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| It is clear that Siberian ginseng is a very special remedy indeed. It can increase individual resistance to the whole spectrum of factors that contribute to stress reactions and exhaustion. Apparently the herb will help whether the stress is from extremes of weather or from psychological exhaustion. Its universal properties make this herb one of the most efficacious and promising medicines for increasing hardiness against the many stresses of contemporary life. |
| Nervines |
| A nervine is a plant that has an effect upon the nervous system in some way: there are nervine tonics, nervine relaxants and nervine stimulants. Remember that any successful treatment of nervous system problems with herbs must involve treating the whole body, heart and mind, not simply the signs of agitation and worry. Of course, the agitation can be reduced greatly by the appropriate herbs, but the whole system must be strengthened in the face of the storm as well. |
| Nervine tonics. Perhaps the most helpful contribution herbal medicine can make is to strengthen and "feed" the nervous system. In cases of shock, stress or nervous debility, the nervine tonics strengthen and restore the tissues directly. On the other hand they can contribute to the healing of damaged nervous tissue, whether this is due to a pathological process or physical trauma. This invaluable group of remedies is best exemplified by oats. Ginkgo is an important tonic for the nervous system, but appears to work via its vasodilating action on the blood vessels of the brain, thereby increasing oxygen availability to brain cells. Other nervine tonics can have, in addition, a relaxing effect. Skullcap is often the most effective, particularly for problems related to stress. |
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