Boophone

For Insomnia

2010-01-05T17:47:00.000-08:00

Eat more antioxidant rich foods (such as green leafy vegetables) and fruits (such as blueberries, pomegranates, and cherries).
Avoid refined foods, such as white breads, pastas, and sugar.
Eat fewer red meats and more lean meats, cold-water fish, or beans for protein.
Use healthy cooking oils, such as olive oil or vegetable oil.
Reduce or eliminate trans-fatty acids, found in commercially baked goods such as cookies, crackers, cakes, French fries, onion rings, donuts, processed foods, and margarine.
Avoid coffee and other stimulants, alcohol, and tobacco.
Drink 6 - 8 glasses of filtered water daily.
Exercise 30 minutes daily, 5 days a week. Exercising in the evening after dinner may lead to insomnia.
Foods rich in carbohydrates and low in protein and fat may boost the production of serotonin and melatonin, brain chemicals that are associated with sleep. A carbohydrate snack of granola, non-sweetened cereals, or crackers with milk before bed may help.

The following dietary supplements may also be helpful in promoting sleep:

A multivitamin daily, containing the antioxidant vitamins A, C, E, the B-complex vitamins, and trace minerals such as magnesium, calcium, zinc, and selenium.
Omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil, 1 - 2 capsules or 1 tbsp. oil one to three times daily, to help decrease inflammation and help with mental balance.
Coenzyme Q10, 100 - 200 mg at bedtime, for antioxidant, immune, and muscular support.
5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), 50 mg two to three times daily, for mood stabilization and sleep improvement.
L-theanine, 200 mg one to three times daily, for nervous system support.
Melatonin, 1 - 6 mg one hour before bedtime, for sleep and immune protection. Ask your health care provider about potential prescription interactions.

Studies also suggest that 5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP), made from tryptophan in the body or available in supplement form, may be useful in treating insomnia associated with depression. Like tryptophan, reports of EMS have been associated with use of 5-hydroxytryptophan. Talk to a health care professional before taking 5-HTP supplements if you are on antidepressant medications. Drug interactions may occur.

For anxiety

2010-01-05T17:42:00.000-08:00

Valerian(Valeriana officinalis, 150 mg 2 - 3 times per day) is an herbal treatment for insomnia, and is sometimes used to treat anxiety as well, although evidence is mixed. Some studies show that valerian does help reduce anxiety, but one study found that valerian was no better at reducing social anxiety than placebo. Valerian is often combined with lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) or with St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) for treating mild-to-moderate anxiety. Valerian may interact with other drugs that have a sedative effect, such as benzodiazepines, barbiturates, narcotics, antidepressants, and antihistamines. Do not take valerian if you are pregnant or nursing. Valerian can also affect the liver, so do not take it if you have liver problems.

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) -- In a few studies, passionflower was as effective as some of the benzodiazepines in relieving anxiety. However, more studies are needed to know for sure whether passionflower is effective.

Kava kava (Piper methysticum, 100 - 200 mg 2 - 4 times a day) is sometimes suggested for mild-to-moderate anxiety, but the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning concerning kava's effect on the liver. In rare cases, severe liver damage has been reported. Talk to your doctor before taking kava, and don’t take it for more than a few days.

Linden

2010-01-05T17:35:00.000-08:00

Tilia cordata/platypus flowers is used in colds, cough, fever, infections, inflammation, high blood pressure, headache (particularly migraine), as a diuretic (increases urine production), antispasmodic (reduces smooth muscle spasm along the digestive tract), and sedative.

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/linden-000263.htm

Trying to get off Zoloft

2010-01-05T17:09:00.000-08:00

Apparently it's generally called 'discontinuation syndrome,' but personally, I call it withdrawal. I never, ever wanted to die, until I tried to get off Zoloft.

