Patricia Kyritsi Howell, RH (AHG)

Beyond Chamomile

Stress: Physiological response to threats or demands

Adrenaline or noradrenalin released into the blood stream

Immediate response“fight or flight”

Adrenal response (central medulla)

Increased heart rate, blood pressure,

surface constriction of blood vessels, blood moves to muscles,

liver releases stored glucose

Coping strategy activated

Strategy is successful,

“fight or flight” response

subsides, anxiety and fear dissipate

Strategy fails & stress levels continue or increase

Anxiety

Fear

Strategy fails,

stress levels continue or increases

Adrenal cortex becomes involved in stress reaction

Anterior pituitary gland releases

adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)

Stress, anxiety with

depression, and withdrawal.

Overall reduced ability to cope

with stress

Damaging physiological effect of continue release of hormones by adrenals and

pituitary glands

Increased levels of inflammation throughout the

body

Lowered levels of immune response

Stage is set for the

development of illness

and disease

Fear, sense of impending doom, fears about the future,

Fire

Earth

MetalKidney

Wood

Five Phases

Fire Element or Heart/Small Intestine

Radiates the outward expression of life force (Qi) through the

personality.

Suffuses the physical body with conscious awareness.

Collects and interprets sensual experience

Assimilates the vital essence of emotional experience

Decodes and generates symbolic communication.

Initiates and monitors the flow of intra-cellular communication.

Distributes warmth to all parts of the body.

Provides the continuous flow of Blood throughout the body.

Stores the Shen.

Characteristics of Healthy Fire:

Passionate engagement with life.

Expressive personality characterized by warmth, affection

and good humor.

Able to articulate thoughts, feelings and desires, especially

joy and sorrow.

Sensual appreciation of the physical world.

Attracted to beauty, honesty and truth.

Spiritually and emotionally aware.

Rhythmic, steady cardiac function.

Even circulation of blood and nerve sensations throughout

the body.

Restful sleep and good dreams.

Physical Symptoms of Fire Imbalance

Cardio-vascular problems such as heart palpitations, arrhythmia, angina,

heart weakness, high or low blood pressure, and poor circulation.

Numbness in the extremities.

Excessive heat with profuse perspiration, flushed complexion and rapid pulse

or, excessive cold with cold hands and feet, cool, clammy skin, pale or ashen

complexion and exhaustion.

Speech problems: stuttering, muteness, speech impediments, constrained

voice, general inability to control the tongue.

Sleep problems: disturbing dreams, being jolted awake, nightmares, restless

sleep and sleepwalking.

Chronic problems with vertigo, dizziness and light-headedness.

Tongue color is scarlet at the tip or purple at the center.

Lack of libido.

Physical exhaustion.

 

 

 

 

 

Emotional Symptoms of Fire Imbalance

Depression characterized by the inability to experience or express joy.

Emotionally flat and unresponsive or cold and withdrawn.

Poor concentration, easily distracted and forgetful.

Unable to articulate emotions, ideas or abstract concepts.

Emotionally insecure or unstable.

Lack of spontaneity and creativity.

Manic behavior.

Inappropriate, loud or excessive laughter.

Lacks a sense of humor.

Signs of mental illness: irrational thoughts, hallucinations, hysteria,

delirium, or psychosis.

Duties:

 

Maintains the storehouse of vital essence (Jing) and reserves.

Sets the rhythm for growth and maturation (genetic potential).

Responsible for creating, storing, protecting and circulating Qi.

Responsible for generating the essential fluids (Blood).

Provides the innate wisdom that governs immunity.

Source of the instinct to create, procreate and survive.

Water Element or Kidney (adrenals)/Bladder

Characteristics of Healthy Water: 

Fully present in the moment. Aware of the lessons of the past and hopeful about the

future.

Healthy expression of curiosity, wonder, and intellect.

Spiritually inclined. Able to use spiritual beliefs to explain, understand and cope with

life.

