memory, concentration, and mental performance.

Question 20

What is the recommended intake of Rosemary?

Answer 20

1–2 teaspoons dried herb 3 times daily (infusion).

Question 21

What is a safety consideration for Rosemary?

Answer 21

Avoid high doses during pregnancy.

Question 22

What part of St John’s Wort is used for medicinal purposes?

Answer 22

Leaves and flowering tops.

Question 23

What are the key constituents of St John’s Wort?

Answer 23

Hypericin, hyperforin, flavonoids.

Question 24

What are the main actions of St John’s Wort?

Answer 24

Antidepressant, nervine tonic, antiviral, antimicrobial; effective for mild to moderate depression, anxiety, and insomnia.

Question 25

What is the recommended intake of St John’s Wort?

Answer 25

2 teaspoons infused 3 times daily, or as per label.

Question 26

What is a safety consideration for St John’s Wort?

Answer 26

Not suitable as sole treatment for severe depression; caution with sun exposure and drug interactions (can increase liver clearance of various drugs).