If I really, really need it for the rest of my life, that's fine. But I'm a little tired of the loss of libido. And I'm not convinced that if I got pregnant the baby's brain wouldn't somehow be altered by the drug. So I'd have to get off of it then... and stay alive and well enough to make it through the pregnancy and breast-feeding.

More About SSRI Discontinuation Syndrome

2010-01-05T17:07:00.000-08:00

From http://bipolar.about.com/cs/antidep/a/0207_ssridisc1.htm
The shorter acting SSRIs, when discontinued or when the dosage is lowered, produce an "anticholinergic rebound," which is an interruption in production of the key neurotransmitter acetylcholine. (Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter used more when a person is under greater stress.) These symptoms will last anywhere from one to seven weeks, and then disappear.

The main thing is that the brain's production of acetylcholine is not interrupted. One of the simplest things you can do to prevent this in addition to ultra-slow titration is to add supplements: in particular, choline, lecithin, and B complex. The B vitamins will help sustain your brain's current levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (the depletion of which is the cause of discontinuation syndrome). You should also use choline supplements or lecithin supplements (which are 13 percent choline) to help increase the level of available choline that the brain uses to make acetylcholine while the titration or discontinuation is happening.

Lecithin and choline can be found in a wide variety of foods, but many of the richest sources are foods also high in cholesterol and fat. Egg yolks are one of the best dietary sources of lecithin/choline. Other excellent sources of dietary choline are beef steak, liver, organ meat, spinach, soybeans, cauliflower, wheat germ, peanuts, and brewer's yeast.

Depressed Diet

2010-01-05T17:02:00.000-08:00

For improving emotional tone, motivation, sleep, bonding and libido. (Deep Limbic System Prescriptions)

Take Omega-3 supplement
Fish, cheese, beans, nuts, eggs (for the L-tryptophan)
Whole grain crackers and bread
Avoid caffeine because it can make you feel restless. Avoid alcohol and nicotine should as well. Eat more fresh vegetables, whole grains, and fruits.
Keep your blood sugar level by eating frequent small meals that contain protein, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats.

Flora Online Shopping

2009-12-16T21:55:00.001-08:00

https://shopping.florahealth.com/

KavaKava and transitioning to St. John's Wort

2009-12-16T21:50:00.000-08:00

Kava induces tranquility, sociability and a deep restful sleep with no side effects. It is excellent. And although the studies haven't been too extensive, it compares to Valium in its effect. The active ingredients are kava lactones. The label should specify that the kava lactones are between 30 and 70%.

Seventy percent kava lactones is ideal, but you will find that not many brands have that concentration. You take 100 mg. of the kava kava standardized to 70% kava lactones. Natural Factors and many other companies have standardized extracts, but some of them are only 30%. If the active ingredients are only 30%, then you would have to double the dosage. There are a number of excellent companies like Thorne and Seroyal, which have very high quality supplements. Gaia is very good. Genestra is excellent.

As you gradually decrease your anti-depressants, add one St. John's wort the first week, two the second week, three the third, and then the fourth week you are off. The book by psychiatrist Hyla Cass called St. John's Wort: A Common Sense Guide to Understanding and Using St. John's Wort (Avery, 1998) provides a practical guide to using St. John's wort including how to make the switch from drug treatments.

http://www.consumerhealth.org/articles/display.cfm?ID=20011005221948

Aromatherapy

2009-12-16T21:43:00.001-08:00

Lavender is a great antidepressant, but it has to be a high quality lavender. I do prefer the Young Living Oils because I know the quality has been certified. There are other high quality oils from France; they aren't the only high quality oils, but you won't pay anything less that $25 for a good bottle of lavender. It should be certified. Most of the lavender in the stores is low quality. If you paid $5 or $10 for a bottle of lavender you are getting something that is synthetic or has chemicals added to it, and it can actually burn your skin. You can apply good lavender to your skin; you can breathe it. We use a number of oils. Clary sage is another oil that has a hormonal balancing effect and it also is a natural euphoric.

