Heal:
The Adrenal Glands - Anxiety - High Cholesterol - The Gut - The Heart - Inflammation - The Kidneys - The Liver - The Lymphatic System - Malabsorption - The Medulla - The Nervous System - The Pancreas - The Pineal Gland - The Reproductive System - The Thyroid
The Adrenal Glands - Anxiety - High Cholesterol - The Gut - The Heart - Inflammation - The Kidneys - The Liver - The Lymphatic System - Malabsorption - The Medulla - The Nervous System - The Pancreas - The Pineal Gland - The Reproductive System - The Thyroid
Healing Anxiety
May your whole life be one of ease and not disease - one of calmness and not tension, free of anxieties. And, as you know, your eyes reflect what's on the mind, may your mind be one of freedom, exaltation and travels free of disappointments. (Dr. Jensen)
It is important to note that when your glandular system is out of balance, so are you. This is especially true of the triad: the pituitary, thyroid and adrenal glands. When the thyroid is hypoactive, calcium utilization drops. This can bring on all types of states of depression from mild to chronic. When the adrenal glands become hypoactive, anxieties can overwhelm you. Responses vary from mild shyness and introversion, to apprehension, to chronic worry and anxiety, to acute anxiety attacks, to paralyzing fear and reclusiveness. Bipolar disorder, schizophrenia and other similar conditions are all manifestations of the above, as they affect your calcium, serotonin, neurotransmitters, and the like. This is why the health of your physical body is so important to your mental and emotional bodies. They are all interconnected to the point that you experience all three as one expression. (Dr. Morse)
Anxiety is characterized by an overwhelming sense of apprehension. Sometimes such apprehension may become constant. Numerous physical symptoms may accompany anxiety with over 100 physical anxiety symptoms reported, including muscle tightness, heart palpitations, chest tightness/pain, dizziness, numbness, tingling, and electric shock feelings. Anxiety often tend to progress to what is called a panic disorder and panic attacks. The Mayo Clinic definition of a panic attack is: "A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear that develops for no apparent reason and that triggers severe physical reactions. Panic attacks can be very frightening. When panic attacks occur, you might think you`re losing control, having a heart attack or even dying." That is why it is common for a person experiencing a panic attack to feel that death is imminent.
Finding the Source of Your Anxiety and Healing It:
The HPA Axis
The story starts in two little almond-shaped organs on either side of your brain, called the amygdala (almond in Latin). These primitive brain centers serve as your natural electronic surveillance system, constantly scanning your environment for and reacting, more or less depending on the level of threat (or perceived threat) to anything that seems to jeopardize your safely or survival. Some threats are programmed into us on an evolutionary level: for example, menacing faces, someone screaming at you, the smell of smoke or sighting a fire where it isn’t supposed to be, the odor of noxious gasses. Others are learned – for example, any images, sounds, smells, facial expressions, or physical gestures that your brain consciously or unconsciously associates with a past threat or trauma, or a perceived threat or trauma. It is in the amygdala that PTSD (post traumatic stress disorder) memories and responses get formed. Within split seconds of perceiving a threat, this primitive part of your brain sounds the alarm, sending a chemical distress signal to the front-runner in your Hypothalamic Pituitary Adrenal (HPA) Axis – your Hypothalamus. The hypothalamus, a tiny gland in the front center of your brain, serves as a rapid relay station. The Survival Response signals, once registered, then get passed onto the pituitary gland, another major hormonal regulatory center quite close by in your brain, and from there, all the way down to your adrenal glands, where your body translates these signals into action, providing the fuel you need to escape or fight the danger (thus this is called the fight or flight response). The adrenal glands initially respond by pumping out adrenaline, which quickens your heart rate and breathing to get more oxygen to the reaction centers in your brain and to your muscles, your pupils dilate to take in more peripheral vision and help you see, and your mind becomes hypervigilant (also called hyperarousal) – you become keenly aware of and sensitive to every possible threat or hint of danger in your environment. (1)
The Gut-Brain Axis
The gut is made up of the organs of digestion, immunity, blood cell production, and elimination. These organs include the stomach, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, small and large intestines, kidneys, and adrenals. The gut is covered by the tent-like diaphragm to the north and supported by the sling-like pelvic floor complex to the south. Woven throughout all these structures is the supportive mesentery (small intestinal) and peritoneal (abdominal) tissue, as well as blood vessels (circulatory system), lymphatic vessels (immune system), and nerves (nervous system).
The primary channel of communication running from the gut to the brain and from the brain to the gut is known as the “gut–brain axis.” This connection has far-reaching implications for multiple systems within the body and affects our overall health, immunity, stress response, memory, and thought processes.
To fully understand the impact of the gut–brain axis on our day-to-day experiences, first we need to look at what it is and what it does. The gut brain axis is composed of the brain and spinal cord, the vagus nerve, the enteric and hypogastric nerve plexuses (the solar plexus), and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, a neuroendocrine system that activates and controls our fight-or-flight stress response. The two primary nerve divisions—the vagus nerve and the solar (enteric–hypogastric) plexus—modulate the communication between the gut and the brain and converge at the manipura chakra.
Let’s take a look in more detail at these two primary nerve divisions that connect with our gut—the solar (enteric-hypogastric) plexus and the vagus nerve. The solar plexus is made up of the celiac and hypogastric nerves (and is sometimes called the “celiac plexus”).
