One of the most complex and fascinating items in the universe is the human brain. The brain influences how you love, live and learn. To obtain a better functioning brain you must first understand how it functions.
Brains are controlled via neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters are various natural chemicals which affect the brain and central nervous system. They control how the body and mind function. Whether you are sad, happy, depressed, anxious, or content these chemicals control that process in your brain. These transmitters also influence your memory and stimulate thoughts and feelings.
There are three main neurotransmitters:
- Serotonin – This neurotransmitter controls your feelings of happiness, well being, anxiety, relaxation, optimism, depression, sleep, and concentration.
- Dopamine – This neurotransmitter controls your energy level and your reward and pleasure centers. It controls aggressive behavior, alertness, energy, assertiveness, violence, paranoia, emotion, and addiction.
- Norepinephrine – This neurotransmitter works hand in hand with dopamine. It controls your “fight or flight” response, pain, mood, and blood pressure.
Now that you have a basic understanding of how neurotransmitters influence your brain and behavior, we will discuss how you can influence those transmitters with natural herbs.
Below I will list some of the most influential herbs and their effects on the brain:
- Chamomile – This has a sedative and relaxing effect on your mood.
- Oatstraw – This herb provides nourishment for the brain and also has restorative properties to help the central nervous system and brain function. It also helps with concentration.
- Ginko Biloba – This is a powerful antioxidant and helps blood circulation in the brain. It also improves mood, concentration, memory, intellect, and helps with anxiety.
- Ginseng – This boosts energy and mental alertness. This also helps with memory, clear thinking and has anti-depressant tendencies.
- St. John’s Wort – This herb helps with depression, anxiety, irritability, ADHD, OCD, menopause, and moodiness.
- Skullcap – This herb helps nourish your nervous system. It helps with focus and concentration as well as works as an antidepressant, pain relief, and sedative.
- Gotu Kola – This herb helps with anxiety, insomnia, tension and clarity of thought.
- Rosemary – This herb will help with memory, concentration and acts as an anti-depressant as well as relief from stress.
- Lavender – This is also a good natural anti-depressant, tranquilizer and relives stress.
- Lemon Balm – This is a natural anti-depressant. It also helps with easing pain and a good tranquilizer. This helps to prevent senility.
For thousands of years humankind has turned to Mother Nature for their health and well being. Even though you live in a fast paced modern society, nature can help provide relief. All you have to do is educate yourself about the wonders of the natural world and get back to your ancestral roots. For more information check out the links below, that were used as reference for this article:
http://www.blessedmaineherbs.com/hearthealth.html
http://www.brainhealthandpuzzles.com/herbs_and_brain .html
http://www.livestrong.com/article/17497-dopamine-nor epinephrine/
Blessed Be!