http://www.consumerhealth.org/articles/display.cfm?ID=20011005221948

Gingko Biloba

2009-12-16T21:42:00.000-08:00

If you are not having good results with your antidepressant, you can add the gingko and it will augment the results.

its full effect can take up to 12 weeks to develop. The gingko biloba leaf extract should be standardized to at least 24% gingko flavone glycosides. You have to look very carefully on the package and see if you can find this. Sisu, Genestra, Gaia, St. Francis Herb and Thorne are high quality brands. Genestra and Thorne are not always easy to find because they are professional brands (try Supplements Plus stores). Shawla Herbs are very good too. Gingko biloba is very well researched. In over 44 studies involving 9,772 patients, there were virtually no side effects.
http://www.consumerhealth.org/articles/display.cfm?ID=20011005221948

St. John's Wort

2009-12-16T21:35:00.000-08:00

I have endorsed one specific kind of St. John's wort because I have had a very good experience with it, and that is Flora's St. John's wort which comes from Greece and it is completely wild. They pick it on the hills, put it in vats of extra-virgin olive oil, let it sit in the sun for 1,000 hours, then take that oil and put it into capsules. It is not a so-called standardized extract, but I have found that it always works well in doses of three or four capsules from two to four times a day, depending on the severity of the depression.

Flora, try a St. John's wort that is standardized to contain .3% hypericin. There are many good ones out there. Natural Factors and many other companies make some good standardized extracts of St. John's wort.

http://www.consumerhealth.org/articles/display.cfm?ID=20011005221948

from the Amoryn web site

2009-12-16T21:10:00.000-08:00

5-HTP is a natural amino acid extracted from the Griffonia simplicifolia plant.

Rhodiola is an adaptogenic herb that can increase serotonin activity by up to 30%. Rhodiola also increases the activity of two other mood-related neurotransmitters - dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE) - by inhibiting the activity of COMT, an enzyme that breaks DA and NE.¹ Rhodiola produces quick results, usually within a few days. Rhodiola users report increased energy and motivation, reduced anxiety, and elevated feelings of confidence and optimism.

Numerous double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trials show that Rhodiola can increase general wellbeing², reduce mental fatigue^2,3, and improve learning and memory⁴.

Until recently, Rhodiola was virtually unknown in the United States, but it has been extensively studied by Russian scientists and was used for decades in the former Soviet Union as an energy-enhancer.

Hyperforin is not a drug, but a natural compound extracted from the St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) plant. Only in the past few years have researchers discovered that hyperforin is the primary compound responsible for the antidepressant effect of St. John's Wort.⁵ Most St. John's Wort extracts contain little or no hyperforin, but the premium extract in AMORYN contains at least 3% hyperforin, the clinically-proven potency.

Hyperforin exhibits significant antidepressant activity.¹ Biochemical research demonstrates that hyperforin - like many prescription antidepressants - inhibits the reuptake of the neurotransmitters norepinephrine, serotonin, and dopamine.²

http://www.amoryn.com/

Precautions with SAMe

2009-12-16T20:57:00.001-08:00

If you plan on taking SAM-e, you would be well advised to supplement with B vitamins also. This will ensure good results and prevent homocysteine build-up. One last item of note: B-complex deficiencies - by themselves - are often enough to cause low mood, giving you one more reason to supplement your B's. And, folic acid deficiency is the most common nutritional deficiency in the world! Supplement with a B-complex, and you avoid all of these possible problems.
http://www.wholehealth.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=category.display&category_ID=40&gclid=CK2Cms7W3J4CFRESawod5FR6Jg

Reliable resource for alt medicine

2009-12-15T22:55:00.000-08:00

http://www.umm.edu/altmed/

Nutrition and Dietary Supplements

A comprehensive treatment plan for depression may include a range of complementary and alternative therapies. Preliminary studies suggest some nutritional supplements may reduce the symptoms of some depression. It's important to talk to your team of health care providers about the best ways to incorporate these therapies into your overall treatment plan. Don't try to treat moderate or severe depression on your own. Always tell your health care provider about the herbs and supplements you are using or considering using.

