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Brain Tincture Support

Description

A brain tincture provides support for the brain and nervous system and creates synergy within the entire endocrine system. A brain tincture focuses on one particular body system, but also contains synergistic herbs that are designed to integratively support the other organ systems as well.

- Brain support - Insomnia - Anxiety - Nervousness

The varied uses of gotu kola range from antiinflammatory, antibacterial, sedative, wound healing and circulation improvement. Gotu kola “is also used in Ayurvedic medicine as a cure for agitation, memory loss, anxiety, insomnia, epilepsy and hyperactivity” (Wild, R., ed. The Complete Book of Natural and Medicinal Cures. 1994. Rodale Press, Emmaus, Pa. p. 306). Current uses of this herb are for improved brain function and memory, increased circulation which strengthens veins and capillaries, decreased fatigue, depression, insomnia and stress. It is considered to be a nerve tonic that promotes relaxation.

Traditionally, scullcap has been used to induce sleep, calm the nerves and acts as an herbal sedative. In general, scullcap appears to produce a mild calming effect, similar, but not as strong, as kava. It has been shown to be useful for insomniacs and helps take the edge off during mild anxiety.

Passion flower, or passiflora incarnata, is known for its sedative effects. Its flavonoids contribute to its medicinal properties. Chrysin, one of the flavonoids isolated in Passiflora, was found to prevent expression of tonic-clonic seizures in mice, and demonstrated a, “myorelaxant action of the flavonoid” (Biochem Pharmacol. 1990;40:2227-31). Its beneficial effects are useful after muscle injury when spasms are known to occur. Passiflora is also helpful in stimulating the uptake of amino acids into cells, which assists in the regeneration of tissue (Biochem Biophys Res Comm. 1990;171:1199-204). Passion flower is most commonly recognized as nature’s tranquilizer. It brings about a relaxing, mild sedative response for those suffering from nervousness, tension headaches or insomnia. The flavonoids in passion flower have recently been shown to have anti-anxiety and relaxing effects.

The guggul plant is used widely throughout India. It is from the same genus as C. myrrha, the myrrh referenced in the Bible. Guggul has become popular in the United States for its cholesterol-lowering properties. The active constituent of guggul is guggulsterone. Guggulsterone has been shown to have lipid-lowering effects in repeated studies. Furthermore, guggulsterone has been shown to exhibit thyroid-stimulating activity (Tripathi YB, et all Thyroid stimulating actions of z-guggulsterone obtained from Commiphora mukul. Planta Med 1984;1:78).

Valerian has been used for nervous tension, restlessness, stress, anxiety, gastrointestinal cramps, and difficulty getting to sleep (only promotes sleep; not a soporific) (Bisset, NG & Wichtl M eds. Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Medpharm Scientific Publishers. CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fla. 1989). Valerian has been shown in clinical trials to improve sleep quality and relieve insomnia (Lindahl O & Lindwall L. Pharmacol Biochem Behav 1989;32(4):1065-1066; Dressing H. et al. Therapiewoche 1992;42:726-736).

Hawthorne has been used since ancient times as a heart remedy. It is widely used in Europe for the early stages of congestive heart failure. Hawthorne has had an extremely safe history for use as an herb. A phytopharmaceutical encyclopedia lists some of the areas in which hawthorn berries are utilized: cardiotonics, coronary remedies, antihypertonics, arteriosclerosis remedies, geriatric remedies, and general tonics (Grainger, NB ed., Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals. Medpharm Scientific Publishers. CRC Press. Boca Raton, Fla. 1994).

The herb is unique for its high concentration of silcon. Silicon enhances the absorption of calcium, which results in strong bones and connective tissue. Its diuretic properties make horsetail an effective treatment in kidney disorders, especially kidney stones. Horsetail is highly absorbable and is utilized to promote bone growth and collagen formation.

Cayenne is considered a stimulant herb, which means it activates all parts or systems of the body, making it vital to the healing process. When all bodily systems, organs and glands are stimulated properly and efficiently, they will cleanse, heal and function as they were designed. Because cayenne acts as a catalyst, it combines well with a number of other herbs.

Elecampane has been used traditionally to treat coughs, especially those associated with asthma, bronchitis or whooping cough. The constituents of elecampane include inulin and mucilage, which may contribute to the cough prevention capabilities of elecampane. The mucilage content may account for elecampanes carminative effect (the ability to soothe the digestive tract). Elecampane also contains alantolactone, which has been sold in isolated form in Europe by prescription to treat parasites.

Milk thistle has its main action on the kidneys and liver. It has a reputation for being a hepatoprotectant (liver protecting agent). Milk thistle has been employed as a cholagogue (agent to stimulate gallbladder contraction and promote bile flow) in supportive treatment of hepatic and biliary functional disorders.

Siberian ginseng has been traditionally used for centuries as an adaptogen (balancer), which is a substance that regulates the homeostasis of tissue organ systems. Siberian ginseng particularly stimulates and nourishes the adrenal glands, an important source of energy. A beneficial effect is noted on the adrenal-pituitary axis, which regulates the “anti-stress” adrenal glands. When the adrenal glands are not functioning optimally, it can result in tiredness and lethargy. Siberian ginseng increases monoamine content (the neurotransmitters such as dopamine, serotonin, epinephrine and norepinephrine are all monoamines) in the brain and adrenals, and has, "consistently demonstrated an ability to increase the sense of well-being in a variety of psychological disturbances including depression, insomnia, hypochondriasis, and various neuroses” (Farnsworth NR et al., Econ Med Plant Res 1985;1:156-215).

Licorice is valued as a base ingredient in herbal remedies, because of its ability to help focus the purpose and direction of other herbs, as well as attenuate the harsh properties of other herbs (Landis R. Herbal Defense. 1997. Warner Books. NY, NY). Adrenal insufficiency is treated well with licorice because of the constituents that resemble the adrenal corticoid hormones.

For centuries, Fo-Ti has been used as a tonic herb in Traditional Chinese Medicine. Within that culture, it has been regarded as a stellar rejuvenating and restorative plant that retards aging and increases longevity. Fo-Ti is used today for this purpose by millions of Chinese. It is also used to enhance liver and kidney function, as well as cleanse the blood.

5-20 drops in water three times per day or as directed by your healthcare professional.

Contraindicated in pregnancy. Excessively high doses of the ginsengs can cause side effects of hypertension and anxiousness (this synergistic formula utilizes smaller amounts for an optimal effect). Licorice root is not recommended in doses above 400 mg/day in hypertensive patients. The combination of herbs in this herbal tincture work together in creating synergistic effects, and smaller amounts of the herbs are utilized for optimal effects.

Copyright: Copyright HealthQuest, Inc. All rights reserved. Information used with permission from the HealthQuest Nutritional Database Version 4.0
http://www.hquest.com

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