Visionary and creative.

Able to move at will from rest to action and back again.

Plenty of reserves for times of stress and illness.

Strong bones and teeth.

Thick, abundant head and pubic hair.

Adequate moisture and fluids.

Hearing, vision and memory are good.

Excellent endocrine and immune system function. 

Physical Symptoms of Water Imbalance:

Congenital health problems and constitutional weakness.

Poor immune function.

Problems with sexual maturation and the reproductive system.

General signs of premature aging. Hair loss, poor memory, diminished

vision and hearing, weakened immunity, and lack of vitality.

Endocrine system problems. Adrenal insufficiency, hypo or

hyperthyroidism, blood sugar imbalances, hormonal irregularities, etc.

Physical inflexibility. Stiff or rigid posture. Arthritic or rheumatic

conditions. Jerky movements. Joint problems.

Sensations of coldness in the hands, feet, and low back.

Physical Symptoms of Water Imbalance:

Urinary tract problems: Incontinence, frequent urination,

prostatitis, kidney stones, frequent bladder infections.

Edema, especially in the lower part of the body.

Low libido. Impotence. Infertility. Amenorrhea (lack of

menses).

Dizziness, vertigo, tinnitus.

Low vitality, lack of stamina. Chronic Fatigue Syndrome.

Emotional Symptoms of Water Imbalance

 

Fearful of change and the unknown.

Mental inflexibility.

Depression with hopelessness. Gloomy disposition.

Lack of motivation and will power.

No interest in food or other sources of nourishment.

Cynicism and pessimism.

Paranoid, fanatical. Forceful and defiant in the face of fear. Insecurity masked by aggressive or belligerent behavior.

Obsessed with sex.

Poor memory.

Hypochondriac tendencies.

Low self-confidence.

Absent-minded and self-absorbed.

Therapeutic Strategies for Restoring Water

 

Adaptogenic herbs, Kidney Yin and Yang tonics and nervines for long term

use.

Hepatics to support Wood and allow Kidney Yin to be restored.

Support all other organ networks as needed to allow Kidney Yin to be

restored.

Improve digestion, sleep and elimination as needed.

Assess diet to emphasize nourishing whole foods.

Learn to use immune stimulating herbs to treat opportunistic infections.

Create appropriate schedules to allow adequate balance between rest and

activity.

Practice stress reduction techniques and reduce or eliminate sources of

on-going stress.

Therapeutic Strategies for Balancing Fire Cardio-vascular tonics and circulatory herbs to support heart function and circulation.Nervine tonics and adaptogenic herbs to support the nervous system and help recover from the impact of shock and stress.Kidney Yin tonics and hepatic tonics as needed to support and regulate the heart. Protection from harshness. Avoid television, print and electronic media, exposure to violent images and situations, over-stimulation, abusive treatment, loud noises, etc. Assess diet for sufficient levels of calcium and magnesium, appropriate use of hot or stimulating foods and spices, over-consumption of alcohol and other drying substances, and excessive amounts of cold or processed (mucus producing) foods. Increase consumption of cooling and moistening foods and beverages as needed. Spend time each day in nature immersed in the color green listening to the sounds generated by the elements. Develop a spiritual practice that fosters contemplation, reflection and gratitude.Engage the senses through artistic expression or appreciation. Listen to music, dance, sing, draw, garden, pick flowers, cook, make love, read poetry, visit an art exhibit, etc. Laugh, especially with others.