These supplements may help reduce symptoms:

SAMe (s-adenosyl-L-methionine), 1,600 mg daily, is a substance that is made in the body that may raise levels of the brain chemical dopamine. It has been studied for depression, but results are mixed and not all of the studies have been of good quality. However, some of the studies suggest SAMe can help relieve mild-to-moderate depression and may work faster than prescription antidepressants. If you are taking other medications for depression, speak to your doctor before taking SAMe.
5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan), 100 mg three times per day, may help raise serotonin levels in the brain. 5-HTP is a precursor to serotonin, and some early studies suggest it may work similarly to antidepressant drugs. Although rare, contaminants in 5-HTP, caused by poor manufacturing methods, have been associated with a potentially fatal condition called eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome. Combining 5-HTP with other antidepressants can cause serotonin levels in the brain to rise to dangerous levels, a condition called serotonin syndrome. As a result, you should not take 5-HTP without the supervision of your doctor.
Omega-3 fatty acids, such as those found in fish oil, 3 - 9 g per day, may help relieve symptoms of depression, but evidence is mixed. Some studies suggest that fish oil, when taken with prescription antidepressants, works better than antidepressants alone. However, a meta-analysis (a statistical review of a number of studies) failed to find any benefit. Fish oil taken in high doses may increase the risk of bleeding, so do not take it if you also take anticoagulants (blood-thinners), such as warfarin (Coumadin).
Vitamin B6, for women with premenstrual dysphoric disorder. A few studies suggest that vitamin B6 may help relieve depressive symptoms associated with premenstrual syndrome, although the evidence is mixed. High doses, which require a doctor's supervision, we reused in the studies. Some other studies suggest that B6 may also help with other types of depression, but there is not enough evidence to say for sure.

Herbs

Herbs are generally a safe way to strengthen and tone the body's systems. As with any therapy, you should work with your health care provider to get your problem diagnosed before starting any treatment. You may use herbs as dried extracts (capsules, powders, teas), glycerites (glycerine extracts), or tinctures (alcohol extracts). Unless otherwise indicated, you should make teas with 1 tsp. herb per cup of hot water. Steep covered 5 - 10 minutes for leaf or flowers, and 10 - 20 minutes for roots. Drink 2 - 4 cups per day. You may use tinctures alone or in combination as noted.

St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) standardized extract, 300 mg two to three times per day, for mild-to-moderate depression. St. John's wort has been studied extensively for depression, with most studies showing it works as well as antidepressant drugs for mild-to-moderate depression. It has fewer side effects than most antidepressants. It may take 4 -6 weeks when taking St. John's wort before any improvement is noticed. St. John's wort interacts with a large number of medications, including birth control pills, so check with your doctor if you are taking prescription medications. Do not use St. John's wort to treat severe depression.
Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) standardized extract, 40 - 80 mg three times daily, for depression. A few studies examining gingko for treating memory problems in older adults seemed to show that it also improved symptoms of depression. One laboratory study found that gingko, when given to older rats, increased the number of serotonin-binding sites in their brains. It had no effect on younger rats, so researchers speculated that it might relieve depression in older adults by helping their brains respond better to serotonin. However, much more research is needed to say for sure.

Acupuncture

Two randomized, controlled, clinical trials suggest that electroacupuncture may reduce symptoms of depression as well as amitriptyline, a tricyclic antidepressant. In electroacupuncture, a small current is applied through acupuncture needles. Other studies suggest that acupuncture may be effective for people with mild depression and for those with depression related to a chronic medical illness. Further research is needed.

