Let s read about the nervous system and some of its basic elements. Wild Rose College of Natural Healing 2010 Terry Willard Cl.H PhD. v.2010.

Transcription

1 Lesson 9 The Nervous System, Nervines and Antispasmodics INTRODUCTION Fig 9.1 There are two major control systems of our body: the nervous system and the endocrine system. Together, they form a complex communication system. In this lesson we will be dealing with the first, the nervous system. The nervous system is often called the master controller. It coordinates everything from controlling your movements to turn these pages, moving your eye across the page, as well as registering the data, translating the input into a usable form and aiding in its memorization. Besides these mostly conscious functions, the nervous system is also controlling the way you breathe while you read this, controlling the diameter of the blood vessels in your body and therefore directing the blood to different parts of your body. There is a tremendous amount known about the nervous system, but the scientific community still says they have only scratched the surface of its complexities. This marvellous complexity more than rivals the intricacies of the most advanced computers and their networks. Our initial glimpse at this information will aid us in understanding some of the basics of how to use the nervine herbs. Let s read about the nervous system and some of its basic elements. Fig 9.0 1

2 Read Chapter 12, down to Nervines and Pain The neuron is the structural and functional unit of the nervous system. Of all of the cells in the body, the neuron is the only one that cannot regenerate in most higher animals, even though isolated instances have been seen. The neuron is made up of the cell body, axon and dendrite. The dendrite (meaning tree-like) is the portion that carries impulses toward the cell body. The axon carries impulses away from the cell body. Both the axons and the dendrites usually have sheaths. These white lipid-protein sheaths are called myelin sheaths. They protect the nerves the way electronic copper wire is protected by a coat of plastic. Information is transmitted from one neuron to another across a synapse (Greek for connection) or gap between neurons. Neural transmitters carry information across the synapse. These neural nets can form complex networks sending information in more than one direction assuring speed and accuracy of information transmitted. Fig 9.2 Fig 9.3 To the left we can see an actual Micrograph of a neuronal cell body with numerous synapses Fig 9.4 2

3 Fig 9.5 A neuron is supported by the neuroglia (glial is Greek for glue). These cells function in a way similar to connective tissue for the neuron. They are jelly-like and provide a supportive (nutrient) function to the nerve. Current information suggests that this function is supplemented by some actual neural function in the central nervous system. We discussed three types of neurons; sensory (send information to the central nervous system), motor (convey information from the central nervous system) and associative (found in the brain). 3

4 The Divisions of the Nervous System Central Nervous System (CNS) Brain Spinal Cord Definitions Enervate - Weaken Innervate - To supply with nerves Peripheral Nervous system (PNS) Cranial Nerves olfactory optic oculomotor trochlear trigeminal abducent facial auditory glosso pharyngeal vagus spinal accessory hypoglossal Spinal Nerves Cervical ( 8 pairs) Thoracic Nerve (12 pairs) Lumbar Nerves (5 pairs) Sacral Nerves ( 5 pairs) Coccygeal Nerves ( 1 pair) Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) parasympathetic sympathetic Fig 9.6 Segments of skin supplied by spinal nerves Understanding these basic relationships can help us determine the best type of nervine to use. If the system is overly stimulated, a relaxing nervine is needed. If the area is too relaxed, a stimulating and/or tonic nervine would be indicated. This may vary depending on the part of the body. A person might have relaxed skeletal muscles, with an over enervated intestinal tract. As we saw in the last lesson, even the colon can have spastic (over enervated) and ballooned (relaxed) sections. You have to look at balance and often 'direct' the herb to the right location with specific formulas. 4