1. Solar Plexus - The celiac and hypogastric nerves (solar plexus) pass into the abdomen through the diaphragm via the aortic hiatus, an opening just in front of the spinal column. Structurally, these nerves converge on the abdominal contents from the backside of the body. Here the solar plexus innervates the tissues and organs including the stomach, kidneys, liver, circulatory system vessels, and reproductive organs. This is accomplished through ten subplexuses or connections (interestingly, the same number as the manipura’s petals in visual representations). The solar plexus is primarily associated with the sympathetic nervous system, the division of the nervous system responsible for the reactions of fight, flight, freeze, and submit. These reactions are autonomic—outside of voluntary control—and serve to inhibit or slow down digestive and eliminatory functions during a stressful or traumatic experience.
2. Vagus Nerve - The vagus nerve (the tenth cranial nerve) is the primary nerve associated with the parasympathetic nervous system, the “rest, digest, reproduce, and heal” division of the autonomic nervous system. It originates from the base of the brain and exits the skull just behind and below the ears. Vagus nerve fibers first connect to the organs of speech and swallowing in the throat and then pass on to the heart and lungs. Continuing their descent, the vagus nerves (right and left) pass into the abdomen through the diaphragm via the esophageal hiatus, an opening situated just above and in front of the aortic hiatus. Both the anterior (front) and posterior (back) vagus nerve branches converge on the organs of the abdomen from the front of the body, innervating the liver, stomach, and small and large intestines. When activated, the vagus nerve stimulates the organs of secretion in the upper and lower respiratory tracts and promotes the functions of digestion, assimilation, and immunity. The vagus nerve is 90 percent sensory, meaning it primarily transmits information regarding the state and condition of the structures it’s connected to directly to the brain.
The primary channel of communication running from the gut to the brain and from the brain to the gut is known as the “gut–brain axis.” This connection has far-reaching implications for multiple systems within the body and affects our overall health, immunity, stress response, memory, and thought processes.
To fully understand the impact of the gut–brain axis on our day-to-day experiences, first we need to look at what it is and what it does. The gut brain axis is composed of the brain and spinal cord, the vagus nerve, the enteric and hypogastric nerve plexuses (the solar plexus), and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, a neuroendocrine system that activates and controls our fight-or-flight stress response. The two primary nerve divisions—the vagus nerve and the solar (enteric–hypogastric) plexus—modulate the communication between the gut and the brain and converge at the manipura chakra.
Let’s take a look in more detail at these two primary nerve divisions that connect with our gut—the solar (enteric-hypogastric) plexus and the vagus nerve. The solar plexus is made up of the celiac and hypogastric nerves (and is sometimes called the “celiac plexus”).
1. Solar Plexus - The celiac and hypogastric nerves (solar plexus) pass into the abdomen through the diaphragm via the aortic hiatus, an opening just in front of the spinal column. Structurally, these nerves converge on the abdominal contents from the backside of the body. Here the solar plexus innervates the tissues and organs including the stomach, kidneys, liver, circulatory system vessels, and reproductive organs. This is accomplished through ten subplexuses or connections (interestingly, the same number as the manipura’s petals in visual representations). The solar plexus is primarily associated with the sympathetic nervous system, the division of the nervous system responsible for the reactions of fight, flight, freeze, and submit. These reactions are autonomic—outside of voluntary control—and serve to inhibit or slow down digestive and eliminatory functions during a stressful or traumatic experience.
2. Vagus Nerve - The vagus nerve (the tenth cranial nerve) is the primary nerve associated with the parasympathetic nervous system, the “rest, digest, reproduce, and heal” division of the autonomic nervous system. It originates from the base of the brain and exits the skull just behind and below the ears. Vagus nerve fibers first connect to the organs of speech and swallowing in the throat and then pass on to the heart and lungs. Continuing their descent, the vagus nerves (right and left) pass into the abdomen through the diaphragm via the esophageal hiatus, an opening situated just above and in front of the aortic hiatus. Both the anterior (front) and posterior (back) vagus nerve branches converge on the organs of the abdomen from the front of the body, innervating the liver, stomach, and small and large intestines. When activated, the vagus nerve stimulates the organs of secretion in the upper and lower respiratory tracts and promotes the functions of digestion, assimilation, and immunity. The vagus nerve is 90 percent sensory, meaning it primarily transmits information regarding the state and condition of the structures it’s connected to directly to the brain.
Researchers have identified a powerful connection between the gut and the brain. Like the brain, the gut is full of nerves. It contains the largest area of nerves outside the brain with the digestive tract and the brain sharing many of the same nerve connections. (Ken Goodman)
The Sun and Moon in Us
These two major nervous system divisions impact the navel center powerfully and on multiple levels. As we will see from their effects, the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions are easily associated with the dualities of the sun and moon.
Sympathetic = Sun
The fiery, stressor-based activation of the solar plexus and its associated neurochemicals mobilizes the entire body, inhibits metabolic functions, and reroutes energy. This immediate mobilization and activation of the entire body is an overt expression of the solar energy within.
Parasympathetic = Moon
The calming, nurturing nature of the vagus nerve and its associated neurochemicals soothes the body and redistributes energy, promoting metabolic functions and embodying the cooling, moon-based energy in neural action.
Even their physical orientation, as they innervate the abdomen from polar directions—the solar plexus (celiac and hypogastric nerves) from the back, and the vagus nerve branches from the front—represents the duality of the sun and moon coming together as one at the manipura chakra center. The stimulation of each set of nerves will influence the state of our mind and consciousness directly. (2)
These two major nervous system divisions impact the navel center powerfully and on multiple levels. As we will see from their effects, the sympathetic and parasympathetic divisions are easily associated with the dualities of the sun and moon.