Nervine tonicsNervine relaxantsNervine stimulantsSedativeHypnotic AntispasmodicAnalgesicAnti-depressantAdaptogenicHepatic

Herbal actions

ChamomileLindenHopsKava KavaPassionflowerSkullcapSt. John’s WortValerian Wild Oat

Nervine relaxants

BacopaGotu KolaSkullcapSt. John’s WortWild Oat

Nerve Tonics

Blue VervainChamomileDandelion (!)MotherwortSkullcap

Bitter Nervines

AshwagandaBacopaGinseng, American and AsianHoly BasilReishi MushroomRhodiola

Restorative Tonics (Kidney/Water) or Adaptogens

AshwagandaGinsengHawthornHoly BasilMimosaMotherwortReishi Mushroom

Shen Calming

BacopaBlue VervainDandelionGinsengHoly BasilLemon BalmMimosaRhodiolaRosemarySageSt. John’s Wort

Herbs that remind you who you are and hook you back up with your purpose

ChamomileIndian Pipe Kava KavaPassionflowerRosemarySkullcapSt. John’s WortValerian

Analgesics

Calming adaptogen.Anxiety with hypertension and palpitations.Stress induced ulcersInsomnia

Impotence (with exhaustion)

Chronic inflammatory disease: osteo/rheumatoid arthritis, MS, asthma, lupus, etc.

Deficiency symptoms: fatigue, exhaustion, impaired memory, poor immune response resulting in frequent infections.Immune modulator.

Ashwaganda Withania somnifera

Bacopa Bacopa monnieri

Nervine relaxant and tonicImproves memory, concentration, clarity of thought.Reduces anxiety.Nervous exhaustion.Depression.

Increases thyroid function (hypothyroidism).

AdaptogenicEffects of long term stressCognitive and memory problems caused by stressNervous exhaustionCFS (chronic fatigue syndrome)

Recovery from head injuries

Nervous system exhaustion accompanied by restlessness

AntispasmodicNervous disorders with spasms, ticks and tremorsMenstrual cramps

PMS

Menopausal anxiety

Irritability

Migraines (caused by liver imbalances)

Trigeminal neuralgia

Blue Vervain Verbena hastata

Relaxing nervine for anxiety, nervous exhaustion, insomnia, irritability

Reduces muscle tension, cramps or spasms anywhere

Relieves digestive discomfort: indigestion, gas, cramping, colic, IBS symptoms, bloating

Reduces inflammatory symptoms (internally and externally)

Chamomile Matricaria chamomilla

Tonifies liver functionImproves digestion, assimilation and

eliminationReduces symptoms of liver stagnation/Blood

stasis: fibroids, masses, cysts, boils, breast lumps

Reduces frequency and severity of migrainesRelieves nervous tension

PMS especially insomnia, “axe-murder syndrome,” irritability, mood swingsDiureticBitter

Dandelion Taraxacum officinale

Stimulating (cool) adaptogen

For mild depression, depressed immune response, CFS, nervous exhaustion, poor concentration, ADD

Effects of long term stress and over exertion, impact of trauma injuries, and nutritional deficiencies

Poor immune response, frequent respiratory infections

Improves appetite and assimilation of nutrients

Nourishes fluids

American Ginseng Panax quinquefolius

Nervous system restorative: reduces anxiety, improves cognitive function and memory, improves ability to assimilate new information

Reduces inflammation

Promotes tissue healing (internally), for skin and connective tissue loss and injuries, slow healing wounds and ulcerations

Edible green

Gotu Kola Centella asiatica

Calms the Shen

For mild to moderate anxiety disorders (with magnesium and California poppy?), ADD, cognitive difficulties

Anti-inflammatory

Cardiac tonicSpecific for congestive heart failure, cardiac insufficiency Stabilizes anginaRegulates heart rhythmReduces hypertensionImproves capillary and vascular integrityLowers cholesterol, lowers blood pressure

Hawthorn Crataegus spp.

Adaptogen: Regulates the HPA axis and prevents excess adrenalin and cortisol levels, while enhancing dopamine and serotonin levels

Regulates immune response

Reduces stress induced hypertension

Supports digestion: Relieves stress induced GI discomfort

Improves cerebral circulation, increases memory, mental clarity, concentration

Specific for age related depression, menopausal brains, ADD

Speeds recovery from head injuries

Holy Basil Ocimum sanctum

Analgesic with morphine-like pain relief

Alters the perception of pain without causing drowsiness

Indian Pipe Monotropa uniflora

Nervine relaxant: reduces anxiety, relieves insomnia,

Lowers stress induced hypertension

Relieves indigestion (nervous stomach)

For tension headaches

Linden Tilia spp.