Nursing and Depression

2009-12-14T18:47:00.000-08:00

http://www.drgreene.com/21_560.html

Since most medications of any kind taken by the mother do show up in the breast milk, my rule of thumb is that, all other things being equal, it is better for a nursing mom not to take a medicine that is not clearly okay to prescribe for the baby.

t’s best to first treat the depression with sleep, exercise, bright light, upbeat music, and healthy food. Exercise is particularly difficult in the postpartum period -- both time and energy are often lacking. But exercise has been proven to help specifically with postpartum depression (J Sports Med Phys Fitness 1997 Dec;37(4):287-91). Cooperation and commitment will be needed from family and friends to guard Mom's sleep and to free her up for daily aerobic exercise -- outside if possible (Prev Med 1999 Jan;28(1):75-85). An hour of aerobic exercise daily can be as powerful as even the strongest antidepressant medications. Even 10 minutes a day can make a noticeable difference.

Anaerobic exercise, while effective at treating depression, creates lactic acid that causes sore muscles. This lactic acid gets into the breast milk. It doesn't taste good and leads to fussier babies -- which in turn increases the risk of depressed moms (Pediatrics 1992 Jun;89(6 Pt 2):1245-7). I also wonder whether depression itself may alter breast milk, giving another good reason to treat.

The use of antidepressant medications during nursing has not been systematically investigated. The medical literature is peppered with case reports and small, uncontrolled studies. These publications span over three decades, but the largest single study by one group of investigators examined 12 mother-infant pairs (J Clin Psychiatry 1998;59 Suppl 2:41-52). There is not enough information to make firm guidelines, but there is enough to reach educated opinions.

Little is known about the safety or effectiveness of taking St. John's Wort while nursing. Some studies (although not in the postpartum period) do show it to be effective compared to placebo and other antidepressant drugs. Although side effects can occur (most commonly a phototoxic skin reaction), the side effect profile is better than any other medicine used for depression (Int J Clin Pharmacol Ther 1999 Mar;37(3):111-9). It may prove to be a nice, gentle alternative for nursing moms. At this point, we just don't know. There continues to be very little data regarding its effect on the nursing infant.

Some studies have shown that sertraline (Zoloft) could not even be found in breast milk (Am J Psychiatry 1996 Sep;153(9):1132-7). We now know that the drug is present in tiny amounts. The highest concentrations are found in hindmilk (the high-fat milk that follows the initial foremilk, which contains more water) 7-10 hours after taking the tablet (Am J Psychiatry 1997 Sep;154(9):1255-60; J of Clin Psychiatry 2003 Jan;64(1):73-80). The lowest amounts are found in the hour prior to taking the Zoloft, which is usually a once-a-day medication.

About Zoloft

2009-12-14T18:40:00.000-08:00

Zoloft has a half-life of 26 hours and is an active metabolite.

SSRI Discontinuation Syndrome

2009-12-14T18:34:00.000-08:00

http://www.primarypsychiatry.com/aspx/articledetail.aspx?articleid=625

Because of diverse effects of serotonin on brain neurotransmitters, it has been postulated that multiple neuronal systems, including the 5-HT, norepinephrine (NE), and cholinergic systems, may be implicated in the discontinuation syndrome.¹⁷

Long-term administration of SRIs have also been shown to lead to a decrease in firing activity of NE neurons.¹⁸

17. Szabo ST, de Montigny C, Blier P. Modulation of noradrenergic neuronal firing by selective serotonin reuptake blockers. Br J Pharmacol. 1999;126(3):568-571.

18. Szabo ST, Blier P. Functional and pharmacological characterization of the modulatory role of serotonin on the firing activity of locus coeruleus norepinephrine neurons. Brain Res. 2001;922(1):9-20.

http://www.healthyplace.com/depression/antidepressants/getting-off-antidepressants/menu-id-68/

Compounding the problem, some experts say, is that many patients who go off the drug mistake withdrawal symptoms for a return of the original symptoms they were using the drug to treat. It is then very conmon for patients to restart the medication.

"This is chasing one's tail by medicating withdrawal side effects," says Dr. Glenmullen, which often results in needlessly prolonging exposure to the drug.

