| Body System: |
The Nervous System |
| Herbs Used: |
5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) |
| Concerns: |
Depression / Anxiety / Fibromylagia / Chronic Fatigue |
| How Herbs Affect System: |
5-HTP increases serotonin levels, the neurotransmitter in the brain, which affects depression and anxiety. It is extracted from the Griffonia plant and is immediately able to pass across the blood-brain barrier. 5-HTP also raises other neurotransmitters, such as melatonin, endorphins, dopamine, and norepinephrine. Studies show that people with an overstressed nervous system may have low levels of endorphins. Studies also show that people with chronic fatigue syndrome and fibromyalgia have low levels of endorphin. |
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| Body System: |
The Nervous System |
| Herbs Used: |
Adrenal Support |
| Concerns: |
Insomnia due to adrenal exhaustion / Nervousness / Depression |
| How Herbs Affect System: |
Adrenal exhaustion can be another contributing factor in insomnia. With this type the person initially goes to sleep but wakes often (due to restless dreams, tossing and turning, waking to urinate) but is unable to go back to sleep. The person is usually tired during the day and has dark circles under the eyes. Adaptagen herbs are good for this, such as licorice root, Siberian ginseng, Nutri-Calm, B complex, Vitamin C and Vitamin B5. One should avoid sugar and caffeine. Another useful NSP formula is Adrenal Support. It should not be used more than 3 months, but should be followed by herbs that supports the adrenal glands, such as Nervous Fatigue Formula, Energ-V or Suma Combination. |
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| Body System: |
The Nervous System |
| Herbs Used: |
B-Complex, Calcium and Magnesium |
| Concerns: |
HEADACHES / INSOMNIA / NERVOUS DISORDERS / DEPRESSION / MEMORY TROUBLE / ANXIETY/ APPETITE CHANGES. Inability to get to sleep or stay asleep is one nervous system concern. The most important type of sleep is stage 4 and REM sleep. In stage 4 sleep the body grows and repairs itself. In REM (rapid eye movement or the dream state) sleep the brain grows, develops and repairs itself. Chronic insomnia can suppress the immune system, stress the nervous system and glands, as well as drain energy. Postnatal depression, PMS, and menopausal mood swings may be a result of a lack of this deep sleep. Sleeping pills can actually interfere with normal sleep patterns by suppressing REM sleep patterns, thus exacerbating the problem. Light exercise, such as walking, stretching exercises or low impact aerobics, can help improve sleep. This information is not intended to replace proper medical treatment, but only to support it nutritionally. Consult your health professional before using any supplements or before making changes in prescribed medications. |
| How Herbs Affect System: |
In general good nutrition and B vitamins, calcium and magnesium are very important for the nervous system. NSP has many formulas containing these supplements, including Nutri Calm that is an anti-stress formula. It helps calm nervous people but does not cause drowsiness. It can increase energy and also supports the adrenal glands. Please be aware that herbs are nutritional supplements. As with all health problems, no specific herb or combination of herbs works for all people, because everyone's body is unique. The intent is to offer historical uses of herbs. Information and statements regarding herbs and dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. |
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| Body System: |
The Nervous System |
| Herbs Used: |
Gotu Kola |
| Concerns: |
Nervous Breakdown |
| How Herbs Affect System: |
Gotu kola is used after a nervous breakdown. It rebuilds energy reserves, has an energizing effect on brain cells, increases mental and physical power, combats stress and improves reflexes. |
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| Body System: |
The Nervous System |
| Herbs Used: |
Herbal Sleep |
| Concerns: |
Insomnia / Nervousness |
| How Herbs Affect System: |
Hops possesses sedative and therefore sleep inducing properties. Passion flower is used for nervousness, insomnia, hysteria and nervous gastrointestinal complaints. Valerian is used as a sedative, for insomnia, a spasmolytic, and a muscle relaxant. Prolonged or excessive use can occasionally cause depression, headache, restlessness, sleeplessness and disorders of cardiac function. These three herbs are often combined for maximum effect as a nutritional support for the nervous system. |
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| Body System: |
The Nervous System |
| Herbs Used: |
Kava Kava |
| Concerns: |
Insomnia / Anxiety / Relaxation |
| How Herbs Affect System: |
Kava-kava is used where the nervous system is stressed, leading to restlessness and sleeping difficulties. It contains kavalactones which have been shown to relieve anxiety, depression and pain, relax muscles and prevent convulsions. It is suggested that kavalactones influence the limbic system of the brain which is where emotions are centered. Because it helps the muscles relax, kava kava may help promote a more restful sleep. |
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| Body System: |
The Nervous System |
| Herbs Used: |
Liver Cleanse Formula |
| Concerns: |
Insomnia due to liver toxicity |
| How Herbs Affect System: |
Liver toxicity can contribute to insomnia. In this type the person is energized at night (unable to relax and go to sleep), but groggy in the morning (finding it difficult to get out of bed.) Headaches are also common. In this case one should cleanse the liver with burdock, dandelion or mixed Chinese herbs for liver detox. NSP has many cleanses/detoxifiers that work on the liver. Liver Cleanse Formula targets the liver and gall bladder. |
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| Body System: |
The Nervous System |
| Herbs Used: |