5 Read pages NERVINES Nervines calm, quiet, nourish and strengthen the nervous system. Depending on secondary attributes, or other herbs in a formula, the action will be relaxing or stimulating. Antispasmodics will prevent or relax muscle spasms. They can act locally, or on the whole system. Internal or external uses are applicable. The following formula was designed for muscle flexibility. Clinical Muscle Flexibility Formula (Flexaherb) Kava Kava Root (Piper methysticum) 4 parts Crampbark (Viburnum opulus) 2 Cayenne pepper (Capsicum minimum) 2 Ginger Root (Zingiber sp.) 1 Lobelia Herb (Lobelia inflata) 1 * Lady Slipper Root (Cypripedium acaule) 1 Red Clover Blsm (Trifolium pratense) 1 * No longer used! Fig 9.7 This formula was original designed after a request from a chiropractor to have a formula that would aid his patients to relax and therefore hold adjustments longer. We have since used it heavily for athletes, professional musicians and for injuries. The key to the formula is Kava Kava root, from the South Pacific. It works by relaxing, while co-ordinating the muscle-nerve unit (motor unit). Crampbark is a well known antispasmodic used by Amerindians. Ginger and Cayenne aid in circulation, assuring the herbal gets to the peripheral areas. We have stopped using Lady Slipper because of its endangered status. When someone has worked out its cultivation on a large scale, we will be most happy to use it again. Lobelia is a powerful antispasmodic nervine that aids in reducing tension. Red Clover Blossom helps to cleanse impurities in the blood and tissues. Fig 9.8 Kava Kava (Piper Methysticum) 5

6 The Nervine formula we often use to relax a person, calm nerves and aid sleep is: Nervaherb Valerian extract Valeriana officinalis (GP.8% Valerenic acids, 4:1) Oats Avena sp. Hops Humulus lupulus Skullcap Scutellaria lateriflora Kava Kava Piper methysticum Passionflower Passiflora spp. 100 mg 200 mg 100 mg 100 mg 200 mg 50 mg Fig 9.9 Nerve Formula Individuals vary in their ability to cope with circumstances and surroundings. Nervousness could be described as a state of mental and/or physical restlessness. Symptoms include being fidgety, easily startled, sleepless, restless, anxious or fatigued. A feeling of unpleasantness or sometimes even of fright can occur making concentration difficult or impossible. Valerian (GP.8% Valerenic acids) yields isovalerianic acid giving a soothing, calming and sedative effect. Oats and Passionflower have been shown to be tonics and relaxants to the nervous system. Skullcap yields scutellarin. Hops yields lupulinic acid and humulon, all giving a soothing and calming effect. Suggested Dosage One - three capsules before meals and one-three at bedtime, daily. When looking at calming nervines always consider Reishi (Ganodermum lucidum) in lesson 4. 6

7 BOTANICALS FOR THE NERVOUS SYSTEM Skullcap (Scutellaria sp.) Fig 9.10 Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) and related sp. (syn. scullcap) As the name implies, this herb is specific for the central nervous system, acting as one of the most efficient botanicals on the cerebrospinal system. Its use in the past for neurasthenia, has stimulated some practitioners to employ it in chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). The symptoms of neurasthenia, once considered a serious disease, and the current CFS are very similar. These problems might indeed be the same disease. Both diseases have fatigue, excitability, insomnia, restlessness and sometimes hysteria as major symptoms. As an antispasmodic, skullcap is excellent. It is also efficacious for poisonous bites and headaches due to spasm or nervous tension. Skullcap is specific for some emotional symptoms associated with PMS. It has been shown that scullcap has an antiacetylcholine and antihistamine effect, as well as inhibiting norepinepherine. It has been used successfully to assist in drug withdrawal. This herb has been shown to reduce heart rate and has also exhibited anti-inflammatory properties. A 70% methanol extract of the whole root of species with flavonoid present has been shown to be anti-arthritic and antiinflammatory. It has been shown to inhibit arachidonates in rat leukocytes. This could have great significance in many inflammatory diseases. Chinese Scullcap (S. baicalensis) root has also shown significant antiallergenic and anti-inflammatory properties. Hops (Humulus lupulus) Besides being the major ingredient in most beers, this herb is considered one of the best for insomnia. Unfortunately, its activity is not seen to be that significant in beer. It seems almost ironic that hops is actually an anti-aphrodisiac, despite its heavy use of beer in 'the bar scene'. Its soothing nerve tonic quality relaxes excessive internal dialogue. The sedative affects of Hops on the central nervous system, causing a soothing and relaxing calm about twenty minutes after ingestion, is undisputed, but the exact mechanism is not yet understood. In small doses the response to the volatile oil is sedative, Hops (Humulus lupulus) Fig