Sympathetic = Sun
The fiery, stressor-based activation of the solar plexus and its associated neurochemicals mobilizes the entire body, inhibits metabolic functions, and reroutes energy. This immediate mobilization and activation of the entire body is an overt expression of the solar energy within.
Parasympathetic = Moon
The calming, nurturing nature of the vagus nerve and its associated neurochemicals soothes the body and redistributes energy, promoting metabolic functions and embodying the cooling, moon-based energy in neural action.
Even their physical orientation, as they innervate the abdomen from polar directions—the solar plexus (celiac and hypogastric nerves) from the back, and the vagus nerve branches from the front—represents the duality of the sun and moon coming together as one at the manipura chakra center. The stimulation of each set of nerves will influence the state of our mind and consciousness directly. (2)
However anxiety may be defined, in fact it has many faces. It seems to affect each person in a way that is unique to that person’s lifestyle, life experiences, their soul imprint, and especially the condition of their adrenal glands and nervous system, which is mostly considered genetic. So while some may have full blown panic attacks, others may experience a more sustained, low-level type of anxiety. Some experience “de-realization,” or “de-personalization,” which feels like not being able to connect to your own reality or to yourself as a person. Some experience post-traumatic stress related anxiety, which has an event or series of events tied to it, some experience social anxiety, and some are simply in chronically elevated states of stress constantly. I’ve had a lot of experience with anxiety myself, as well family members, close friends, clients, and acquaintances have shared their stories with me, helping me to put anxiety in a perspective that has helped me understand and recognize it. It might seem like it should be easy to recognize - but it's not always. There are so many layers and levels and expressions of stress and fear that each person experiences differently, and some of them are actually very subtle and easily attributed to other imbalances, like excessive thirst (adrenals), extreme shyness, insomnia, restlessness, butterflies in the stomach, etc.
I’m finding that among the younger generation, those in their teens and early twenties, anxiety is at epidemic proportion. This could be related to the weakening of genetics as we continue to pass adrenal weaknesses on to the next generation, (Dr. Morse speaks to this epidemic of younger people and adrenal weakness) or it could be due to the increased toxicity, environmental pollution, dietary insufficiency, or even quite simply we could say the younger generations known as the Indigos, Crystals, Rainbow and Golden children are simply more sensitive than those who came before them. This isn’t to say that there aren’t many of us in our middle years or later years that are also extremely sensitive and prone to anxiousness, in fact probably every family has a history of one or more members who were plagued with extreme sensitivity or even phobias. But certainly it seems quite prevalent in the youth. So what is the best approach to healing anxiety?
From my perspective the best approach to healing anxiety is a long-term holistic approach that works on resolving the cause while also addressing the symptoms, which can be debilitating. In fact it is very difficult to address the cause effectively if you are ignoring the symptoms, because anxiety is a self-perpetuating experience that progressively worsens when it’s not getting better.
So let's talk about addressing the symptoms while treating the cause. The root cause of anxiety is most often adrenal gland weakness. The adrenals produce our fight or flight hormones and work with the brain to create a biofeedback loop that determines how our body is reacting to stress in our environment, as well as stress within our bodies. For many anxiety sufferers it is like that switch is constantly set at Red Alert levels whether or not there is actual imminent danger. Another cause of anxiety is inflammation in the brain, especially there are certain glands and brain centers that represent stress and anxiety in a person.
1. Recognizing triggers and avoiding them - not all triggers can be avoided, and there are other ways to support yourself if you find it necessary to be in an environment that normally triggers anxiety. Those would include herbal and flower essence therapies, breath awareness,
Triggers you can avoid: Plenty of triggers actually can be avoided. Those include dietary triggers and other habits that you have acquired in order to deal with the anxiety. By this I mean we often use alcohol, cannabis, and unhealthy foods to mask anxiety symptoms. This will only get you so far. (I know) In fact, it is quite often the substances we are relying on to calm the anxiety that are Huge contributors, even causes of our problem. Many studies have been done on the affects of alcohol, caffeine, sugar, and even cannabis as triggers of adrenal gland stress. (more on this below)
2. Meditation - sitting quietly and counting your inhalations and exhalations while focusing on specific power centers in your body, like your belly or heart. Listening to relaxing music, especially binaural beats or music played in 532 hz. There are abundant sources on the internet for meditation techniques and music. Make a practice of sitting quietly each day. As well, when you feel anxiety symptoms start to manifest, one sit and meditate.
3. Nature - being in nature is the most effective way for me to calm anxiety. Fresh air, trees, even if you're not able to get into the forest, nature is always around you in one form or another. That could be a tree planted on the sidewalk, or a dandelion plant growing out of the sidewalk.
4. Change your environment. - If you are inside, go outside. Take a shower. Go to another room. I have found all of these to be effective.
3. Journal - Safe journaling is the practice of writing down everything you're feeling, even the unpleasant and seemingly unacceptable emotions, such as sadness, anger, rage, regret...remember, all of your thoughts and emotions are okay and safely expressed on paper. If you're not feeling like writing things down you can try speaking, chanting, or singing in a safe environment, ideally a place in nature where you won't be heard.
4. Talk about it - find someone like a counselor or friend with whom you feel safe and heard. Reach out to support groups in your community or online forums where people suffering this condition can come together and share. Understand there are far more people suffering from anxiety than let on.
5. Botanical remedies - Herbal formulas and flower essences are excellent ways of addressing anxiety. (More below)
6. Yoga and movement therapies - if you haven't tried this and you have anxiety...that's good news because this is one of the most effective ways of reducing and alleviating stress and anxiety. My favorite is Kundalini Yoga, but certainly try whatever you're drawn to - could be another style of yoga, dance, chi gong, tai chi...
