Memory & Nerves Our brain contains approximately 10 billion nerve cells. Each single cell can enter into contact with many thousand others. For signal transmission a nerve impulse moves as an electrical stimulus at a speed of up to 400 km/h along a nerve cell. When it reaches a contact point between nerve cells, neurotransmitters are released. These bridge the distance between the cells and thus carry the nerve impulse forward. An imbalance in the neurotransmitters can lead to a variety of medical conditions such as depression or Parkinson’s disease.
Memory & Nerves
Memory & concentration Our brain is continuously active and while it represents only 2% of bodyweight it accounts for 20% of the body’s total oxygen consumption!
Information overload and increasing demands to perform push this highest of control centres to the limits. The consequence is the appearance of aging-related conditions with symptoms such as declining concentration capacity and weak memory. From the beginning of time monks in ancient China used the leaves of the ginkgo tree (Ginkgo biloba) to ensure longevity and mental capacity. Today’s performance-driven European and North American can also benefit from its active ingredients.
A.Vogel recommends: Ginkgo biloba, the ginkgo tree leaf, optimizes brain function and improves cerebral oxygen supply and consumption. Memory, alertness and concentration capacity are clearly enhanced.
Mood Disorders Depressive moods are familiar to everyone, and nowadays over 15% of the world’s population require medical treatment because of depression. St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is a plant that has been used for its mood brightening effect since antiquity brings light into the darkness of the soul. Complex mechanisms enable it to regulate the neurotransmitter interaction which is imbalanced in the case of depression.
A.Vogel recommends:
In addition to the healing power of St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum), benefit from the mood lifting effect of bright colours and banish dull and dark colour tones from your closet and, where possible, from your sight.
Avoid meat, eat plenty of fresh fruit and ensure that you a have a sufficient intake of magnesium.
Also beneficial is anything that contributes to healthy lungs, such as daily exercise and to stop smoking.
Anxiety Anxiety can have varied causes and symptoms. The most frequent triggers are fear, insecurity, haste and hurry both at work and in daily activities. Correcting the situation is, once again, the best path. Plants are a source of support.
A.Vogel recommends:
Anxiety accompanied by heart palpitations: passionflower (Passiflora incarnata).
Anxiety accompanied by cramps: butterbur (Petasites hybridus).
Anxiety accompanied by stomach troubles: lemon balm (Mellissa officinalis).
Fortifying the nervous system Nowadays many people occasionally have the feeling that their nerves are “frayed.” The over-stimulation of everyday life takes its toll on the nervous system.
A.Vogel recommends:
Green oat (Avena sativa) harvested during blossoming aids in restoring one’s nerves.
Ginseng (Panax ginseng) fortifies the nerves and the whole body as well as improving mental capacities.
Opt for wholegrain cereal products. Valuable nerve building substances contained in wholegrain are lost in the processing of white flour.
Natural lecithin made from organic soy serves to build nerve tissue.
Set time aside for relaxing hobbies that don’t involve TV, noise or a frantic pace.
Stress management Stress results from the body’s reaction to unusual stimuli such as infections, wounds, cold or heat discomfort, loud noises as well as psychological strain. The body reacts in varied ways to the stimuli by, among other things, increasing the level of stress hormones such as adrenalin and cortisol. Stress becomes a problem when it becomes a long-term condition. Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) acts as an adaptogen, i.e. it helps the body to better adapt to stressful circumstances.
A. Vogel recommends:
Siberian ginseng (Eleutherococcus senticosus) acts as an adaptogen, i.e. it helps the body to better adapt to stressful circumstances.
Ginseng (Panax ginseng) fortifies nerves and the body in general and improves mental and bodily capacities.
Be proactive in the face of stress by:
Set relaxation time aside on a daily basis
Avoid social drugs, including coffee and nicotine.
Regularly provide for slack time in your activity calendar.
Deal with conflicts as soon as possible rather than ignoring them.
Exhaustion & Fatigue Nowadays exhaustion is a part of many people’s lives. In the long run this leads to a greater depletion of energy, vitamins and minerals than are taken back in. The deficiency is often the result of too little sleep, unvaried and irregular nutrition and lack of exercise, which activates cell metabolism and thereby eliminates metabolic products.
A.Vogel recommends:
Ginseng can restore vitality.
In the case of iodine deficiency the sea algae kelp (Macrocystis pyrifera) can help to activate metabolic and vital processes.
Try to include fresh food rich in vital substances and opt for germ buds and sprouts.
Preferably go to bed before midnight and get plenty of sleep.
Sleeping Disorders Difficulties in falling and staying asleep are a typical of our bustling times. The incapacity to switch off in the evening and leave one’s workday worries behind are the main cause of sleep disorders. It is essential to have a transition point between daily activities and nighttime relaxation. This can be carried out through a nightly footbath, bedtime tea or a relaxation exercise.
A.Vogel recommends: Avoid:
Alcohol as a sleeping aid: it may accelerate the process of falling asleep but it makes for an unrefreshing and disruptful sleep.
Inactivity during the day, since it can lead to sleep disorders.
Light, which can hamper sleep even if the eyelids are closed; as well as noise even if it doesn’t wake you up.
Engaging in sport activities before going to sleep as this can delay the falling asleep phase. If you suffer from sleep disorders don’t use your bed for various waking activities such as watching TV, eating, knitting and reading. Maintain your bedroom as an exclusive island of rest.
To be kept in mind:
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) plant is helpful since it promotes sleep in a natural manner. It is particularly effective when taken in combination with the relaxation inducing hops (Humulus lupulus) .
Try to follow a regular daily routine, and if possible eat an easy to digest meal before 7:00pm, and engage in brief relaxation rituals before going to sleep.
Make sure your feet are warm before going to bed. Take a footbath if necessary.
Every evening do stretching exercises such as the following: standing with legs apart slowly bend forward, shake and dangle your arms, hands and head lightly and slowly rock from one side to the other until you feel more relaxed.
Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
ADHD generally manifests itself before the age of 7, but it is often not noticed before school age. It affects boys about nine times more than girls. It occurs in children of all intelligence levels and can be accompanied by learning disorders. The specific causes of ADHD remain unknown. It is now thought that it involves a transmission disturbance at the synapses between neurons, specifically in the brain activity areas involved in perceptual processing. The neurotransmitters (for example, dopamine, noradrenalin and serotonin) are apparently not able to function optimally. Treatment must involve an individually adapted approach.
A.Vogel recommends:
St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) or Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) can achieve improvement in the symptoms.
Switching to a diet based on organic foods and avoiding all processed foods including sweetened and flavoured soft-drinks can help.
