A Restorative Nerve Tonic

In the Therapeutic Herb Manual by Ed Smith, also known as "Herbal Ed", a blend of liquid extracts as a restorative nerve tonic is suggested as follows: Skullcap flowering herb (Scutlellaria lateriflora) 25%, Oat milky seed (IAvena sativa) 25%, St. John's Wort flowering top (Hypericum perforatum) 20%, Celery seed (Apium graveolens) 15%, Lavender flower (Lavandula angustifolia) 15%. This compound has a mild sedative action. However, it primarily serves as a restorative tonic to the entire nervous system. This compound is specific for neurasthenia (nervous exhaustion) and nerve weakness resulting from prolonged illness or stress. It can be helpful for depression, jittery nerves, restlessness and mental fatigue, and drug withdrawal. The suggested dose is two to five times daily, 30 to 40 drops in water. For optimal results it is suggested this be taken for 1 to 3 months. 

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Arginine For Anxiety

Kathi J. Kemper has reported in her text "Mental Health, Naturally" that preliminary studies suggest that a combination L-lysine and L-arginine may decrease anxiety in the face of stress. A Japanese study showed that giving supplements containing L-arginine and L-lysine reduced anxiety, stress hormone levels and cortisol levels in adults who reported high levels of stress and anxiety.

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Swimming Is Good For Your Mental Health

Getting in the pool is the perfect way to unwind after a busy day, with most swimmers agreeing that swimming helps release stress and tension. Swimming also shows up as the 'feel good' exercise, with many swimmers saying that being in the water helps them to feel good about themselves. Furthermore, many swimmers agree that swimming can have a positive mental impact and that it helps them feel mentally refreshed.

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Good Food is Good for Your Mood

 There has been a growing awareness of the vital significance of good nutrition for the optimal functioning of the human brain. Chocolate, strawberries, blueberries, and teas among others foods have been shown to help comfort the human mind.

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Coconut Water is a Good Sports Drink:

 Chhandashri Bhattacharya, Ph.D, who presented a report on an analysis of coconut water to the American Chemical Society, has said “Coconut water is a natural drink that has everything your average sports drink has and more. It has five times more potassium than Gatorade or Powerade. Whenever you get cramps in your muscles, potassium will help you to get rid of the cramps. It’s a healthy drink that replenishes the nutrients that your body has lost during a moderate workout.”

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Cereal Is Generally A Good Way To Start The Day

Cereals are often fortified with vitamins and minerals, including the B vitamins and iron, which assist with energy production. Cereals also provide glucose, which is the primary fuel for the brain, while the milk which is poured over cereals is a great source of calcium, B-group vitamins, zinc and magnesium. It is a good idea to also add protein to breakfast. Protein rich foods such as eggs, milk, yogurt, beans and fish help fire the brain up in the morning. (Source: The primary source for this information is "Brain Foods for Kids" by Nicola Graimes.)

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Fruits and Vegetables Are Good For Brain Health

Fruits and vegetables provide an enormous amount of  brain nutrients, particularly antioxidants and phytochemicals, which are a group of natural substances that have a wide range of therapeutic properties. There are also a wide range of vitamins and minerals in fruits and vegetables which have been associated with improved IQ levels in kids. At least three portions of fruit and two portions of vegetables daily are suggested. (Source: "Brain Foods for Kids" by Nicola Graimes)

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Food Coloring Can Set Off Symptoms of ADHD

The orange food coloring tartrazine (E102) is one of many additives which has been known to influence behavior and possibly trigger the symptoms of ADHD. Others include Sunset Yellow (E110), Erythrosine (E127), Sodium benzoate (E211), Benzoic acid (E219), Carmoisine (122), and Ponceau 4R (E124). BHA (E320) and BHT (E321) have also been associated with problems. Many children respond positively to the elimination of all food dyes and additives in their diet. (Source: "Brain Foods for Kids" by Nicola Graimes)