7. Bodywork - Massage, Reiki, Acupressure, Acupuncture, Cranial-Sacral Therapies...any and all healing touch therapies are ways of resetting your brain chemistry. Soothing touch sends messages to the brain and nervous systems that All is Well, essentially resetting the negative feedback loop causing anxiety.
Not all of these will work all the time. That's why there are many options. If meditation doesn't do it, try going outside, if that doesn't work try taking a hot shower or bath. If that doesn't work, call up a loved one or friend you feel safe talking to.
I’m finding that among the younger generation, those in their teens and early twenties, anxiety is at epidemic proportion. This could be related to the weakening of genetics as we continue to pass adrenal weaknesses on to the next generation, (Dr. Morse speaks to this epidemic of younger people and adrenal weakness) or it could be due to the increased toxicity, environmental pollution, dietary insufficiency, or even quite simply we could say the younger generations known as the Indigos, Crystals, Rainbow and Golden children are simply more sensitive than those who came before them. This isn’t to say that there aren’t many of us in our middle years or later years that are also extremely sensitive and prone to anxiousness, in fact probably every family has a history of one or more members who were plagued with extreme sensitivity or even phobias. But certainly it seems quite prevalent in the youth. So what is the best approach to healing anxiety?
From my perspective the best approach to healing anxiety is a long-term holistic approach that works on resolving the cause while also addressing the symptoms, which can be debilitating. In fact it is very difficult to address the cause effectively if you are ignoring the symptoms, because anxiety is a self-perpetuating experience that progressively worsens when it’s not getting better.
So let's talk about addressing the symptoms while treating the cause. The root cause of anxiety is most often adrenal gland weakness. The adrenals produce our fight or flight hormones and work with the brain to create a biofeedback loop that determines how our body is reacting to stress in our environment, as well as stress within our bodies. For many anxiety sufferers it is like that switch is constantly set at Red Alert levels whether or not there is actual imminent danger. Another cause of anxiety is inflammation in the brain, especially there are certain glands and brain centers that represent stress and anxiety in a person.
1. Recognizing triggers and avoiding them - not all triggers can be avoided, and there are other ways to support yourself if you find it necessary to be in an environment that normally triggers anxiety. Those would include herbal and flower essence therapies, breath awareness,
Triggers you can avoid: Plenty of triggers actually can be avoided. Those include dietary triggers and other habits that you have acquired in order to deal with the anxiety. By this I mean we often use alcohol, cannabis, and unhealthy foods to mask anxiety symptoms. This will only get you so far. (I know) In fact, it is quite often the substances we are relying on to calm the anxiety that are Huge contributors, even causes of our problem. Many studies have been done on the affects of alcohol, caffeine, sugar, and even cannabis as triggers of adrenal gland stress. (more on this below)
2. Meditation - sitting quietly and counting your inhalations and exhalations while focusing on specific power centers in your body, like your belly or heart. Listening to relaxing music, especially binaural beats or music played in 532 hz. There are abundant sources on the internet for meditation techniques and music. Make a practice of sitting quietly each day. As well, when you feel anxiety symptoms start to manifest, one sit and meditate.
3. Nature - being in nature is the most effective way for me to calm anxiety. Fresh air, trees, even if you're not able to get into the forest, nature is always around you in one form or another. That could be a tree planted on the sidewalk, or a dandelion plant growing out of the sidewalk.
4. Change your environment. - If you are inside, go outside. Take a shower. Go to another room. I have found all of these to be effective.
3. Journal - Safe journaling is the practice of writing down everything you're feeling, even the unpleasant and seemingly unacceptable emotions, such as sadness, anger, rage, regret...remember, all of your thoughts and emotions are okay and safely expressed on paper. If you're not feeling like writing things down you can try speaking, chanting, or singing in a safe environment, ideally a place in nature where you won't be heard.
4. Talk about it - find someone like a counselor or friend with whom you feel safe and heard. Reach out to support groups in your community or online forums where people suffering this condition can come together and share. Understand there are far more people suffering from anxiety than let on.
5. Botanical remedies - Herbal formulas and flower essences are excellent ways of addressing anxiety. (More below)
6. Yoga and movement therapies - if you haven't tried this and you have anxiety...that's good news because this is one of the most effective ways of reducing and alleviating stress and anxiety. My favorite is Kundalini Yoga, but certainly try whatever you're drawn to - could be another style of yoga, dance, chi gong, tai chi...
7. Bodywork - Massage, Reiki, Acupressure, Acupuncture, Cranial-Sacral Therapies...any and all healing touch therapies are ways of resetting your brain chemistry. Soothing touch sends messages to the brain and nervous systems that All is Well, essentially resetting the negative feedback loop causing anxiety.
Not all of these will work all the time. That's why there are many options. If meditation doesn't do it, try going outside, if that doesn't work try taking a hot shower or bath. If that doesn't work, call up a loved one or friend you feel safe talking to.
As said, Anxiety is triggered in the brain, adrenal glands, and is closely connected to the health of the gut. Those are the three areas of the body that require your attention the most. I will discuss how to locate the source of your anxiety through Iridology below. For now, let's take a look at the long-term holistic approach to healing the source of your anxiety.
1. Cool and calm the brain and nervous system - Inflammation in the brain is caused by several factors - heavy metals and pathogens cause distress, dehydration, and inflammation in the brain tissues, as does adrenaline when it is pumped through the body. This condition needs to be reversed before a better brain chemistry/balance can be achieved. So how do you cool down the brain? FRUIT! Fruit is cooling, hydrating, and holds a high electrical charge that is of similar frequency to the brain and its corresponding chakras. So the cool, juicy, electrically charged fruits are exactly what calms, feeds, hydrates, and heals the brain.
