Herbs in Functional Medicine: Four Ayurvedic Herbs for Mind and Memory

The term functional medicine in Boston and elsewhere refers to a holistic approach to health and disease that emphases whole-body health, focusing on the complex interactions between the molecular, cellular, tissue, organ, and organ-system levels that together comprise the human body. Functional medicine approaches to health care often incorporates principles and practices from traditional medicine systems. One such traditional medicine that overlaps with functional medicine is Ayurveda, an Indian system of theory and treatment about health and disease that has a very long history. Along with modern functional medicine, Ayurvedic medicine emphases the unity and complex interplay between mind, body, and personality; all of which influence one another. As seen in cultures in other regions of the world, ancient Indian Ayurvedic medicine has long incorporated a wide variety of herbal remedies. Some of these are still used in functional medicine in Boston, as well as throughout the nation. Some herbal remedies with a history of Ayurvedic use have applications for mind and memory functions. Four of these are guduchi, brahmi, vacha, and cinnamon.

#1: Guduchi

Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia) is a vine native to areas of India, Myanmar, and Sri Lanka. This plant has long been considered a divine herb in Ayurvedic practice and is still used today in functional medicine. Guduchi contains immune-enhancing properties, which make it a useful herbal remedy for conditions like allergic rhinitis (cold-like symptoms due to seasonal allergies). Although research has yet to confirm it, guduchi’s traditional uses also include enhancement of mental clarity. 

#2: Brahmi

Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri) is traditionally used in Ayurvedic medicine for epilepsy and asthma. It is still sometimes used in modern functional medicine. Brahmi contains naturally occurring chemical compounds that inhibit a chemical called acetylcholinesterase and activate another chemical called choline acetyltransferase, and these ingredients help to increase cerebral blood flow. Animal studies have corroborated that Brahmi extracts may protect against neurodegeneration. 

#3: Vacha

Vacha (Acorus calamus) has been used historically in Old World cultures in Britain, Egypt, and India. In Ayurvedic medicine, as well as in modern functional medicine, it is often used for its sedative effects, as well as for its laxative properties. It was also traditionally used to counteract side effects of entheogenic ritual hallucinogens, which can often cause nausea or dizziness as side effects. Studies of vacha’s effects in rats have demonstrated that it has a neuroprotective effect, protecting against stroke, neurodegeneration, and neurotoxicity. 

#4: Cinnamon

Cinnamon is usually used for culinary purposes, but in Ayurvedic medicine and in modern functional medicine it is also used for its medicinal properties. In addition to antimicrobial and antioxidant properties, compounds contained in cinnamon have been shown to inhibit Alzheimer’s disease in mice, which lends credence to its traditional use for mind and memory problems.

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Holistic Medicine that Works: Five Relaxing Herbal Remedies

If you’re stressed out or having trouble sleeping in Mansfield, there are some easy-to-come-by herbs that may help you get into a calmer state of mind. Many herbal remedies with long histories of medicinal use have been scientifically investigated, revealing natural occurring compounds that give the plants their effects. These five herbal remedies are often used as holistic medicine treatments to soothe anxiety and to remedy mild to moderate insomnia. If you’re feeling stressed, a calming herbal tea that incorporates some of these ingredients may help you to feel more relaxed and better able to deal with the problems causing the stress.

#1: Valerian Root

Valerian root (Valeriana officinalis) is an effective holistic medicine remedy for sleeplessness and anxiety. If you live in the Mansfield area and you’re struggling with mild insomnia, valerian root might just do the trick. Valerian root contains certain natural chemical compounds, including valerenic acids and sesquiterpenoids that have affinities for GABA receptors in the brain. GABA (gamma-amino butyric acid) is an important neurotransmitter. Benzodiazepines, a popular but troublesome class of prescription drugs used for anxiety and sometimes for insomnia, work via the same receptors. In addition to its sedative and anxiolytic effects, valerian also has some muscle relaxant qualities. Valerian root is often sold in capsules, and is also used as an herbal tea.

#2: Chamomile

Chamomile (Asteraceae family) is a tried-and-true holistic medicine remedy for relaxation. Chamomile contains numerous chemical compounds with medicinal effects, some of which act on GABA receptors. Chamomile also has anti-inflammatory effects and can soothe gastrointestinal discomfort. Chamomile tea is easy to find in Mansfield; you can usually find it at the grocery store.

#3: California Poppy

California poppy (Eschscholzia californica) is a flowering plant in the poppy family that is native to California. Historically, its leaves have been used by Native Americans for medicinal purposes. Although California poppy is related to opium poppy, it contains a different and much milder class of alkaloid chemicals. An aqueous extraction of the plant has sedative and anxiety-reducing qualities. In a study of the effects of California poppy extract on mice, it was shown to have affinities for the same receptors as benzodiazepines.

#4: Passionflower

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata), also known as maypop, was first used medicinally by Native Americans and then later by European colonists. The fresh or dried leaves of this plant are often used to make a tea that soothes anxiety and insomnia. Many passionflower species, notably P. incarnata, contain a group of chemical compounds called beta-carboline harmala alkaloids. These chemicals function as MAO (monoamine oxidase) inhibitors, lending them antidepressant effects. Clinical investigations of the efficacy of passionflower for anxiety have produced promising results. In one study, P. incarnata extract worked as well as oxazepam, a benzodiazepine, but with fewer adverse side effects.

#5: Lemon Balm

Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) contains compounds, notably rosmarinic acid that inhibits an enzyme called GABA transaminase. This results in reducing anxiety and sedative effects. Studies indicate that lemon balm extract reduces stress, as well as improves mood and even enhances mental performance. These effects are attributed to the plant’s effects on muscarinic and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. 

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Holistic Medicine in Mansfield

Treating The Body as a Unified Whole

Holistic medicine is a field of alternative medicine that emphasizes the overall wellness of a person as a whole. Usually, medical problems are treated in isolation. The holistic health approach emphasizes the importance of the whole, rather than focusing exclusively on the part. All of the cells, tissues, organs, and organ systems of a human body work together to form the whole. If one part is not working correctly, it can affect the system in its entirety. Holistic medicine also emphasizes the importance of mental and spiritual wellness in ensuring and maintaining physical wellness.

Principles of Holistic Medicine

The American Holistic Medical Association (AHMA), the major American organization for practitioners of holistic medicine, has compiled a list of Principles of Holistic Medicine. These principles include:

·         Searching for the underlying cause of a disease is better than treating the symptoms alone.

·         What kind of patient has a disease is as important as what kind of disease the patient has.

·         Prevention is the best approach to treatment.

·         Illness is a manifestation of a dysfunction of a whole person, not just an isolated part of that person.

·         The quality of the relationship between a patient and healthcare provider is important to the outcome of treatment.

·         A physician-patient relationship should take into consideration the needs, desires, awareness, and insight of the patient, as well as the physician.

·         Physicians influence patients by their example.

·         Illness, pain, and the dying process can be learning opportunities for physicians and patients alike.

·         Holistic physicians encourage patients to embrace positive emotions and a positive outlook, and to let go of greed, anger, fear, and other forms of negativity.

·         Physicians should strive to practice unconditional love for themselves and their patients

·         Health is more than the absence of sickness. It is a pursuit of the highest qualities of physical, mental, spiritual, and environmental aspects of the human experience.

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