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Dehydration Undermines Normal Brain Function in Kids

Children in particular often do not drink enough fluids, particularly when they are in school. However, good hydration is as important for concentration, clarity of thought and energy as a good balanced diet. It has been estimated that a 2% loss in body fluids can cause a 20% reduction in both physical and mental performance. If you do not drink enough fluids you may experience headaches, lethargy, poor concentration, and constipation. Children, and adults, should drink a lot of filtered or bottled water and diluted fruit juice or milk daily. Carbonated sugary drinks should be avoided.
(Source: "Brain Foods for Kids" by Nicola Graimes)
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Packaged and Prepared Foods Can Devastate Mental Health

You should try to avoid foods with high amounts of sugar, saturated and hydrogenated (trans) fats, colorings, additives, flavorings, preservatives and artificial sweeteners, many of which have been linked to behavioral problems, hyperactivity and food allergies in children. Fish fingers, chikcen nuggets and beef burgers which are very popular with children are highly processed and are likely to contain substantial amounts of fat, salt, colorings, and additives. You should try to choose fish without batter or breadcrumbs which are generally loaded with colorings, preservatives, fat and cheap fillers. And try to buy pizza which is made with all natural ingredients. (Source: "Brain Foods for Kids" by Nicola Graimes)

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Heavy Metal Intoxication Undermines Brain Health

Heavy metals such as lead, mercury, cadmium, and aluminum can accumulate in the brain and have been found to be linked to reduced intelligence, concentration, memory, and impulse control. Mercury fillings have also been found to be linked to brain toxicity. Foods which are rich in zinc and selenium have been shown to detoxify heavy metals in the body.
(Source: "Brain Foods for Kids" by Nicola Graimes)

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Nuts and Seeds Are Good for Brain Health

A handful of nuts and seeds can increase levels of B vitamins, iron, magnesium, calcium, zinc, and omega-6 essential fatty acids. which are all important nutrients for brain function and energy production. Nicola Graimes writes in "Brain Foods for Kids" that children who are lacking in the B vitamins may feel tired, lethargic and have trouble maintaining concentration. In Chinese medicine, walnuts are known as the "longevity fruit" and are an excellent brain food since they contain both omega-3 and omega-6 essential fatty acids. Pumpkin seeds also contain both types of EFAs. Almonds, cashews, and hazelnuts are a good source of B vitamins. Unsalted fresh nuts are of course best. (Source: "Brain Foods for Kids" by Nicola Graimes)

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Bisphenol A (BPA) Can Damage Nerve Cells and Cause Behavior Problems

BPA has been widely used to make plastics such as clear, tough, light polycarbonate water bottles and baby bottles. BPA is also used in plastic storage containers, plastic utensils, and some dental sealants. The epoxy resins which line the inside of food and beverage cans also contain BPA. BPA can damage nerve cells and cause behavior problems. (Source: "Brain Foods for Kids" by Nicola Graimes)

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Vitamin E and Mental Health

Research shows vitamin E deficiency is associated with brain and nervous system problems, including balance, weakness, damage to the retina and peripheral neuropathy. These symptoms appear more quickly in infants and children than in adults. Kathi J. Kemper reports in her text Mental Health, Naturally that more research is needed to explore the role of supplemental vitamin E to support positive moods, sense of calm, emotional health, concentration, and focus. It nevertheless makes sense to avoid deficiencies that could compromise optimal brain function, while research continues into the value of megadoses of vitamin E for mental health. Good dietary sources of vitamin E are vegetable oils, nuts, sunflower seeds, whole grains, wheat germ, and leafy green vegetables.