2. Heal the adrenals - Alkalize and Detoxify through purification protocol so the lymphatic system can effectively remove the acids from all glands, organs, tissues, and cells. Once the lymphatic system, kidneys, and other channels of elimination are cleansed the acids will be removed from the brain as well as the entire body, including the adrenal glands.
3. Address the health of the gut; alkalize the digestive system with fruits, herbs, wild plants, and leafy greens; cleanse the colon and digestive tract.
1. Cool and calm the brain and nervous system - Inflammation in the brain is caused by several factors - heavy metals and pathogens cause distress, dehydration, and inflammation in the brain tissues, as does adrenaline when it is pumped through the body. This condition needs to be reversed before a better brain chemistry/balance can be achieved. So how do you cool down the brain? FRUIT! Fruit is cooling, hydrating, and holds a high electrical charge that is of similar frequency to the brain and its corresponding chakras. So the cool, juicy, electrically charged fruits are exactly what calms, feeds, hydrates, and heals the brain.
2. Heal the adrenals - Alkalize and Detoxify through purification protocol so the lymphatic system can effectively remove the acids from all glands, organs, tissues, and cells. Once the lymphatic system, kidneys, and other channels of elimination are cleansed the acids will be removed from the brain as well as the entire body, including the adrenal glands.
3. Address the health of the gut; alkalize the digestive system with fruits, herbs, wild plants, and leafy greens; cleanse the colon and digestive tract.
Anxiety - As Seen in the Iris
1. Inflammation in the Head and Brain
2. Radii Solaris cutting through the ANW
3. Radii Solaris in the Head and Brain area, especially the Anxiety Brain Zone
4. Acute, Sub-Acute, and Chronic Adrenal Glands
5. Anxiety/Adrenal Radial - This Radial suggests the cause of over-stimulation of adreanal response that eventually leads to exhaustion and hypofunction. Constant worry, fear, or stress vigilance keep the adrenals in constant fight/flight freeze, the the SNS dominant and the PNS unable to rest, rejuvenate, and relax the body's organs and systems that over-function during excess SNS activity. (Sharan)
6. Dark ANW
2. Radii Solaris cutting through the ANW
3. Radii Solaris in the Head and Brain area, especially the Anxiety Brain Zone
4. Acute, Sub-Acute, and Chronic Adrenal Glands
5. Anxiety/Adrenal Radial - This Radial suggests the cause of over-stimulation of adreanal response that eventually leads to exhaustion and hypofunction. Constant worry, fear, or stress vigilance keep the adrenals in constant fight/flight freeze, the the SNS dominant and the PNS unable to rest, rejuvenate, and relax the body's organs and systems that over-function during excess SNS activity. (Sharan)
6. Dark ANW
Botanical Allies
There are a dozen or more plants that assist in reducing the affects anxiety has on the body. These plants come in different categories as they address different aspects and causes of anxiety:
- Adaptogens – Adaptogens affect the adrenal glands by adapting the body to stress while exerting a normalizing effect on bodily processes. Ashwaganda, rhodiola, Holy Basil are the three main adaptogen herbs used to balance the adrenal glands. That’s right, adaptogens can either inspire the adrenals to “calm down” or “wake up” the adrenal glands. That’s why some people react differently to adaptogens. For some Ashwaganda provides energy (in fact in Ayurveda Ashwaganda is named after “the sweat/power of 1,000 horses) and for others (myself included) Ashwaganda helps calm the adrenals, reducing anxiety and inducing a more relaxed state of body, mind, and spirit.
- Nervines – Nervines such as Valerian, Scullcap, and calm the nervous system. Nervines are herbs that have a marked influence on the nervous system. Nervines can be divided into three categories to sum up their main actions:
a. Tonic Nervines: These nervines strengthen and nourish the whole nervous system. Adaptogens often fit in this category in a broad sense, but so do herbs like milky oats, bacopa, and vervain that are more narrowly classed as nervines. Tonic nervines can be a great resource either used on their own or as part of a formula to support balance and health of the nervous system.
b. Relaxant Nervines - The relaxant category of nervines are calming. This can range from a mild influence to a strong one depending on the herb or the amount used. Some relaxant nervines promote calm focus and concentration, others might make you drowsy. Nervines with stronger calming action may be called sedative nervines. Hypnotics are another division of relaxant nervines that are known for supporting healthy sleep. They can also vary from mild to quite potent.
b. Stimulant Nervines - Coffee, tea, and guarana are three examples of nervines that are the opposite of relaxant. Rather than settle the nervous system and free up tension that might be blocking nervous system function, these herbs give a jolt of energy and alertness as they rev up the nervous system.
St. John’s Wort - Saint John’s wort became a popular urban research suggested it could be helpful for mild to moderate depression. It is indeed helpful for some cases of depression, especially those accompanied by anxiety, but the herb has many other valuable properties. It is a nervine herb that helps to regulate the solar plexus, which are the nerves that regulate digestion. It can be helpful for insomnia, fear, nerve pain, and nerve damage. It stimulates nerve regeneration and repair and helps heal wounds.
Properties: Anti-depressant, antiseptic, antiviral, digestive tonic, nervine, and vulnerary.
Valerian - A strong nervine and non-narcotic sedative; Aids in anxiety (adrenals), nervous tension, muscle spasms, epileptic seizures and depression (thyroid); Said to be somewhat of a cardiac tonic— helps regulate heart palpitations; Helps in hyperactivity; Helps reduce high blood pressure from stress and tension; Helps strengthen brain and nerve tissues; Aids in colic conditions, gas and indigestion from nervous stomach.
