• St. John's Wort is most commonly used for the treatment of depression, although the exact way it works is not entirely clear. Some tests have revealed the ingredient, hypericin, to be an antidepressant, and further systematic exploration into the clinical and pharmacological effects of St. John's Wort indicate that the chemical, hyperforin, works as a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor. MAO is an enzyme that destroys certain mood regulating brain chemicals, such as serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine, and this action serves to calm the nerves and lift the spirits.
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• Bacopa Monnieri is considered to be a nerve tonic and is used to restore, energize, nourish and strengthen the central nervous system. It is also used to calm the nerves and alleviate depression, nervous exhaustion, anxiety and headaches. Moreover, Bacopa is believed to be helpful in cases of nervous breakdown, attention deficit and nervous deficit, due to injury or stroke. Currently, in India, Bacopa is recognized as being effective in the treatment of mental illness, insanity and epilepsy. (Click here for more information on Bacopa Monnieri)
• Rhodiola Root is an "adaptogen" and is said to stimulate and protect the immune system by reinstating the metabolic balance in the body after stressful situations. It is said to help the body adapt and return to normal function and a sense of well-being. Use of Rhodiola Root is also believed to promote faster adaptation to climatic and social changes. Researchers have recommended Rhodiola Root for anyone suffering from depression, stress or anxiety. Used as an antidepressant, all subjects in clinical tests showed a positive therapeutic effect with its use. It is thought to work by making serotonin's precursors (tryptophan and 5-HTP) more available to the brain and by optimizing the amount of serotonin, dopamine and other neurotransmitter levels in the brain. (Click here for more information on Rhodiola Root)
• Catuaba is considered a "nervine" or agent that strengthens and balances the function of the nervous system and may be both stimulating and sedating. As a nervous system tonic, it is believed to restore and nourish the system and has been used to relieve agitation, nervousness and anxiety (often accompanied by apprehension of danger, restlessness, tension, increased heart rate and shortness of breath). Catuaba is said to relieve insomnia, particularly when related to nervous debility, and it also thought to alleviate depression, emotional stress and hypochondria. Catuaba is believed to calm overactive neurotransmitters. (Click here for more information on Catuaba)
• Ginkgo Biloba is believed to improve blood and oxygen flow to the brain and has been considered most effective in treating senility, dementia, depression, anxiety, forgetfulness, inability to concentrate and ADD (attention deficit disorder) in adults. Ginkgo's most exciting application may be in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease by helping to speed the blood flow to the brain and aiding the brain to utilize glucose efficiently. Improved blood flow to the brain is also believed to help prevent strokes, cerebral arteriosclerosis and other diseases of peripheral circulation. (Click here for more information on Ginkgo Biloba)
• Damiana has been used as a tonic for thousands of years for overall improved body function. It is said to boost energy levels and rejuvenate the entire central nervous system, helping to relieve depression, lethargy, nervous exhaustion, anxiety and general debility during convalescence. The herb is said to treat depression, because it contains natural monoamine oxide (MAO) inhibitors, although there is no clinical research to support this. (Click here for more information on Damiana)
• Passion Flower is considered to be a very gentle (but effective) sedative that has a depressant effect on the central nervous system. The alkaloids and flavonoids are believed to be effective, non-addictive sedatives, which promote restful, sound sleep, particularly in cases of nervous insomnia. It enjoys the reputation as one of nature's best tranquilizers and has been used for centuries as a reliable remedy for nervous, menopausal and premenstrual tension, irritability, fatigue and tension headaches. It is said to gently shift moods, alter perception and aid concentration; and the alkaloids are thought to act in a similar way as MAO inhibitors, which may be of some help in cases of depression. (Click here for more information on Passion Flower)
• Lady's Slipper is mainly used as a nervine and tonic that can gently strengthen the functional activity of the nervous system. As such, it has been used by generations to relieve hysteria, general nervousness, delirium tremens, tension, anxiety, nervous depression, irritability, recurring headaches and a relief for all stress. As a mild sedative, Lady's Slipper is said to be effective in easing chronic insomnia and restlessness and may be especially useful during those times when the brain just won't shut off, and it allows sleep. Lady's Slipper is considered superior because it is non-narcotic. (Click here for more information on Lady's Slipper)
• Peppermint Leaf is a considered "nervine," or agent that eases nervous agitation and anxiety. It is said to have a calming effect on the entire body and can help soothe a nagging cough. Peppermint may help treat insomnia, and people with headaches have found Peppermint effective when they accompany it with a short nap. (Click here for more information on Peppermint Leaf)
• American Ginseng is called an adaptogen in that it normalizes body functions during stressful situations that might alter those functions, helping the body to adapt and return to an overall sense of well-being. It is said to improve mental and physical vigor and has been used by athletes for overall body strengthening and endurance. Taken over a course of one to three months, American Ginseng helps to combat stress, because it appears to protect a portion of the brain known as the hippocampus from the effects of stress hormones. This may be effective in preventing memory problems and loss of cognitive ability in people who suffer from bipolar disorder and even depression. American Ginseng may be used to relieve fatigue, stress and nervousness, especially after acute illness. (Click here for more information on American Ginseng)
• Siberian Ginseng is considered an "adaptogen" in that it normalizes bodily functions during stressful or other situations that might alter those functions, helping the body to adapt and return to an overall sense of well-being. The herb contains active chemical ingredients called eleutherosides, which appear to inhibit the stress response by reducing the activity of the adrenal cortex and is believed to be an immune stimulant that is especially useful for preventing infection during times of intense physical activity. Its stress-fighting and depression-relieving capacities have made it useful in the treatment of Attention Deficit Disorder. (Click here for more information on Siberian Ginseng)
• Muirapauma is believed to be a gentle tonic that strengthens, nourishes and restores the health of the central nervous system. As such, the herb has been used in stress management and to treat mild cases of nervous exhaustion, depression and trauma. It is also thought to relieve neuromuscular weakness, nerve pain and physical and mental fatigue. (Click here for more information on Muirapauma)
• Cocoa has been used for thousands of years to combat fatigue. It contains caffeine (although not as much as coffee) and theobromine, which is actually the ingredient that is said to provide the body with a burst of quick energy and give a tired body a physical boost that may last several hours. Theobromine is a stimulant frequently confused with caffeine but has very different effects on the human body; it is said to be a mild, lasting stimulant with a mood improving effect, whereas caffeine has a strong, immediate effect. (Click here for more information on Cocoa)
• Cayenne is called a carrier or catalyst herb that increases the efficacy of almost every other herb or herbal combination. Cayenne relieves pain (taken both internally and applied topically). It provides natural heat, and its ingredient, capsaicin, is a strong pain-relieving agent that is said to alleviate the joint pain of arthritis, rheumatism, muscle spasms, cramps and bowel pain. In addition, Cayenne apparently triggers the release of endorphins by the brain, chemicals that relieve pain that may be helpful in treating cluster headaches. (Click here for more information on Cayenne)
