26/07/2019
Today we are talking about a very important topic, Insomnia, Depression, swing mood, low aphrodisiac approach due to poor Serotonin level and How to boost our serotonin level in our body by herbs.
Serotonin is a chemical that has a wide variety of functions in the human body. It is sometimes called the happy chemical, because it contributes to wellbeing and happiness.
The scientific name for serotonin is 5-hydroxytryptamine, or 5-HT. It is mainly found in the brain, bowels, and blood platelets.
Serotonin is used to transmit messages between nerve cells, it is thought to be active in constricting smooth muscles, and it contributes to wellbeing and happiness, among other things. As the precursor for melatonin, it helps regulate the body's sleep-wake cycles and the internal clock.
It is thought to play a role in appetite, the emotions, and motor, cognitive, and autonomic functions. However, it is not known exactly if serotonin affects these directly, or if it has an overall role in co-ordinating the nervous system.
It appears to play a key role in maintaining mood balance. Low serotonin levels have been linked to depression.
Fast facts on serotonin
Serotonin is an important chemical and neurotransmitter in the human body.
It is believed to help regulate mood and social behavior, appetite and digestion, sleep, memory, and sexual desire and function.
There may be a link between serotonin and depression. If so, it is unclear whether low serotonin levels contribute to depression, or if depression causes a fall in serotonin levels.
Drugs that alter serotonin levels are used to treat depression, nausea, and migraine, and they may have a role in obesity and Parkinson's disease.
Other ways to increase body serotonin levels may include mood induction, light, exercise, and diet.
Serotonin deficiency symptoms
Low levels of serotonin have been linked with:
*Poor memory
*Low mood
*They may also lead to the following symptoms:
*Craving for sweet or starchy foods
difficulty sleeping
*Low self-esteem
*Anxiety
*Aggression
Boosting Serotonin levels to food
Foods
Tryptophans are an amino acid that can be found in food. Some research has linked a higher intake of dietary tryptophan with more positive mood scores, possibly because tryptophan boosts serotonin levels.
Bananas
Bananas are said to contain serotonin, but can this boost happiness in whose who eat them?
High-protein foods: Some foods, such as turkey, eggs, and cheese, are believed to contain tryptophan and to increase tryptophan levels in the blood.
Bananas: These contain serotonin, and they have been recommended for lifting mood. But they can only improve a person's mood if the serotonin they contain will reach the brain.
Spinach: Dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach, are a source of tryptophan.
Spinach is also a good source of iron. Iron helps the body to make healthy red blood cells. A lack of iron in the diet can lead to anemia, low energy, or difficulty breathing.
Seeds
Pumpkin seeds in bowl.
Seeds are a plant source of tryptophan.
Seeds do not contain as much tryptophan as oily fish, poultry, or eggs. However, they are a good source of tryptophan and protein for vegetarians and vegans.
Some easy ways to eat more seeds include:
sprinkling seeds onto a salad
mixing nuts and seeds for a snack
choosing seeded bread
adding seeds to cereal, porridge, or yogurt
Milk
Milk is also a good source of calcium, which helps to build healthy bones and teeth.
Choosing a low-fat option can be more healthful than full-fat milk, particularly for people watching their saturated fat intake.
Soy products
Products containing soy, such as tofu, soya milk, or soy sauce, are a source of tryptophan. These can be a good option for vegetarians and vegans.
Nuts
Nuts are a good source of protein, healthful fats, and fiber. Snacking on a few nuts between meals can help a person to feel fuller for longer.
Tryptophan is a precursor, a main ingredient that the body needs to make serotonin. Eating foods high in this essential chemical doesn't mean that the body will absorb and use it. But making tryptophan available when needed will improve serotonin synthesis.
Brain Nourishing Aromatic Herbs
* Oat straw
is a restorative, nourishing nervine and high in B-vitamins which are important for those with generalized anxiety or an especially taxed nervous system. Oat straw is also known for soothing low mood, sadness, or grief - especially if caused by stress. (Oat seed extract is a key ingredient in our herbal gummies, HRBLS.)
* Roses and rose hips
may nourish the brain and nervous system, as well as our ability to give and accept love. They’re often used to alleviate pains of the emotional heart, to lift spirits and enhance vitality. Also very high in antioxidants, both parts of the plant are used in skincare for calming and brightening effects.
* Lavender (Ustekhuddoos)
is well studied as an antidepressant, tranquilizing and stress relieving herb. I refer to it as a plant for peace. (Lavender and skullcap, below, are also ingredients in HRBLS.)
* Skullcap
is one of nature’s finest nervines - an herb used before we had pharmaceutical tranquilizers, for deep calm and sleep. Some of the active compounds in skullcap bind to the same receptor sites in the brain as benzodiazepines, giving this plant the closest natural action to Xanax that I’ve found yet.
* Red clover
may nourish the entire body - providing protein, B vitamins, calcium, and also helping to balance hormones. (Red clover is considered a phyto-estrogen.)
* Chamomile
is considered mildly sedating, excellent for digestion, and especially good for children or anyone with a fussy constitution when tired or stressed.
* Rosemary
is another excellent herb for the brain - especially known to increase alertness, circulation, strengthen memory and acts as an all-around brain tonic.
* Garlic
may stimulate the brain and have a positive effect on brain functioning, increasing alertness and energy.
* Lemon Balm
is an effective natural tranquilizer and antidepressant. It is anesthetic, pain easing and called a safeguard against senility. Lemon balm nourishes the brain.
Some of Classical Herbs
1. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
Ashwagandha has the requisite properties to remove negative thoughts from the mind. The aphrodisiac properties of ashwagandha also help in improving the mind and removing depression.
2. Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)
Brahmi is prescribed before a yogic session. The reason is that brahmi helps to relax the mind and bring it to a comfortable state. Brahmi is very popularly available in the form of oils. The oil has a cooling and soothing effect on the mind. Regular use of this oil can prevent the person from feeling depressed.
3. Cardamom (Elattaria cardamomum)
Cardamom has a very pleasing odor which can soothe the nerves. When a person is depressed, a tea made by putting cardamom in it can have almost miraculous effects.
4. Guggulu (Commiphora wightii)
Guggulu has become the focus of attention recently due to the presence of special chemicals in it called as guggulsterones. These chemicals improve the nervous coordination and hence are beneficial in the treatment of depression. Guggulu is more effective in depression caused due to seasonal affective disorder.
5. Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi)
Jatamansi brings a calming effect on the mind. By canalizing the energies of the mind in the right direction, jatamansi can remove the depressive thoughts.
6. Turmeric (Curcuma longa)
Turmeric is effective in treating depression that is caused by the change of seasons, i.e. seasonal affective disorder.
Thank You
Booked your appointment
Dr. Gulrez K K Mahendvi
(Unani Physician)
BUMS,MU,FUMD
Global Herbal Clinic
C-179 GTB Nagar Kareli Allahabad
Contact No.
9889217796
7905177844