Skullcap - American skullcap has been shown to boost mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety. A study of 43 people found that those who received 1,050 mg of American skullcap daily for 2 weeks reported significant enhancements in mood compared to a placebo group. It’s thought that American skullcap positively impacts mood and reduces anxiety by stimulating gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that helps calm nerves.
Notably, this plant was used in traditional medicine practices as a sedative and treatment for conditions like and anxiety.
In fact, many anti-anxiety medications work similarly by enhancing GABA activity.
Some test-tube studies suggest that American skullcap may have neuroprotective properties, (3)
California Poppy: California poppy is in the same family as the opium poppy and has mild sedative and analgesic properties, but is not narcotic. It helps to normalize nervous system function to ease nervous tension, anxiety, insomnia, and pain internal and external. It has an affinity for GABA receptors in the brain, calming the mind without depressing the central nervous system. Properties : analgesic, sedative, and soporific (hypnotic).
Dragon Bone: Known as long gu in traditional Chinese medicine, Dragon Bone is the fossilized bones of prehistoric animals such as mastodon, hairy rhinoceros, hipparion, deer and oxen. The bones are cooked and ground into a powder, which are then combined with complimentary herbs such as bupleurum, skullcap, and licorice root to create a supplement. Dragon bone is utilized for its rich mineral content, which includes calcium, potassium, sodium and trace elements. These minerals help support structural tissues such as teeth and bones, and promote an alkaline pH in the body. They also help to remedy conditions affected by mineral deficiencies such as heart palpitations, restless leg syndrome and headaches. Most relevant to this discussion is the use of Dragon bone for its ability to calm the spirit, while relaxing the nerves. It does this by opening up the heart and liver meridians, and stabilizing mood. It can be used as a mild sedative to reduce stress, anxiety, irritability and acute anger and can be helpful in cases of insomnia, tension and manic behavior. It has also proven effective for addictive/compulsive behavior, easing symptoms of withdrawal, and improving willpower when paired with the herb bupleurum.
Ashwagandha: An important herb from Ayurvedic medicine, Ashwagandha is a nervine and adrenal tonic that helps anxiety, depression, exhaustion, and poor muscle tone. It is adaptogenic and reduces the effects of stress while promoting energy and vitality. It is used as a supporting herb for recovery from debilitating diseases. It is effective for treating sexual dysfunction caused by stress. It is also an effective anti-inflammatory that can relieve symptoms associated with arthritis pain. Ashwagandha helps boost the conversion of T4 for (the thyroid storage hormone) to T3 (the active thyroid hormone). Properties adaptogen, anti-inflammatory anti-depressant, and nervine.
Lemon balm: Lemon balm is an aromatic with a lemony scent and a mild astringent action. It is useful for many acute ailments such as colds, digestive upset, and flu. It is used in combination with bugleweed to calm an overactive thyroid. It is helpful for nervousness that affects the heart and digestion. Lemon balm is a locally acting antiviral, used in topical applications for cold sores and shingles. It helps to ease sadness and depression, calm mania and hysteria, enhance sleep, and aid memory and concentration.
Properties: Nervine, anti-depressant, hepatic
Lavender: a relaxing Irvine that eases tension and anxiety. It is a specific for high strung, nervous people who need to relax. It lifts mood and as mildly anti-depressant. Lavender has a mild analgesic effect and can ease headaches and migraines when taken or applied (as an essential oil) soon after onset.
Chamomile: Chamomile is a mild sedative and a good gastric anti inflammatory. It calms the nerves, settles the stomach, and helps to expel gas. This is an excellent nervine agent, especially for children.
Properties: anti spasmodic, aromatic, carminative, diaphoretic, digestive tonic, and nervine.
Properties: Anti-depressant, antiseptic, antiviral, digestive tonic, nervine, and vulnerary.
Valerian - A strong nervine and non-narcotic sedative; Aids in anxiety (adrenals), nervous tension, muscle spasms, epileptic seizures and depression (thyroid); Said to be somewhat of a cardiac tonic— helps regulate heart palpitations; Helps in hyperactivity; Helps reduce high blood pressure from stress and tension; Helps strengthen brain and nerve tissues; Aids in colic conditions, gas and indigestion from nervous stomach.
Skullcap - American skullcap has been shown to boost mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety. A study of 43 people found that those who received 1,050 mg of American skullcap daily for 2 weeks reported significant enhancements in mood compared to a placebo group. It’s thought that American skullcap positively impacts mood and reduces anxiety by stimulating gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a neurotransmitter that helps calm nerves.
Notably, this plant was used in traditional medicine practices as a sedative and treatment for conditions like and anxiety.
In fact, many anti-anxiety medications work similarly by enhancing GABA activity.
Some test-tube studies suggest that American skullcap may have neuroprotective properties, (3)
California Poppy: California poppy is in the same family as the opium poppy and has mild sedative and analgesic properties, but is not narcotic. It helps to normalize nervous system function to ease nervous tension, anxiety, insomnia, and pain internal and external. It has an affinity for GABA receptors in the brain, calming the mind without depressing the central nervous system. Properties : analgesic, sedative, and soporific (hypnotic).