MELATONIN EXTRA Calcium and Magnesium (at dinner or l/2 hour before bed) can help relax you and promote sleep. |
| Concerns: |
Insomnia |
| How Herbs Affect System: |
Melatonin is a hormone secreted by the pineal gland of the body after dark. Melatonin influences the brain to induce sleep. It is broken down into serotonin, the neurotransmitter which helps sleep and depression. Artificial light, stimulating drinks and stress can interfere with this normal body rhythm. It is particularly useful for jet lag. Since melatonin is a hormone the body makes to regulate its body clock, it is not recommended for long term use. However, you may increase melatonin levels by eating small snacks containing this hormone 45 minutes before bedtime, including oats, sweet corn, rice, ginger, tomatoes, bananas and barley. The addition of ginkgo biloba, Siberian ginseng and vitamin E is even more effective in preventing insomnia. |
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| Body System: |
The Nervous System |
| Herbs Used: |
Milk Thistle |
| Concerns: |
Depression resulting in or from a weak liver |
| How Herbs Affect System: |
A weak liver can often be a contributing factor to depression. Milk thistle, alone or in combination, is used for detoxification and cleansing of the liver, for treatment in chronic inflammatory liver disease and hepatic cirrhosis, for gallbladder complaints and diseases of the spleen. |
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| Body System: |
The Nervous System |
| Herbs Used: |
Passion Flower |
| Concerns: |
Insomnia / Nervousness |
| How Herbs Affect System: |
Passion flower is used for nervousness, insomnia, hysteria and nervous gastrointestinal complaints. It helps one sleep when the mind won't shut down (keeps going over things). No health hazards or side effects are known. |
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| Body System: |
The Nervous System |
| Herbs Used: |
Patchouli Essential Oil |
| Concerns: |
Nervousness |
| How Herbs Affect System: |
Patchouli Essential Oil has numerous uses from an astringent to strengthening the immune systems. However, its strongest area of use if for emotional imbalances. In Chinese medicine, it is used for imbalance of the spleen and pancreas which means it is used for nervous system problems. It can also improve one's mood. |
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| Body System: |
The Nervous System |
| Herbs Used: |
Rose Bulgaria Essential Oil |
| Concerns: |
Nervousness / Anxiety / Insomnia |
| How Herbs Affect System: |
Rose Bulgaria Essential Oil has numerous uses ranging from regulating hormones, to cooling hot conditions such as hot flashes and irritated liver and gall bladder. Emotionally, it brings joy to one's heart by its harmonizing and anti-depressive actions. It is beneficial for nervous anxiety, insomnia and heart palpitations. It opens one's heart to heal feelings of anger, fear and anxiety which result in grief, sorrow and disappointment. Rose Bulgaria Essential Oil possesses the ability to heal emotional wounds, particularly with abused children with deep despair and feelings of unworthiness by rebuilding trust and restoring one's capacity for self-love. |
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| Body System: |
The Nervous System |
| Herbs Used: |
SAM-e (s-adenosyl l-methionin) |
| Concerns: |
Depression |
| How Herbs Affect System: |
SAM-e is particularly useful for generalized depression, post-partum depression and drug rehabilitation. There are none of the typical side effects with prescription antidepressants. Consult a health professional before using SAM-e with other prescription antidepressants and for people with bipolar disorder. Research in Europe and the Soviet Union indicates that SAM-e enhances the metabolism and receptor function of dopamine (a brain chemical which affects mood) and serotonin (a neurotransmitter in the brain). |
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| Body System: |
The Nervous System |
| Herbs Used: |
St. Johns Wort |
| Concerns: |
Depression |
| How Herbs Affect System: |
St. John's Wort has long been used to replenish the nervous system, particularly when the brain seems depleted or the nervous system is out of balance. It is a monoamine oxidase inhibitor which inhibits the reuptake of serotonin. St. John's Wort contains hypericin, a natural compound which appears in studies to minimize the effects of minor depression. St. John's Wort appears to effect a certain enzyme system in the body which determines how quickly and efficiently the liver and kidneys metabolize foods, drugs, nutrients and toxins. It appears to speed up metabolism of certain drugs, such as indinavir and other AIDS antiviral medications, cyclosporin (an immune modulator used in organ transplants), oral contraceptives, heart drugs, epilepsy drugs, and asthma medications. It is thought that St. John's Wort clears the stress and mood hormone cortisol from the body. The reduced effectiveness of birth control pills suggests that it clears estrogen from the body also. |
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| Body System: |
The Nervous System |
| Herbs Used: |
Valerian Root |
| Concerns: |
Insomnia / Nervousness |
| How Herbs Affect System: |
Valerian is used in cases where the nervous system is overtaxed leading to sleeping difficulties based on nervous conditions, restlessness, mental strain, headache, lack of concentration, excitability, stress, hysteria and states of agitation associated with menstruation. |
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| Body System: |
The Nervous System |
| Herbs Used: |
Wild American Ginseng |
| Concerns: |
Anxiety / Stress |
| How Herbs Affect System: |
Because wild American Ginseng improves resistance and stamina, it is useful for an overstressed or weak nervous system. It should not be used with caffeine or with extreme nervous anxiety. It is not recommended for children, teenagers, or athletes and too much can burn up chi or vital energy. |
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