We live in a society of quick fix. Take a pill for a problem, and you are healed! I believe the earth provides us with a vast amount of healing without having to use chemicals. If you suffer from anxiety, phobia's, depression, then you might want to read this. Did you know that doctors and psychiatrists write over 35 million prescriptions yearly for depression? Who knows, hope and health for your mental health issues could be right under your feet.
Nutritional substances such as herbs may be useful not because they are inherently required by the body, but because they exhibit pharmacological actions that can suppress the symptoms of depression and/or help the body to repair itself. The action of such substances should be considered similar to that of prescription medications used to treat mood disorders; however, natural substances of this sort usually cause far fewer side effects than do most prescribed drugs.
Remember, consult a physician before making any change to your medication regimen.
HERBS
Valerian- The calming constituent of valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is valerianic acid, which acts as a sedative for emotional disturbances and pain.
Passionflower- Stress-relieving, is a gentle tranquilizer. It's used to relieve muscle tension and emotional upset and is especially helpful in easing insomnia. It acts as a natural calming agent by promoting the transmission of subtle nerve impulses.
Melatonin- is another sleep aid that helps stabilize brain chemistry is the hormone. Disturbed sleep patterns are common in many cases of depression, and melatonin provides relief by acting as a powerful, non-addictive sleeping agent. Generally, melatonin works best if consumed about a half-hour before bedtime. People with a history of depression should not take Melatonin.
St. John's wort- (Hypericum perforatum) is routinely prescribed for depressive disorders. The herb is seemingly more effective when ingested for brief periods of time (six weeks or less). Individuals who decide to take St. John's wort should avoid excessive sunlight and tanning booths.
Magnesium- for when depression is accompanied by panic or anxiety, the addition of a supplement is generally helpful. Low magnesium levels impair nerve impulses and are often observed in individuals who suffer from nervous conditions.
Chamomile- is another anti-anxiety remedy is the common herb, especially when taken as herbal tea. Chamomile produces a mild, calming, sedative effect.
Lithium- has some trace mineral formulas contain the mineral, and is a known mood stabilizer found in food and water.
kava- is increasingly recognized as a valuable medicinal plant several common health disorders--anxiety and sleeplessness. Studies show that it can offer an herbal alternative to major pharmaceutical drugs when used for mild cases of these conditions.
Inosito-l is a natural element of our diet. A close cousin of glucose (ordinary sugar), inositol acts as a messenger within our cells. Reduces mild to medium depression in many cases.
Ginseng - Increasing endurance in mental & physical stamina, normalizes blood pressure levels; helps protect the body against stress.
Gotu Kola- An excellent "brain food" which promotes memory & helps soothe mental fatigue; excellent for energy & normalizing blood pressure; is considered to be an superb "nerve tonic."
Hawthorne Berries- Strengthens the muscles and nerves to the heart and helps in relieving emotional stress while regulating high & low blood pressure.
Hyssop- Regulates blood pressure, and has known properties for nervous disorders.
Rose Hips- Used to curb stress. And has the highest herb in Vitamin C content and contains the entire C-Complex.
Skullcap- Common Uses for hysteria, hydrophobia, anticonvulsant; Antispasmodic, sedative, deep aid, bitter activity.
Catnip- relaxes, calms, reduces headaches.
Kelp -reduces stress and mood swings.
Wild Oats- good for nervous exhaustion.
SCHIZANDRA- is also considered an adaptogen, and similar to ginseng, it is believed to increase stamina and fight against fatigue. It has also been used effectively as an antidepressant.
GOTU KOLA- is a naturally neural tonic, slowly builds mental stamina and neural health. Gotu kola is an excellent treatment for nervous breakdown.
HOREHOUND - has shown positive results in treating nervous heart conditions, and to calm overall heart action.
BORAGE - This herb exhibits some calmative properties that make it useful for nervous conditions. Borage has also been recommended for pleurisy and peritonitis for its calmative
VITAMINS AND AMINO ACIDS
The amino acid L-tyrosine taken on an empty stomach is a powerful antidepressant. L-tyrosine is a precursor for the brain's neurotransmitters which helps dispel depression and create a calm mood. If depression is accompanied by insomnia, pumpkin seeds often provide a wonderful source of relief.
L-tryptophan (the least abundant amino acid in most people's diets). L-tryptophan aids sleep and works with L-tyrosine to raise levels of serotonin in the brain -- levels that are typically low in cases of depression. Anecdotal reports indicate that pumpkin seeds and turkey, which is also a good source of L-tryptophan, can improve your outlook on life.
L-Taurine Taurine is an amino acid that has been shown to have anti-convulsant qualities, and appears to be potentially helpful for both epileptics and those suffering from manic-depression (especially the rapid-cycling form).