Get your hormone systems tested. "Everybody should make sure they have a very thorough evaluation of their nutritional status, hormones, minerals, vitamins and immune system," says Hedaya, "to enhance possibilities of reducing dosage or going off medicine." Treatable hormone imbalances like an underactive thyroid or deficiencies of amino acids and minerals can rob you of energy, sexual vitality and feelings of well-being.
Consider vitamin supplements. Hedaya reports success in patients coming off Efexor, for example, by taking 25-50 mg. of Vitamin B6 daily. He notes, however, that excessive doses on a prolonged basis can be toxic.

Anticholinergic side effects. All tricyclic antidepressants have some degree of anticholinergic action; desipramine has the lowest potency in this regard. While MAO inhibitors are not anticholinergic, their side effects may resemble anticholinergic symptoms. The most common undesirable consequences of cholinergic blockade are dry mouth, impaired ability to focus at close range, constipation and urinary hesitation.

More About SSRI Discontinuation Syndrome

2009-12-14T18:24:00.000-08:00

http://bipolar.about.com/cs/antidep/a/0207_ssridisc1.htm

The shorter acting SSRIs, when discontinued or when the dosage is lowered, produce an "anticholinergic neurotransmitter acetylcholine. rebound," which is an interruption in production of the key (Acetylcholine is the neurotransmitter used more when a person is under greater stress.) These symptoms will last anywhere from one to seven weeks, and then disappear.

One of the simplest things you can do to prevent this in addition to ultra-slow titration is to add supplements: in particular, choline, lecithin, and B complex. The B vitamins will help sustain your brain's current levels of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine (the depletion of which is the cause of discontinuation syndrome). You should also use choline supplements or lecithin supplements (which are 13 percent choline) to help increase the level of available choline that the brain uses to make acetylcholine while the titration or discontinuation is happening.

Lecithin and choline can be found in a wide variety of foods, but many of the richest sources are foods also high in cholesterol and fat. Egg yolks are one of the best dietary sources of lecithin/choline. Other excellent sources of dietary choline are beef steak, liver, organ meat, spinach, soybeans, cauliflower, wheat germ, peanuts, and brewer's yeast.

From: http://depression.about.com/cs/brainchem101/a/brainchemistry_2.htm
SSRIs do not affect histamine and acetylcholine and thus do not have the same side-effects as the older medications.

http://depression.about.com/od/depressionmedication1/qt/discontinuation.htm
It is unknown exactly why discontinuation syndrome occurs, but it is believed that it may occur because of a temporary deficiency of serotonin caused by both the cessation of the drug and the down-regulation of postsynaptic receptors.

http://depression.about.com/od/copingskills/tp/withdrawal.htm

Take a dose or two of Prozac. Try benadryl.

SSRI Discontinuation Syndrome

2009-12-13T21:06:00.000-08:00

I want to get off Zoloft because: decreased libido, pregnancy/breast-feeding.

Notes from: http://www.itmonline.org/arts/ssri.htm

SSRI WITHDRAWAL PROCEDURE

Getting Off Antidepressants May Be Made Easier

by Subhuti Dharmananda, Ph.D., Director, Institute for Traditional Medicine, Portland, Oregon

"Imbalanced brain function can be exacerbated or induced by poor health habits, and some people may change their lifestyle (e.g., increase exercise) and improve their nutritional status, hoping to reduce the need for use of drugs. In such circumstances, the SSRI or SNRI may be withdrawn. Yet, there are other cases, some with genetic basis, where continued medication is required, despite a desire to cease its use."

Changes in serotonin transport function and in neuroreceptor loading that occur over the course of antidepressant use create a dependence on the drug that takes some time to be eliminated even when the drug is no longer needed to stabilize depression.

To avoid this syndrome, very gradual withdrawal-as little as 5% dosage decline per week-has been recommended. [This doctor suggests] Reduce by 25 mg every two weeks until dose is 25 mg/day, then 12.5 mg every two weeks.

