Herbal Remedies

Living in New Mexico teaches us that there are many forms of healing arts. There are Curanderos (healers using native healing practices), botanicas (apothecaries) and a myriad of local plants that are used as natural remedies. It's important to realize that some herbs are more powerful, and some more toxic than others. When choosing natural medicines, keep in mind their benefits and their side effects profiles.  

Individual Consultations Available ​

Picture
What is Nervous Tension?
     Nervous tension affects emotional and physical health. It impacts the quality of life and  may  increase the risk of death overall. Recent stay at home orders due to the COVID-19 pandemic led to more nervousness then ever. People with panic are complaining of more frequent episodes. Some individuals who normally like to stay home are feeling claustrophobic because it is no longer their choice to avoid social gatherings. COVID-19 restrictions and negative news are leading to a greater experience of nervous tension.
Are you suffering from nervous tension?
​     Here are the most common symptoms.
  •                                  Decreased energy
  •                                  Stomach upset
  •                                  Increased muscle tension and pain
  •                                  Difficulty sleeping 
  •                                  Rapid heartbeat
  •                                  Sleep disturbance 
                                 Decreased sexual desire​
​
​
​Are there Supplements to help with nervous tension?
Yes. The following diet supplements have received scientific support for decreasing symptoms of nervous tension.


Omega 3 Fatty Acids 2,500 mg, total per day of 2,085 mg EPA and 348 mg DHA, minimum 12 weeks. 2

Administration of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) demonstrated a reduction in anxiety, particularly in those with a clinical diagnosis of the disorder. However, the positive effects were limited to those receiving a minimum dose of 2,000 mg per day. 1  
According to Harvard Health Publishing, people who took 2, 000 mg omega-3s had the most reduction in anxiety symptoms.
Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced interleukin 6 (IL-6) has been shown to be reduced by omega-3 fatty acid intake, suggesting an anti-inflammatory effect. 2 
​An inverse correlation was shown between plasma omega-3 fatty acid levels and anxiety levels with omega-3 supplementation, leading to a 20% decrease in symptoms of anxiety in study participants. 2


​L-Theanine 200-400 mg, once per day minimum 4 weeks. 4,5,6

 It's an amino acid. Bet you've tried it!  if you've ever had: coffee, black tea, oolong tea, guarana, mate or cola.​
Supplementation with L-theanine increased alpha brain wave activity indicating a potential mechanism for its ability to induce a relaxed, but alert state.5 
L-theanine has been shown to reduce stress-induced blood pressure elevation. 5 
L-theanine supplements improved self-rated anxiety scores, using the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). 6  This supplement works by increasing GABA (the neurotransmitter associated with benzodiazepines like Ativan, Xanax, and Valium) and alpha brain waves, you know, the brain states Buddhist monks are so famous for achieving.

 Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) 240-600 mg, total per day of standardized extract containing between 35% and 1.5% of withanolides, respectively, for a minimum of 8 weeks 7,8,9

 A statistically significant reduction in Hamilton-Anxiety scale scores and morning cortisol levels was demonstrated with the use of ashwagandha. 7 One proposed mechanism of action was the moderating effect of ashwagandha on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis) response to stressors; however, further investigation was suggested. 7 A study assessed the intervention of psychotherapy treatment (PT) alone versus naturopathic treatments, which included the use of ashwagandha as well as dietary counseling, breathing techniques for relaxation, and a multivitamin. Symptoms, including anxiety as rated with the Beck Anxiety Inventory, social functioning, overall quality of life, fatigue, and concentration showed further improvement in the naturopathic treatment group compared to the group receiving only psychotherapy. 8 Ashwagandha was shown to reduce serum cortisol levels from baseline levels which was correlated with a reduction in scores on stress assessment scales.9 

Magnesium 300 mg, once per day, minimum 8 weeks. 10

 Magnesium is the bodies original chill pill. It appears to act as a modulator for the Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal axis by reducing adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol. It may be an important factor in the stress response (3) and help support the immune system. 
Stress exposure has been shown to increase renal excretion of magnesium. 3 
In participants with both anxiety and low serum magnesium, supplementation led to a reduction in scores on the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales (DASS-42) with consistent results in as little as four weeks. 10 

Vitamin D 50,000 IU vitamin D3, once per one or two weeks, minimum 12 weeks. 11,12

An increase in serum serotonin levels and a decrease in serum neopterin levels were shown in the study group treated with vitamin D.  
Vitamin D treated participants saw a decrease in Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) scores, while no changes were seen in the control group.11 In women with type 2 diabetes, vitamin D supplementation decreased anxiety levels from moderate to mild on the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scales (DASS- 21) questionnaire, over the course of the study.12 Inflammatory markers TNF-α and CRP are both increased in diabetic patients with anxiety; vitamin D supplementation was shown to reduce hs-CRP levels and increase IL-10 concentrations.12 
​In a population subset of vitamin D-deficient adolescent females experiencing anxiety associated with PMS, vitamin D repletion demonstrated decreases in anxiety and irritability scores.13​ 
​References 
​To schedule an appointment to discuss which supplement(s) is best for you, call us at 575-323-0341.
Assessments Fees $100 for 40 minutes.
​We use the Fullscripts Dispensary for easy order/refills.

Contact Us

2488 Calle De Guadalupe, Mesilla, NM 88046
Phone: (575) 652-3654
Fax: 575-652-4383
E-Mail: dr.elainefoster@psyconops.com