GABA- is usually classified as amino acid, it actually serves as a neurotransmitter and serves as an inhibitory transmitter, keeping the brain and body from going into "overdrive." (similar to Prozac ) as a treatment for anxiety). Gaba seems to be quite effective for anxiety disorders as well as insomnia. It also may be effective in the treatment of manic-depression.
L-Tyrosine is an amino acid that serves as a precursor to the neurotransmitters norepinephrine and dopamine, which have been shown to be deficient in many manic-depressives during their depressed cycles.
L-Phenylalynine and DL-Phenylalynine the supplementation of phenylalynine can help the body to produce a substance called "phenylethylamine," which has been shown to be deficient in many manic-depressives.
B Complex The B vitamins are important factors in determining mood; deficiencies of any or all of these vitamins can produce significant symptoms relating to depression, anxiety, irritability, lethargy and fatigue.
B1 (Thiamin) Thiamin deficiencies tend to produce the following symptoms, manic-depressive: chronic fatigue, irritability, memory loss, personality changes (such as aggression), insomnia, anxiety, restlessness, night terrors, appetite loss, sensitivity to noise, numbness and tingling in hands and feet, and circulation problems.
B6 (Pyridoxine/Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate) Deficiency of this vitamin can cause irritability, which is expressed by many manic-depressives. Those women who suffer from PMS, birth-control-pill-induced irritability
B12 is a vitamin necessary for energy production; a deficiency of it can cause fatigue, anemia and lack of coordination.
Folic Acid is used for Manic-depressives, however, need to be careful about taking high dosages (probably in excess of 3000 mcg per day), since anecdotal evidence has suggested that this maylead to manic behavior. Large dosages of folic acid also reduces the efficiency of anticonvulsants such as Depakote for epileptics and (probably) manic-depressives.
Magnesium and Calcium Magnesium deficiency may lead to various problems such as anxiety, insomnia, fatigue (as experienced in chronic fatigue syndrome), fibromyalgia, high blood pressure or PMS. Supplementation of this mineral is therefore desired for most people, especially those with mood problems. (Calcium may also act to relax the individual
Manganese is a trace mineral that, in deficiency, can produce fatigue, irritability, memory problems and (most specific for diagnosis) ear noises such as ringing. Zinc An deficiency in zinc can contribute to mental problems.
BACH FLOWERS
Flower essence therapy is the use of extremely small extractions of flowers to help balance emotional levels. {up to six of these can be mixed}
Beech: For those who are often intolerant of lifestyles that differ from their own.
Centaury: For those who have trouble saying no, often becoming subservient in their desire to serve others.
Cerato: For those who doubt their own ability to judge and make decisions.
Honeysuckle: For those dwelling in the past, reminiscing about the "good old days" or memories of a lost friend.
Elm: For everyday stress or feelings of being overwhelmed by responsibility.
Hornbeam: For fatigued individuals under chronic stress. They need something to strengthen themselves and usually turn to substances such as coffee or vitamins.
Mimulus: For fears of everyday life. A good all-purpose essence.
Rock rose: For intense fear that could lead to panic or hysteria.
Star of Bethlehem: Gives a feeling of comfort. For any kind of big, stressful event, trauma or grief.
Walnut: For people going through tremendous change and transition such as a marriage or a career move.
White chestnut: For everyday stress. It helps quiet the mind, especially if you worry or think too much. It helps those who lie awake at night.
Wild oat: For a person suffering stress from frustration at work or who's having a hard time determining his or her role in life.
Consult a professional or doctor if your symptoms are severe.
Natural Menopause
Menopause is a natural event in every woman's life. Because of its natural occurrence, many woman are choosing a complimentary approach to treat the symptoms of menopause. Research has shown that women who choose a natural solution to their menopausal symptoms are getting similar relief as compared to those women who chose hormone therapy. Recovery with natural progesterones alone takes a little longer, however, this form of treatment avoids the possibility of side effects that women often encounter with other approaches. There are many advantages to the natural approaches in treating menopause. While drugs and chemicals treat the symptoms of the physical problem, herbs, dietary guidelines, and exercise enable the body to maintain a natural balance and regulate itself. Women using these alternative methods need to remember that some form of supervision is required. If a woman is using an alternative method to reduce her menopausal symptoms it is important that she informs her medical doctor. Diet, exercise, and hebals can help with symptoms of menopause, however, supervision is strongly encouraged. This is only suggestions. Please see a doctor or a naturopath if you feel you are menopausal.
