Herbal Medicine II - The Nervous System

Question 1

The Nervous System

Answer 1

Nervous support is central to therapeutics because stress and anxiety are so common in our high-pressure modern world:
* If we can calm and relax our patients, their body is better able to digest, eliminate, rest, repair and rejuvenate.
* None of these functions work optimally unless the body is able to relax fully and sleep deeply.
* In states of relaxation the Vital Force flows, homeostasis re-balances and the body can ‘self-heal’.

Question 2

Antispasmodic:

Answer 2

Antispasmodic: Reduces smooth muscle spasm.
* Passion-flower is a systemic and nervous system relaxant, helpful for conditions such as tension headache, insomnia, nervous tachycardia and anxiety.
* 2 tsps infused 3 x daily.

Question 3

Nerve tonic:

Answer 3

Nerve tonic: Nourishes and strengthens the nerves.
* Oat straw and skullcap leaf strengthen the nerves and increase resilience. Effects are believed to relate in part to modulation of GABA and to enhancement of cerebral blood flow. Indications include nervous fatigue, insomnia and mild depression.
* 2 tsps infused 3 x daily.

Question 4

Sedative:

Answer 4

Sedative: Calms nerves and promotes sleep.
* California poppy is a stronger sedative for anxiety, insomnia and pain, where it is also analgesic.
* Valerian root is a good sedative but can stimulate people with ‘heat’ signs (irritability, redness etc).
* 1–2 tsps infused 3 x daily.

Question 5

Nerve stimulant:

Answer 5

Nerve stimulant: Stimulates nervous activity.
* Damiana is an energising tonic and reputedly an aphrodisiac with a strong history of use for low libido associated with stress.
* 2 tsps infused 3 x daily.

Question 6

Thymoleptic:

Answer 6

Thymoleptic: Improves mood.
* Lemon balm and St John’s wort ‘lift the spirits’ and are restorative to the nervous system.
* Lemon balm also has carminative and antispasmodic properties and is commonly used for gastrointestinal complaints, particularly when associated with stress.
* The benefits of St John’s wort for mild to moderate depression are well supported by clinical research. As a thymoleptic and nervine tonic the herb is well suited to conditions where tension and exhaustion combine.
* 2 tsps infused 3 x daily.

Question 7

Nootropic:

Answer 7

Nootropic: Improves brain function.
* Rosemary improves cerebral circulation, increasing oxygen and nutrient delivery to support memory and concentration.
* Sage enhances cognition and memory, possibly by influencing the cholinergic system (involved in attention regulation and cognitive processing).
* Brahmi (translates as ‘brings knowledge of God’!) enhances cognition and is a nervine tonic. Research indicates an influence on neurons, inducing changes that improve memory and learning.
* 2 tsps infused 3 x daily.

Question 8

Formula for tension, anxiety, insomnia:

Answer 8

Formula for tension, anxiety, insomnia:
* 1-part passionflower leaf - relaxant, antispasmodic.
* 1-part oat straw - nerve restorative.
* 1-part chamomile flower - nerve relaxant.
* Dose: 1–2 heaped tsps (infused) per cup, 3 cups daily.
* In more severe cases add 1-part California poppy.

Question 9

Formula for low mood:

Answer 9

Formula for low mood:
* 1-part St John’s wort - lifts the mood.
* 1-part lemon balm - lifts the mood.
* 1-part rose petals - protects and raises the spirits.
* Dose: 1–2 heaped tsps (infused) per cup, 3 cups daily.
* Note: Medicinal rose species are the Damascus and Apothecaries rose.

Question 10

Formula for poor concentration:

Answer 10

Formula for poor concentration:
* 1-part brahmi leaf - increases concentration.
* 1-part sage leaf - increases intelligence.
* 1-part rosemary leaf - increases memory.
* Dose: 1–2 heaped tsps (infused) per cup, 3 cups daily.
* For elderly patients add 1-part ginkgo leaf for opening narrowed blood vessels supplying the brain.