Dragon Bone: Known as long gu in traditional Chinese medicine, Dragon Bone is the fossilized bones of prehistoric animals such as mastodon, hairy rhinoceros, hipparion, deer and oxen. The bones are cooked and ground into a powder, which are then combined with complimentary herbs such as bupleurum, skullcap, and licorice root to create a supplement. Dragon bone is utilized for its rich mineral content, which includes calcium, potassium, sodium and trace elements. These minerals help support structural tissues such as teeth and bones, and promote an alkaline pH in the body. They also help to remedy conditions affected by mineral deficiencies such as heart palpitations, restless leg syndrome and headaches. Most relevant to this discussion is the use of Dragon bone for its ability to calm the spirit, while relaxing the nerves. It does this by opening up the heart and liver meridians, and stabilizing mood. It can be used as a mild sedative to reduce stress, anxiety, irritability and acute anger and can be helpful in cases of insomnia, tension and manic behavior. It has also proven effective for addictive/compulsive behavior, easing symptoms of withdrawal, and improving willpower when paired with the herb bupleurum.
Ashwagandha: An important herb from Ayurvedic medicine, Ashwagandha is a nervine and adrenal tonic that helps anxiety, depression, exhaustion, and poor muscle tone. It is adaptogenic and reduces the effects of stress while promoting energy and vitality. It is used as a supporting herb for recovery from debilitating diseases. It is effective for treating sexual dysfunction caused by stress. It is also an effective anti-inflammatory that can relieve symptoms associated with arthritis pain. Ashwagandha helps boost the conversion of T4 for (the thyroid storage hormone) to T3 (the active thyroid hormone). Properties adaptogen, anti-inflammatory anti-depressant, and nervine.
Lemon balm: Lemon balm is an aromatic with a lemony scent and a mild astringent action. It is useful for many acute ailments such as colds, digestive upset, and flu. It is used in combination with bugleweed to calm an overactive thyroid. It is helpful for nervousness that affects the heart and digestion. Lemon balm is a locally acting antiviral, used in topical applications for cold sores and shingles. It helps to ease sadness and depression, calm mania and hysteria, enhance sleep, and aid memory and concentration.
Properties: Nervine, anti-depressant, hepatic
Lavender: a relaxing Irvine that eases tension and anxiety. It is a specific for high strung, nervous people who need to relax. It lifts mood and as mildly anti-depressant. Lavender has a mild analgesic effect and can ease headaches and migraines when taken or applied (as an essential oil) soon after onset.
Chamomile: Chamomile is a mild sedative and a good gastric anti inflammatory. It calms the nerves, settles the stomach, and helps to expel gas. This is an excellent nervine agent, especially for children.
Properties: anti spasmodic, aromatic, carminative, diaphoretic, digestive tonic, and nervine.
What to Avoid
Those suffering from anxiety may want to look at eliminating or reducing certain foods, such as processed food, sugar, gluten, and caffeine - to name a few - from their diet. Research is showing strong evidence that the reduction/elimination of certain foods and substances can affect the intensity and frequency of anxiety related symptoms and disorders. Substances that cause or contribute to anxiety include caffeine, cannabis, and alcohol.
1. Caffeine
Caffeine is a notorious nemesis in sleep and anxiety disorders. In a recent study of people with panic disorder, caffeine increased stress hormone levels in all participants and triggered panic attacks in about half of them. Caffeine keeps you awake by blocking sleep-promoting adenosine receptors in the brain. Even five hours after drinking caffeine, 50% of it remains in your bloodstream and has been shown to impair sleep. In fact, it takes a staggering 16 to 24 hours for caffeine to completely leave your system. This means that even a single morning cup of coffee may affect your sleep quality at night. To see if caffeine is your culprit, gradually cut back a little each day rather than going cold turkey to minimize withdrawal headaches, fatigue, and concentration problems.
2. Nightshades (potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, peppers)
Plants in the nightshade family produce natural pesticides called glycoalkaloids, which are designed to kill predators like insects and worms, but are also toxic to human cells. These cunning chemical weapons block the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, resulting in overstimulation of the nervous system in sensitive individuals. Anxiety is just one of many neuropsychiatric side effects documented in humans. Common nightshade ingredients in prepared foods include potato starch, chilies, bell peppers, tomato paste, paprika, red pepper flakes and cayenne. Most people eat nightshades in some form every day, so glycoalkaloids may accumulate in your system over time. It takes at least five days for glycoalkaloids to clear your system, so you’ll need to remove these foods completely for a week or longer to see if they are bothering you.
3. Alcohol
Alcohol can be very effective in relaxing you and helping you fall asleep. However, as alcohol starts to wear off in the middle of the night, sleep quality suffers significantly. Metabolism varies depending on age, gender, genetic background and other factors, but the primary predictor of how long alcohol remains in your bloodstream is quantity. On average, each “drink” (1.5-oz shot, 12-oz beer, or 5-oz wine) takes two hours to clear your system: two drinks—four hours, three drinks—six hours, etc. As alcohol wears off, "mini-withdrawal" effects can range from restless sleep to bad dreams to full-blown panic attacks. If you're in the habit of drinking every evening, cut back gradually to minimize potential for withdrawal, which can temporarily worsen sleep and anxiety problems.
4. Aged, fermented, cured, smoked, and cultured foods (salami, cheese, sauerkraut, red wine, etc.).
The way to turn a fresh whole food like beef, milk, grapes, or cabbage into a gourmet food like aged steak, brie, merlot, or kimchi is to add bacteria to it and let it ferment. During fermentation, bacteria break down food proteins into tiny molecules called biogenic amines, which accumulate as the food ages. The most important biogenic amine found lurking within aged foods is histamine, a powerful neurotransmitter that can aggravate our digestive, hormonal, cardiovascular, and nervous systems. Histamine causes anxiety and insomnia in susceptible individuals, partly through its ability to increase levels of adrenaline, our "fight-or-flight" hormone. Histamine is indestructible, so cooking and freezing don't help.