Menonpause Herbal Users Glossary
Alfalfa-reduces osteoporosis, gentle hormonal effects
Barberry- Cardiac alternative
Bee Pollen- Energy enhancer
Black Cohosh- Contains estrogen, also helps with cramping
Black Haw Root- Relaxes ovarian and uterine spasms
Bladderwrack-reduces food cravings by reducing appetite
Blessed Thistle-for hormone imbalance
Blue Cohosh-Regulates periods
Burdock root- Contains estrogen precursors, reduces sugar cravings
Calms-Relaxes, calms, helps with sleep
Catnip-reduces headaches, calms you down,
Cayenne-produces energy, reduces spasms, reduces cramping, reduces bleeding
Chamomile- Relaxes and calms. Good for minor cramping, reduces bloating, soothes upset stomach.
Chasteberry- Effective for endometriosis. Also helps balance hormone progesterone's
Damiana-Helps stabilize hormones, also good for nerves.
Dong Quai-Has estrogen like effects and increases low estrogen, improves circulation, builds blood, reduces cramps.
Echinacea- Fights microorganisms, increases natural resistance.
Feverfew-Gradually strengthens blood vessels in the head reducing headaches.
Feverfew-Gradually strengthens blood vessels in the head reducing headaches. Used often to reduce migraines
Garlic-Natural antibiotic with helping vaginal infections. Used to fight infections due to common illness as well.
Ginseng- Hormone balancer. Contains progesterone precursors, increases energy, helps blood flow. Helps reduce stress.
Ginkgo- memory enhancer, promotes circulation to the brain.
Gotu Kola-energy enhancer
Hibiscus- Reducing inflammation, fever and sweats
Horsetail-Helps strengthen hair, tones skin, tones kidneys
Kelp- Helps elevate many menopausal symptoms, reduces stress and mood swings, also aids in hair thinning or loss.
Lavender Flower-lifts spirits, cleansing and soothing. Antidepressant
Licorice Root- Contains estrogenic precursors, helps moisten vaginal area, reduces inflammation.
Linden (lime blossom)- Used for nervous tension, reduces hardening of the arteries,
Motherwort-Helps with menopausal heart palpitations, also helps reduce hot flashes, lowers blood pressure.
Nettle-used for rebuilding blood in anemic people
Partridge Berry-used for excessive bleeding , also relieves cramping
Passion Flower- Pain relieving, emotionally calming.
Papaya Tabs-reduces ingestion
pennyroyal- Helps cramps
Peppermint-Reduces bloating and gas.
Raspberry Leaf- Hormone substance
Papaya Tabs-reduces ingestion
pennyroyal- Helps cramps
Peppermint-Reduces bloating and gas.
Raspberry Leaf- Hormone substance
Micheal's menopause Factor- contains the herbs and vitamines required in one tablet.
Red Root- anti-spasmodic, helps reduce sever cramps, also helps with nervousness. Has a mild estrogen
Sage Leaf- Supports hormone balance, improves digestion.
Sarsaparilla- Supports hormone balance improves lymphatic flow.
Shepard's Purse- reduces heavy menstrual bleeding. Also reduces fibroids
Skull Cap-Reduces headaches, anxiety, and tension. Very good for PMS as well St. John's Wort-Antidepressant
Suma- contains estrogen precursors, helps oxygen flow as well
Valerian Root- soothing, and calms nerves, helps with irritability.
Wild Oats-good for nervous exhaustion, balances hormones
Wild Yam-Lessens inflammation, balances hormones.
Yarrow Flower- Reduces bleeding, helps diarrhea
Other Therapies For Menopause
Acupuncture
Inserting very fine needles into the skin to stimulate specific points called acupoints, to help heal the body.
Aromatherapy
Creating balance and harmony in the body through the use of fragrant oils. Helps in reduction of stress, and common discomforts.
Chiropractic
Manipulative therapy that works on the musculo-skeletal system, focusing on the spine and its effect on the nervous system.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy meds prescribe dilution's of plants extracts, minerals, and other natural substances that work on the body's energy to heal itself. This includes the use of cell salts.
Herbology
The use of plants, flowers, barks, roots, and other natural substances to restore and maintain health, and stimulate our healing systems.
Massage
The manipulation of soft tissue with specific techniques to promote healing, and restore health.
Naturopathy
A treatment system that uses the use of natural resources to help the body heal. This uses the combination of all sources listed in this section.
Nutrition
Following a diet that has the balance of hormones, and eating foods that are healthy. Many menopausal cook books are available.
Reflexology
Deals with the principle that there are reflexes, (mainly in the feet) that relate to all the body organs.
Relaxation and visualization
Using visual techniques to relax and reduce stress, tension, and other forms of mental distress.
Spiritual healing
The channeling of healing energy from it's spiritual source.
Yoga
A gentle exercise system that benefits the body through breathing and exercise.
Remeber nature has provided us with a pantry for healing.
Herbs
Henriette's Herbal Homepage
Herbalism Internet Resources
Reference Guide For HERBS
A Modern Herbal Home Page
Herb Link
The Herbal Encyclopedia
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