Many
herbs have been used since ancient times, for the prevention and
treatment of almost every disease known to man. They can either be
encapsulated or taken in form of herbal teas. The good thing about
herbal treatments is that they do not pose any serious threats to one’s
health as they have minimal side effects.
Mulungu bark is used in Central and South America for calming the
nerves, improving the mood and aiding sleep. Mulungu contains
erythravine, an active alkaloid which helps in anxiety reduction and
protecting brain function. The flavanoids found in Mulungu are one of
the best antioxidants and help in having a healthier brain. They are
found to inhibit anxiety without any side effects and do not affect
basic motor skills.
Another effect of Mulungu is the strong physical sensation of well
being. It elevates the mood as well. It is known to be helpful with
brain diseases like epilepsy, insomnia and anxiety. Studies have shown
that all these diseases lead to major brain disorders and other brain
degenerative diseases. Mulungu can be taken on its own or with a
stimulant like green tea to amplify its effects. It gives mental clarity
and improves brain function.
Mucuna has been used in ayurvedic medicine since 1500 B.C. and is
also known as the velvet bean. Mucuna contains L.dopa which is a
biochemical precursor to several neurotransmitters. Dopamine happens to
be one of these neurotransmitters in addition to adrenaline and
noradrenalin, and it supports improved brain function and increased
memory. It also regulates the mood and cognition.
Mucuna is widely known as an anti aging herb. The antioxidant
properties make it anti inflammatory and effective towards the
protection of neurons. It protects brain function by keeping a check
over cognitive and neural functions. Mucuna’s secret benefit is that it
fights redness in the brain, which is one of the symptoms of brain
degradation.
Passion flower, also called apricot vine, was found in 1956 in Peru. Passion flower
is used in herbal medicines to promote calmness and relaxation. It is
also found to be very helpful in reducing anxiety. In synergy with other
forms of treatment, it is found to be effective in reducing anxiety,
irritability, insomnia and agitation. It also helps with a psychiatric
disorder called adjustment disorder with anxious mood. Passion flower
also helps with sleep disorders and seizures.
The best way to take passion flower is, as an herbal tea. According
to the NYU Langone Medical Center, you should drink one cup of passion
flower tea, three times a day.
A natural tranquilizer, Skullcap is an American perennial herb found
from New York to Virginia and southwards to South Carolina, Alabama and
Missouri. Skullcap
is a very powerful medicinal herb. It is used in treatments of many
nervous related disorders like epilepsy, hysteria, insomnia and anxiety.
It is also used in the treatment of ADD and a number of other nervous
disorders. It is anti inflammatory, antispasmodic, febrifuge, sedative
and tonic in nature. It contains volatile oils, tannins and scutellarins
that are very helpful in mental disorders. Research suggests it
possesses mood enhancing properties and protects the brain against
damaging effects caused by inflammation.
According to HerbsList,
Skullcap eases muscle spasms, muscle twitching and may help in ailments
that involve involuntary limb movement, such as Parkinson’s disease and
epilepsy.
From the roots and stem of the piper methysticum plant, a
non-alcoholic beverage is made. This herb is found in the islands of the
South Pacific. It has been used since the early 90’s as the herbal
medicine for stress and anxiety. It contains kava lactones which are
responsible for its psychoactive qualities. They work in the brain to
produce non narcotic action against anxiety. Kava is beneficial for
anxiety and doesn’t affect heart rate or blood pressure.
Other disorders where Kava has been found beneficial are migraines, ADHD, psychosis, depression and chronic fatigue syndrome.
Ginseng, also called Panax ginseng, and is a widely used herbal
remedy, all over the world. Its health benefits have been known for over
thousands of years. It is used as a tonic to balance, stimulate and
relax the nervous system. It brings strength and wisdom.
Ginseng
is an adaptogen. Adaptogens are known to make us more resilient to
mental and physical stress. They reduce the stress hormone cortisol and
increase the adrenal gland. Adaptogens can calm you down and boost your
energy without over stimulation.
It has the same relaxing effect and increased alertness as
experienced after green tea. It helps in getting better sleep, increased
energy levels and greater personal satisfaction. It is also helpful
with the treatment of depression by regulating serotonin, dopamine and
noreprinephrine. It works as a brain booster and protector. It improves
brain function and concentration. It helps with memory issues and
protects against age related mental issues. Ginseng also works as an
antioxidant and helps in protecting the brain cells against free radical
damage.
Increasingly large numbers of people are suffering from brain diseases like Alzheimer’s and Dementia.
A number of medicines are also available to help with the symptoms, but
they are heavy on the pocket and come with many side effects. These
herbs have been in use for hundreds of years and do not pose any health
threats. Continuous use of these herbs will ensure a healthy brain,
strong enough to fight away any disease.