5. Sugar, Flour, and other Refined Carbohydrates
All sugars and starches, except those that come in the form of a natural whole food like a piece of fruit or a sweet potato, are considered refined carbs.
Popular breakfast foods like orange juice, sweet yogurts, and most cereals are rich in refined carbohydrates that start your day with a blood sugar spike, setting into motion a hormonal reaction that can change your mood, energy, concentration, and appetite for hours. After insulin surges to bring your blood sugar down, the stress hormone cortisol and adrenaline rush in to prevent your blood sugar from crashing. Since most people eat refined carbohydrates like bread, chips, or noodles during lunch and dinner as well, they are essentially riding this invisible roller coaster 24 hours a day.
In this study, a single serving of a glucose-sweetened beverage caused adrenaline levels to double in adults and quadruple in children, not peaking until four hours after the drink was consumed.
Adrenaline causes panic symptoms like sweating, lightheadedness, and palpitations in sensitive people. These sensations are often mistaken for “hypoglycemia” (low blood glucose) even though in most cases, blood glucose doesn’t fall below normal.
1. Caffeine
Caffeine is a notorious nemesis in sleep and anxiety disorders. In a recent study of people with panic disorder, caffeine increased stress hormone levels in all participants and triggered panic attacks in about half of them. Caffeine keeps you awake by blocking sleep-promoting adenosine receptors in the brain. Even five hours after drinking caffeine, 50% of it remains in your bloodstream and has been shown to impair sleep. In fact, it takes a staggering 16 to 24 hours for caffeine to completely leave your system. This means that even a single morning cup of coffee may affect your sleep quality at night. To see if caffeine is your culprit, gradually cut back a little each day rather than going cold turkey to minimize withdrawal headaches, fatigue, and concentration problems.
2. Nightshades (potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant, peppers)
Plants in the nightshade family produce natural pesticides called glycoalkaloids, which are designed to kill predators like insects and worms, but are also toxic to human cells. These cunning chemical weapons block the enzyme acetylcholinesterase, resulting in overstimulation of the nervous system in sensitive individuals. Anxiety is just one of many neuropsychiatric side effects documented in humans. Common nightshade ingredients in prepared foods include potato starch, chilies, bell peppers, tomato paste, paprika, red pepper flakes and cayenne. Most people eat nightshades in some form every day, so glycoalkaloids may accumulate in your system over time. It takes at least five days for glycoalkaloids to clear your system, so you’ll need to remove these foods completely for a week or longer to see if they are bothering you.
3. Alcohol
Alcohol can be very effective in relaxing you and helping you fall asleep. However, as alcohol starts to wear off in the middle of the night, sleep quality suffers significantly. Metabolism varies depending on age, gender, genetic background and other factors, but the primary predictor of how long alcohol remains in your bloodstream is quantity. On average, each “drink” (1.5-oz shot, 12-oz beer, or 5-oz wine) takes two hours to clear your system: two drinks—four hours, three drinks—six hours, etc. As alcohol wears off, "mini-withdrawal" effects can range from restless sleep to bad dreams to full-blown panic attacks. If you're in the habit of drinking every evening, cut back gradually to minimize potential for withdrawal, which can temporarily worsen sleep and anxiety problems.
4. Aged, fermented, cured, smoked, and cultured foods (salami, cheese, sauerkraut, red wine, etc.).
The way to turn a fresh whole food like beef, milk, grapes, or cabbage into a gourmet food like aged steak, brie, merlot, or kimchi is to add bacteria to it and let it ferment. During fermentation, bacteria break down food proteins into tiny molecules called biogenic amines, which accumulate as the food ages. The most important biogenic amine found lurking within aged foods is histamine, a powerful neurotransmitter that can aggravate our digestive, hormonal, cardiovascular, and nervous systems. Histamine causes anxiety and insomnia in susceptible individuals, partly through its ability to increase levels of adrenaline, our "fight-or-flight" hormone. Histamine is indestructible, so cooking and freezing don't help.
5. Sugar, Flour, and other Refined Carbohydrates
All sugars and starches, except those that come in the form of a natural whole food like a piece of fruit or a sweet potato, are considered refined carbs.
Popular breakfast foods like orange juice, sweet yogurts, and most cereals are rich in refined carbohydrates that start your day with a blood sugar spike, setting into motion a hormonal reaction that can change your mood, energy, concentration, and appetite for hours. After insulin surges to bring your blood sugar down, the stress hormone cortisol and adrenaline rush in to prevent your blood sugar from crashing. Since most people eat refined carbohydrates like bread, chips, or noodles during lunch and dinner as well, they are essentially riding this invisible roller coaster 24 hours a day.
In this study, a single serving of a glucose-sweetened beverage caused adrenaline levels to double in adults and quadruple in children, not peaking until four hours after the drink was consumed.
Adrenaline causes panic symptoms like sweating, lightheadedness, and palpitations in sensitive people. These sensations are often mistaken for “hypoglycemia” (low blood glucose) even though in most cases, blood glucose doesn’t fall below normal.
Resources & Recommended
Additional Sources Cited:
(1) https://avivaromm.com/adrenal-anxiety-connection/
(2) https://www.himalayaninstitute.org/wisdom-library/manipura-chakra-nexus-of-body-mind/
(3) https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/skullcap#benefits
(1) https://avivaromm.com/adrenal-anxiety-connection/
(2) https://www.himalayaninstitute.org/wisdom-library/manipura-chakra-nexus-of-body-mind/
(3) https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/skullcap#benefits