Part 2. The Nervous Brain
[See Also Part 1: The Nerves]

Memory
General Indications
Memory loss - Difficulty concentrating - Absent-mindedness

Ginkgo-Biloba Extract     Serious help for the brain and peripheral circulation. In the brain it improves neural activity, cerebrovascular circulation, protects membranes and restores serotonin receptors (in old rats). The Chinese have used ginkgo for centuries to build vitality and alertness. Ginkgo concentrate is used to treat memory loss with aging, early stages of Alzheimer's disease, depression, poor circulation to the extremities, impotence, recovery from stroke, ringing in the ears and early stages of macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy. Individuals with poor blood flow to the brain may experience a mild, transient headache for the first 2-3 days of use.

or Mind-Max     Supports brain function, memory and concentration. Mind-Max contains magnesium l-threonate plus gotu kola aerial parts, bacopa leaf and ginkgo leaf—herbs well-known to benefit circulation and brain health—for a powerful brain boost. Research shows that a decreased number of nerve synapses (the connections between nerve cells) may be responsible for this cognitive decline. Magnesium plays an essential role in nerve synapses. However, magnesium shortages have become common with the increase in processed foods and the lack of magnesium-rich whole foods in the diet. Moreover, most forms of magnesium are not well-absorbed by nervous tissue. Researchers at MIT have discovered that magnesium l-threonate, a highly absorbable form of magnesium, can easily cross the blood–brain barrier and that it increases the brain’s magnesium level.

or Brain-Protex     Provides a blend of phosphatidyl serine, choline, ethanolanine and inositol-substances. Significantly improved acetylcholine release, memory and age-related brain changes including depression in the elderly. Lycopene and alphalipoic acid are powerful antioxidants that can pass the blood-brain barrier to protect brain cells from destructive free radicals. Ginkgo improves the integrity of blood vessels. Its benefits are experienced most in improved peripheral circulation including the head area. It can sometimes delay or reverse mental deterioration such as during the onset of senile dementia. This is a potent formula. If you experience uncomfortable results, stop for a while and then try again at a lower amount, possibly adding CoQ IO.

Sleep
General Indications
Insomnia (difficulty falling asleep)

Herbal Sleep Hops, Valerian and Skullcap - Have a Very good Sleep! A sedative nervine for poor sleepers. This combination relaxes smooth muscles (including the uterus, digestive, circulatory and urinary systems). It has been used by poor sleepers to induce drowsiness. It is helpful for anxiety, stress, hyperactivity and chemical dependency. May help lower high blood pressure.

or 5-HTP Power 5-HTP increases the production of the neurotransmitter Serotonin. A deficiency of serotonin can be manifested in multiple ways including, depression, anxiety,migraines, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, sleeplessness and other behavioral disorders. Serotonin is considered an inhibitory neurotransmitter meaning it counters or buffers excitatory activity, thus bringing on a calming effect, reducing anxiety, depression and facilitating sleep. Studies have shown that higher levels of serotonin ( Which can be obtained from supplementing with 5-HTP) are associated with: Decreased Depression - Improved Sleep - Alleviation of Anxiety - Relief from and prevention of migraine headaches- due to serotonin's effect on smooth muscles in blood vessels. Weight loss due to reduced carbohydrate cravings.

Mood (Serotonin)
General Indications

Depression - Sagging spirits - Chronic pain - Insomnia
Excess appetite (especially cravings for sugar and carbohydrates)

Mood Elevator TCM Anti-Depressive. Improves vitality and revives sagging spirit by strengthening the liver and building energy. (The Chinese believe that liver is the seat of a person's ability to adapt to change and act.). Raised energy can make sleeping difficult if taken at night. A stronger liver relieves aches, pains and fatigue, etc. Weakened liver conditions include cirrhosis and hepatitis. Can also release suppressed hostility, for a little while, on the way back to emotional balance. Everyone should acknowledge anger, and forgive. Switch to Liver Cleanse formula during this period.

5-HTP Power 5-HTP increases the production of the neurotransmitter Serotonin. A deficiency of serotonin can be manifested in multiple ways including, depression, anxiety,migraines, obsessive-compulsive behaviors, sleeplessness and other behavioral disorders. Serotonin is considered an inhibitory neurotransmitter meaning it counters or buffers excitatory activity, thus bringing on a calming effect, reducing anxiety, depression and facilitating sleep. Studies have shown that higher levels of serotonin ( Which can be obtained from supplementing with 5-HTP) are associated with: Decreased Depression - Improved Sleep - Alleviation of Anxiety - Relief from and prevention of migraine headaches- due to serotonin's effect on smooth muscles in blood vessels. Weight loss due to reduced carbohydrate cravings.

or St-John's Wort St. John's wort contains hypericin and is included in some NSP combinations for its soothing, anti-depressant properties. It is also beneficial for the respiratory and immune systems. It is often used to help improve the irritable, stressed disposition of individuals trying to break their addiction to tobacco and alcohol. NSP offers Lobelia/St. John's Wort for smokers and Kudzu/St.John's Wort for drinkers. St. John's Wort may cause photosensitization so be cautious of over exposure to sunshine. Studies have shown a St. John's Wort extract called "L1 160" to be beneficial in many cases of mild to moderate depression with fewer side effects than popular tricyclic antidepressants such as imipramine. It may work by "blocking postsynaptic receptor sites for serotonin." This effect would raise scrotonin levels.