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Herbs
act very similar to our foods, in that they
provide our body with nutrients and other components that enhance
organ functions. The same way we take food to strengthen bones, build
our blood, feed our nervous system, reduce cholesterol, etc., herbs
are used in the same way to feed, rejuvenate and regenerate our cells
and organs.
When
taken as tonics, herbs can help restore and maintain your energy
balance for specific organs or systems: for the nerves: skullcap, lobelia, valerian, fu ling.
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| Fu Ling / Poria Cocos / Hoelen |
Fu Ling (Poria cocos, aka Hoelen) mushroom filaments have been used for amnesia, anxiety, restlessness, fatigue, tension, nervousness, dizziness, dysuria and urination problems, edema, insomnia, splenitis, stomach problems, diarrhea, tumors, and as an antitussive. Fu Ling is a therapeutic mushroom, which is also used as a daily food in many parts of the world. Known to be a rich natural source of mineral potassium, fu ling also possesses effectual anti-bacterial and diuretic attributes.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as well as Native American medicine, this herb is widely used to heal kidney problems. In addition, in traditional Chinese medicine, this mushroom has also been used to bring down high blood sugar levels and also to regulate the secretion of stomach acids.Fu Ling is considered the perfect Chinese herb for people recovering from a debilitating disease, as it strengthens the spleen and general metabolic functions and has secondary blood tonic effects. Fu Ling is often used as a tonic for weak and nervous people and also for frail, nervous children.
Fu Ling is basically a mushroom that can function both as an acid or a base and has the aptitude to normalize both high and low sodium and potassium levels in the body and help maintain a normal balance of both these substances. In traditional Chinese medicine Fu Ling is used to eliminate the dampness of the spleen. When an individual has too much mugginess as well as deficit of spleen chi, it becomes evident as the person develops symptoms, such as diarrhea, poor desire for food and lethargy. In addition, fu ling is also given to patients enduring sleep disorders, insomnia or sleeplessness, exhaustion, tension and nervous anxiety. In traditional herbal formulary, this herb is prescribed to treat exhaustion, tension, nervousness, sleep disorder, insomnia and lassitude. Because of their high potassium and mineral content, fu ling has potent anticarcinogenic properties, and help regulate cellular nutrition and inter- and extracellular fluid balance.
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| Valerian |
Valerian is a medicinal herb that is made from its roots. It is most commonly used for sleep disorders, especially the inability to sleep (insomnia). It is frequently combined with hops, lemon balm, or other herbs that also cause drowsiness. Some people who are trying to withdraw from the use of “sleeping pills” use valerian to help them sleep after they have tapered the dose of the sleeping pill. There is some scientific evidence that valerian works for sleep disorders, although not all studies are positive.
Because Valerian acts like a sedative on the brain and nervous system, it is also used for conditions connected to anxiety and psychological stress including nervous asthma, hysterical states, excitability, fear of illness (hypochondria), headaches, migraine, and stomach upset.
Some people use valerian for depression, mild tremors, epilepsy, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS).
Valerian is used for muscle and joint pain. Some women use valerian for menstrual cramps and symptoms associated with menopause, including hot flashes and anxiety.
Sometimes, valerian is added to bath water to help with restlessness and sleep disorders.
LOBELIA was used extensively by Native American peoples in their ceremonies in the same way as they used tobacco - the belief was that the smoking of the herb could ward off storms, it was also placed on graves, and employed in the rain dances. The lobelia was used in treating dozens of ailments by native American peoples, these disorders ranged from all kinds of fevers to different venereal diseases, as well as stiff necks and earaches. These days, herbalist use the lobelia as a blood cleansing remedy as well as a respiratory stimulant for the treatment of bronchial and spasmodic asthma as well as to deal with chronic cases of bronchitis in patients. The main constituent in lobelia is the alkaloid called lobeline; this compound stimulates deeper breathing and increases rates of respiration in the body of a person. The lobelia acts as a relaxant on tense muscles when it is applied externally; it is useful in the treatment of chronic sprains and certain types of problems affecting the spinal region.