[I've tried this rate of decrease and still got terrible withdrawal symptoms.]

Key herbs that might be considered for SSRI withdrawal syndrome based on the symptom analysis include:

Atractylodes (white atractylodes): tonifies qi, resolves damp
Peony (white peony): nourishes blood, vitalizes blood circulation
Tang-kuei: nourishes blood, vitalizes blood circulation
Zizyphus: nourishes liver and heart blood and clams shen
Saussurea: circulates qi, calms shen
Ginseng: tonifies qi, calms shen
Astragalus: tonifies qi, raises yang qi
Polygala: resolves phlegm, calms shen
Fu-shen or Hoelen: resolves damp, calms shen
Pinellia: resolves damp, lowers stomach qi
Citrus: resolves damp, circulates qi

A formula with such ingredients can be constructed from the traditional formula Gui Pi Tang (a qi and blood tonic with sedative effects), which includes atractylodes, zizyphus, saussurea, ginseng, fu-shen (or the less-sedative portion called hoelen), astragalus, tang-kuei, and polygala. According to Giovanni Maciocia, who is widely respected for his knowledge of TCM, this formula is itself used for treating depression (4). He noted that: "The formula Gui Pi Tang tonifies spleen-qi and heart-blood and calms the mind: it is ideally suited to treat post-natal depression and insomnia. This formula is also recommended by Wu Qian in his Golden Mirror of Medicine for post-natal depression from worry, pensiveness, and sadness." The ingredients may be provided as a decoction (Gui Pi Tang), dried decoction, or in tablet form (Gui Pi Wan), such as this preparation by Pine Mountain (5):

renshen	Ginseng	12%
fushen	Fu-shen	12%
baizhu	Atractylodes	12%
longyanrou	Longan	12%
huangqi	Astragalus	12%
danggui	Tang-kuei	10%
suanzaoren	Zizyphus	10%
yuanzhi	Polygala	8%
muxiang	Saussurea	4%
gancao	Licorice	4%
dazao	Jujube extract	2%
shengjiang	Ginger extract	2%

mirtazapine (Remeron) that affects serotonin and norepinephrine by means other than affecting reuptake of the neurotransmitters.

http://www.itmonline.org/

Gingko Biloba

2009-12-13T20:43:00.000-08:00

Is thought to improve attention and memory. (even Dr. Amen suggests using it)
improves blood flow
anti-oxidant
Not to be used by people taking anti-depressants
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ginkgo_biloba

I read somewhere, a long time ago, that it might help with decreased libido (such as results from anti-depressants) because of the increased blood flow.

Cingulate System

2009-12-13T20:37:00.000-08:00

Notes from "Change Your Brain, Change Your Life," by Dr. Daniel Amen.

Functions of the Cingulate System:

adaptability
ability to see options
ability to cooperate

Problems with Cingulate System:

worrying
getting stuck on thoughts
automatic no
addictive behaviors
OCD
road rage

Prescriptions:

Notice when you're stuck and distract yourself.
Use the serenity prayer.
Serotonergic medications such as Prozac, Zoloft.
Nutrition:

There are two ways foods can increase serotonin levels.
High carbs such as pastas and bread increase l-tryptophan levels in the blood, resulting in more l-tryptophan being available to enter the brain. The calming effect of the serotonin can be felt in 30 min or less.
Also eat foods rich in tryptophan, such as chicken, turkey, beef, salmon, peanut butter, eggs, green peas, potatoes and milk.

Basal Ganglia and Prefrontal Cortex

2009-12-13T20:19:00.000-08:00

Notes from "Change Your Brain, Change Your Life," by Dr. Daniel Amen.