8 hypnotic in large doses, and paralyzing in overdoses. The herb s soothing action also acts on the throat and stomach area. As a diuretic, it increases urine production and reduces stones in the kidneys and gallbladder. It also aids in bile secretion. Hops has also shown antihistamine action. The bitter acids (especially lupulone and humulone) have an antimicrobial effect in dilution of 1:100,000. Humulon has shown marked tumor reduction in mice. Estrogenic effects of Hops extract have not been conclusive, but many practitioners and studies have shown positive results with a few negative studies. Valerian (Valeriana sp.) Fig 9.12 Valerian (Valeriana officinales) Valerian is a great antispasmodic nervine. Its sedative action has been used heavily over the years for insomnia. This herb works well but can become habit forming, with larger and larger doses being needed to maintain results. This can often backfire causing the user to get headaches and insomnia. What we might consider an unpleasant odour, cats love. I have seen cats climb to the top of a bookcase in search of valerian root. Keep it sealed and out of the way when around cats. Valerian's tranquilizing quality is quite reliable in people that the Chinese practitioner consider cool to cold. If the person is hot in nature, it has less effect and can even backfire, having the opposite effect. Valerian is great for calming nervous conditions during menopause. Valerian has also shown anti-bacterial effects against Gram-positive bacteria. Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa) As stated, this botanical is specific for many female problems as well as an excellent nervine. This has led it to being used for nervous conditions related to hormone changes. You can often see it in formulas for menopause (be it surgically induced or natural), PMS, last stages of pregnancy and for post-parturition. Delayed menstruation, especially related to travelling and/or stress can be helped with this herb. We also use it for most problems in the pelvic area that seem to be stress and hormonal related, as is the case of endometriosis. Black Cohosh also has anti-inflammatory action. Extract of Black Cohosh creates selective reduction in luteinizing hormone (LH) levels by 20% with no effect on follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) or prolactin levels by acting on the hypothalamus and vasomotor centers to reduce menopausal symptoms. This suggests we don t need progesterone opposing therapy as found with HRT when using Black Cohosh. Black Cohosh as a whole root extract works, but none of the single constituents do on their own, 8

9 Black Cohosh (Cimicifuga sp.) Fig 9.13 thus showing that it is the sum total of many factors that makes it work. One of the most significant factors of using Black Cohosh over HRT is that it does not have to be consumed on a long term basis. It helps a person through the symptom stages of menopause. In Germany, it was introduced under the brand name Remifemin in the mid-1950s, and is still one of the prominent products used to reduce menopause symptoms in that country. Black Cohosh is currently being used by 1.5 million German women annually or nearly 10 million monthly doses. The use of this product has been shown to be more effective for common menopausal symptoms (hot flashes, vaginal atrophy, depression and anxiety) than conjugated estrogen (HRT). Many people know that one of the risks of HRT is the stimulation of estrogen receptor cancer growth in the breast and uterus. Black Cohosh has been shown to not stimulate established breast tumour, and in fact has an inhibitory effect. Black Cohosh has been shown to exert no effect on endometrium, so there is no need to oppose therapy with progesterone, as is done with conventional HRT. Its antispasmodic properties have been used in many conditions, but the formula I use the most is Dr. Christopher's B & B tincture. As a cardiac tonic, Black Cohosh will slightly lower the heart rate, but increase the force of the pulse. Cramp Bark (Viburnum opulus) I have seen this plant used in many rituals by the northern Indians and Inuit. It is employed at various seasons, (budding, flowering, berries and when the leaves turn color) for different blessings. This plant is my favourite when it comes to cramps, whether abdominal or uterine. It is especially effective if combined with ginger root. The program listed in the text has been employed by many women when they have had problems with menstruation. CrampBark (Viburnum opulus) Fig 9.15 CrampBark (Viburnum opulus) Fig

10 Notes 10