As a topical remedy, the lobelia is at its most effective when the infusion or diluted tincture is applied on the skin. The herbal remedy helps to relax flagging muscles, especially smooth muscles in the body; this property of the herb makes it useful for the treatment of various sprains, as well as back problems especially when muscle tension is a key causative factor in the disorder. The lobelia remedy has also been used as a chest and sinus rub when combined with cayenne, this herbal remedy is very effective in dealing with such problems.The treatment of tobacco addiction, as the lobeline in lobelia is chemically similar to nicotine in tobacco, the lobelia is often used by herbalists to help their patients give up smoking permanently.
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| Skullcap |
TMJ syndrome: a seizure of the muscles that regulate chewing is said to be the widespread reason for developing TMJ syndrome. You will find that BOTH VALERIAN AND SKULLCAP may bring marked relief from this syndrome. Causes that may result in such type of spasms include an asymmetrical nibble or grinding of the teeth that repeatedly stresses these group of muscles; injuries of the head, neck or the jaws, emotional pressure, jammed wisdom teeth, chewing the inner side of the cheek or even nail biting. In a number of instances, osteoarthritis as well as injury to the pad or disc which works as a cushion for the joints may also be responsible for the symptoms of TMJ syndrome.
Even if you are a victim of TMJ syndrome, there is not much to worry, since there are plenty of treatments for this condition, which vary from inspiring to being absurd. Therefore, it is crucial to find the correct oral surgeon or dentist who can cure this condition properly. According to a number of professionals, the unexpected consciousness regarding this particular jaw trouble during the recent few years is one more indication of the fact that we subsist in an era wherein disorders related to stress are continuously on the rise.
Generally, people having TMJ syndrome experience physical symptoms of the condition more during the mornings and they may include aching jaw muscles, recurrent headaches, pain in the region of the ear, facial pain, eye pain, toothaches, problems in opening the mouth, popping or snapping of the jaw joint, jaws that become locked up or have a feeling like they have turned out to be deranged, a quivering sound in the ears and soreness while chewing or yawning.
Use of specific herbs and supplements may prove to be helpful in preventing as well as treating TMJ problems. For instance, consumption of wholesome foods that do not create any pressure on the jaw joint is beneficial for TMJ. Such foods may include fruit and vegetable juices, soft fruits, steamed vegetables, breads and whole grain cereals, chicken, fish, skinless turkey, cottage cheese containing low fat, yogurt and soup. At the same time, you need to keep away from eating foods that cause stress to the body, for instance, potato chips, candy, pies, colas, rich pastries, red meats and fatty and fried foods. A number of supplements and herbs that are useful in preventing as well as treating TMJ syndrome are listed below:
- Vitamin B: You may take vitamin B complex along with additional vitamin B5 (pantothenic acid), as it aids in dealing with stress and nervousness.
- Vitamin C: This vitamin is crucial for sustaining the health of the connective tissues as well as to facilitate the body to deal with stress.
- Calcium/ Magnesium: In addition you may take calcium and/ or magnesium supplements. It is preferable to use gluconate or citrate variety for relaxing the muscles that operate the jaws.
- L-tyrosine: L-tyrosine is basically a variety of amino acid which facilitates in inducing sleep and combats nervousanxiety and depression.
- Valerian root: This herb is regarded to be a natural sedative and helps to induce sleep, while relieving stress.
- Hops: Hops is an herb that also facilitates in promoting sleep, in addition to reducing tooth grinding.
- Passion flower: It helps to unwind the body as well as provide relief from tension/ stress.
- Skullcap: Skullcap is an herb that alleviates nervous anxiety and emotional stress.
- Thyme: Thyme possesses anti-spasmodic properties which are useful in controlling muscle spasms.
- Devils' claw: This herb is a potent botanical anti-inflammatory agent.
- Gentian: Gentian works to alleviate inflammations of the joints.
ADDITIONAL THINGS YOU MAY DO
People suffering from TMJ syndrome should never sleep on their stomach, since it creates pressure on one particular side of your face and may result in derangement of your jaw. It is advisable that you use a cervical pillow as it will help you to sleep on your back and facilitate the jaw muscles to relax.Acupuncture is also helpful in treating TMJ syndrome. Acupuncture practitioners insert very thin needles into precise points in the body with a view to encourage the energy flow all through the patient's system. Studies have demonstrated that this ancient Chinese healing may possibly support the discharge of endorphins - these are basically chemicals present in the brain that help in alleviating pain.
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