Functions of the Basal Ganglia:

sets the body's idle speed or anxiety level.
enhances motivation
mediates pleasure/ecstasy

Problems with the Basal Ganglia System

anxiety
tendency to predict the worst
conflict avoidance
low/excessive motivation

Basal Ganglia Prescriptions:

Kill the Fortune-Telling Ants.
Try meditation. (I want to go back and read "Full Catastrophe Living" for this.)
Realize that worrying about what other people think of you is a waste...
Nutrition:

Don't get too hungry.

Prefrontal Cortex:

Many people with ADD are moody, irritable and negative. The PFC can't fully temper the limbic system (which controls mood).
Prescription: The One Page Miracle is awesome. Even for me, and I don't have ADD.
Nutrition: For people with ADD or other dopamine-deficient states: Breakfast: omelet with cheese and lean meat, lunch: tuna salad and vegetables, dinner: complex carbs, meat and vegetables. This diet is NOT ideal for people with a deficiency of serotonin.

Deep Limbic System

2009-12-13T20:00:00.000-08:00

Notes from: "Change Your Brain, Change Your Life," by Dr. Daniel Amen.

Functions of the Deep Limbic System:

sets emotional tone
emotional coloring
modulates motivation
controls appetites and sleep cycles
promotes bonding
directly processes sense of smell
modulates libido

Problems in the deep limbic system:

moodiness
irritability
depression
negative thinking
decreased motivation

Deep Limbic Prescriptions:

Kill the Ants: Write them down, and 'talk back' to them. Example: "You never listen to me." Talk-back: "I get frustrated when you don't listen to me, but you have listened to me in the past and you will again.
Surround yourself with great smells. Lavender helps you feel less stressed and less depressed. The right smells likely cool the deep limbic system.
Exercise: gives you more energy, increases metabolism and decreases appetite, normalizes melatonin production, allows more of the natural amino acid tryptophan enter the brain, enhancing mood. Tryptophan is the precursor to serotonin.
Limbic Nutrition: Our deep limbic system needs fat in order to operate properly. Omega-3 really good. Proteins are the building blocks of neurotransmitters.

Too much protein may restrict the amount of brain proteins in some people.
Richest sources: fish, cheese, beans, and nuts.
To enhance serotonin levels: eat complex carb snacks such as whole-grain crackers or bread.
L-tryptophan is found in milk, eggs and meat. Improves sleep, decreases aggressiveness, improves mood control. 1,000-3,000 mg at bedtime is recommended.
Inositol, in the vitamin B family, can decrease moodiness and depression. 12-20 mg/day.
To enhance norephinephrine and dopamine have protein snacks: meat, eggs, cheese. Avoid simple carbs such as bread, pasta and sugar. Tyrosine (1,000-1,500mg/day) for energy, focus and impulse control. Dl-phenylalanine (400mg 3x/day on empty stomach) for moodiness and irritability.

More to Learn

2009-12-13T19:01:00.000-08:00

More to learn here:Green LA Girl.

Yerba Mate

2009-12-13T18:26:00.000-08:00

May or may not cause cancer.
May be a MAO inhibitor.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yerba_mat%C3%A9

Contains Vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, Niacin, B5, B Complex
Minerals: Calcium, Iron, Selenium, Zinc...
Carotene, Chlorophyll, antioxidants...
Aids in Weight control
This source addresses the connection to cancer. I am convinced that I'm not in danger by drinking Yerba Mate tea.
In South America, yerba mate has been revered for centuries as the “drink of the gods” and is drunk daily for optimum health, sustained energy and mental clarity. Of the six commonly used stimulants in the world: yerba mate, coffee, tea, kola nut, cocoa, and guarana, yerba mate triumphs as natures most balanced stimulant, delivering both energy and nutrition. The leaves of the rainforest mate tree naturally contain 24 vitamins and minerals, 15 amino acids, abundant antioxidants. In fact, The Pasteur Institute and the Paris Scientific society in 1964 concluded "it is difficult to find a plant in any area of the world equal to mate in nutritional value" and that yerba mate contains "practically all of the vitamins necessary to sustain life."
http://www.guayaki.com/index.php