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Nutritional Deficiencies As A Cause of Depression

It is written in the book "Food & Nutrition" by the Prevention Magazine writers that many nutritional deficiencies have depression as a symptom. However, psychiatrists and other physicians treating depression usually do not test for nutritional deficiencies. Natural mental health care oriented physicians who do consider nutritional deficiencies as a factor in depression suggest that nutritional deficiencies should be a consideration with depression especially if you also have fatigue, muscle weakness or irritability. Deficiencies in folate, vitamin B12, vitamin C, iron, magnesium, and potassium have been associated with depression. Studies have also suggested that cutting down caffeine, sugar, and refined carbohydrates can improve mood in some depressed people.
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Iron Deficiency In Kids Is Associated With ADHD Symptoms

Kathi J. Kemper has written in her book "Mental Health, Naturally" that iron deficiency in school aged children is strongly associated with symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). In a French study it was found that 84% of children diagnosed with ADHD had low iron levels, whereas less than 20% of children without ADHD had low iron levels. Iron deficiency generally arises from insufficient dietary iron intake or excessive losses. Good dietary sources of iron are oysters, tofu, meats, fish, raisins, poultry, eggs, peas, beans, tuna, spinach, dandelion greens, whole grain bread, and fortified cereal. 

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Foods Can Enhance Sleep

It is important to sleep well in for your mental health and achieving this without drugs with their myriad of side effects is best. Dr. Robert A. Anderson has written in "Clinician's Guide to Holistic Medicine" that many foods can enhance sleep.  Foods which enhance sleep have high tryptophan/tyrosine and tryptophan/phenylalanine ratios. Such sleep enhancing foods include pumpkins, bananas, potatoes, onions, spinach, brocolli, cauliflower, eggs, fish, liver, milk, peanuts, cheddar cheese, whole grains, beans, and cottage cheese.  

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DHEA For Improved Mood

Kathi J. Kemper has written on DHEA and mood in her book "Mental Health, Naturally". DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a human hormone which is made from cholesterol and secreted by the adrenal gland. Production in the human body peaks in the 20s and drops after age 30. DHEA binds to calming and exciting receptors in the brain. Sometimes older adults take DHEA supplements to improve their memory, a sense of vitality, and to promote positive moods. Scientific evidence seems to support the use of DHEA to promote postive moods in adults with depression. There can be adverse side effects with DHEA so it should only be used carefully and discontinued if side effects occur.

How Sunshine Makes Us Happy

Kathi J. Kemper has written on how sunshine makes us happy in her book "Mental Health, Naturally". Daytime melatonin production is suppressed by bright light which also normalizes circadian rhythms. By restoring the internal rhythms of the body, including daily variations in sleepinesss, appetite, activity, temperature, blood pressure, and other physiologic functions, mental and physical health are nurtured. Also variations in light levels are associated with variations in serotonin levels. Serotonin is known as the happiness hormone. During the winter months when light is scacre serotonin levels are scarce.

Alcohol Abuse Devastates Mental Health

Rita Elkins has written in her book "Depression and Natural Medicine" that alcohol may very well be the most devastating substance in our societies repertoire of drugs and chemicals. Alcoholism is the number one health problem in the United States and the third leading cause of death. Alcohol drains our society financially, physically, and emotionally. Alcohol can set off unstable moods. And alcohol consumed in large amounts causes the development of deficiencies of B vitamins, vitamin C and folic acid. Vital minerals such as zinc, calcium, and magnesium are also depleted with excessive use of alcohol. Drinking too much is simply hazardous for your physical and mental health.

Herbs For Anxiety

Dr. Robert. A. Anderson discusses herbal treatments for anxiety in his book "Clinician's Guige to Holistivc Medicine." Anxiety is a universally experienced emotion which is thought to effect 15 million Americans. Kava Kava is an herb which has been used by indigenous people to treat anxiety. Kava kava is an anxiolytic and hypnotic in doses of 250mg t.i.d. Due to possible side effects long-term use is discouraged and treatment with Kava kava should be limited to 4 months at a time. Valerian is a favored herbal remedy for anxiety. However, again long-term effects are not well researched and so short time use is suggested. 150 mg t.i.d. is suggested for daytime anxiety and for sleep 150 mg 45 minutes before going to sleep.