My plan is to over the next few days write up some details about specific herbs, primarily in two categories:
1. Brain, nervous system, mind
3. Cancer, lymph cleansing
Most herbs have a rather wide spectrum of uses so some of the uses may be wider ranging. I will be using various herb books as sources, and I do know more about Ayuvedic herbs and principles just so people know. If anyone has questions just ping me and I may or may not know the answer but can also look into it.
Bacopa Bacopa monniera
Tissues: all tissues
Systems: nervous, circulatory, digestive
Properties: nervine, alterative, rejuvenative, anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, anticonvulsant, diuretic
Uses: nervous disorders in general, mental disorders, neuralgia, epilepsy, indigestion, senility, ADHD, Aspergers syndrome, autism, recovery from addictions, skin diseases, premature aging, anger, headaches and migraines, adrenal insufficiency, stress, cystitis, colic, colitis, improves mental function, memory and reduces learning time. Also rheumatic conditions, tonic for impotence and premature ejaculation.
Dose: 2 to 3 grams, twice a day, in warm water,
Most famous and used for effects on mental faculties, specific for mental diseases such as anxiety, depression, “insanity”; considered to promote intellect and nervine tonic. Ayurveda considers it a rejuvenative tonic for the mind and the nervous system. Used for nerve diseases, mental exhaustion, improve memory – is a brain food. Can improve concentration, comprehension and recollection, used in formulas to help prevent stress. Builds nerve tissue, and is sedative and tonic for the heart. Since it is both a sedative (NOT dulling in any way) and rejuvenating tonic for the nervous system, it can protect and heal general fatigue and adrenal burnout caused by stress and overwork.
It is often used in combination with other herbs (which I will also be posting about) such as Vacha (Calamus), Shankpushpi, Ashwagandha, Gotu Kola.
Used for asthma, anxiety, epilepsy, neurasthenia, emotional stress, cough, water retention and nerve pain (I find other herbs more useful for water retention, digestive issues etc). Enhances nerve impulse transmission and thereby strengthens memory and general cognition. Increasingly used in the treatment of cognitive and behavioral disorders, as well as for people with impaired mental faculties. Also a powerful antioxidant.
Can help with migraines, often in conjuction with Shatavari, Feverfew, Gotu Kola, Ginkgo, Peppermint or Scullcap. Purifying to subtle channels (in Sanksrit called nadis), similar to but not necessarily the same as Chinese meridians.
Note: I recommend taking herbs in powdered form, in a a smallish amount of liquid, swallowing the entire amount. Can be warm water, milk can be used or added, sweetener can be added, honey helps with absorption and delivery of the medicinal potentcy. Tables and capsules are not quite as effective for various reasons.
Generally most herbs are about 3 grams per teaspoon, average.
Ayuvedic? What’s that?