Bitter nervine relaxant

Sedative in higher doses

May relieve some types of pain

Specific for stress induced indigestion, anxiety, insomnia, muscle tightness or spasm

Stimulates digestion, improves assimilation and elimination

Hops Humulus lupus

For anxiety, nervous tension, difficulty concentrating or

thinking

Relaxes muscle tension and spasms, deepens respiration, calms the heart rate

Increases mental clarity, ability to see the big picture

Specific for urinary tract spasms and pain

Kava Kava Piper methysticum

Nervine relaxant, mildly sedative, relieves insomnia

Anti-depressant, lifts the spirit, SAD

Reduces anxiety and nervousness, relaxes muscle tension

Promotes digestion and relieves gas, bloating, indigestion

Lemon Balm Melissa officinalis

Calms the Spirit

Soothes irritability, relieves constriction of the chest, constrained emotions, restores appetite, improves concentration and memory

Relieves constrained Liver Qi

For sleep disturbances, disturbing dreams, nightmares

Depression caused by grief, heals heartbreak, banishes fear

Mimosa Albizia julibrissin

Cardiac problems caused by stress: arrhythmia, palpitations,

hypertension

Comforts and consoles the spirit and heart, relieves sorrow

and grief

Reduces anxiety (with hormonal causes), mood swings,

insomnia, restlessness

Relieves menstrual cramps and pelvic pain

May reduce hot flashes and night sweats in menopause

Motherwort Leonurus cardiaca

Relaxing nervine for overstimulation that leads to insomnia, anxiety, muscle tension and cramping

Sedative

Headaches triggered by stress and tension (feeling of pressure

and heat)

Softening effect on the muscles, ligaments and tendons (relaxes body armoring)

May relieve nerve pain, “wandering pain”

Relieves chest constriction, wheezing, spasmodic coughs

Resolves stress induced hypertension

Passionflower Passiflora incarnata

Adaptogen: for chronic stress, adrenal insufficiency

Nervine: calms anxiety, relieves fatigue, improves sleep quality

Normalizes immune response

Inhibits cancer growth, enhances the effects of conventional chemotherapy

Protects the liver from liver toxins

Cardiac tonic: relieves palpitations, arrhythmia, hypertension, elevated cholesterol

Reishi Mushroom Ganoderma lucidum

Adaptogen: (cool) mildly stimulating, anti-depressant, ADHD

Restores immune response depleted by effects of long term

stress

Increases alertness, stamina, improves memory and

concentration

May restore impotence or amenorrhea caused by deficiency

conditions

Cardio tonic: prevents stress induced heart damage, arrhythmia, strengthens heart function

Rhodiola Rhodiola rosea

Nervine relaxant

Improves memory and concentration

Resolve or prevent tension headaches

Relieves depression

Lowers hypertension

Antioxidant, reduces inflammation

Rosemary Rosmarinus officinale

Circulatory stimulant, improves peripheral circulation

Improves digestion, relieves gas, bloating, diarrhea, nausea

Reduces hot flashes (drink tea at bedtime)

Improves mood and increases cognitive ability

Antibacterial, antiviral, mucolytic, diaphoretic

Sage Salvia officinalis

Nervine relaxant, bitter

Nerve tonic: soothes and restores the nervous system

Insomnia with restlessness and muscle tension

Mental fatigue caused by overwork

Relieves pain caused by nerve irritation : sciatica, back pain, peripheral pain

Eases symptoms of drug and alcohol withdrawal

Relieves PMS irritability, insomnia, body aches and cramps, headaches

Skullcap Scuttelaria lateriflora, S. spp.

Nerve tonic: reduces anxiety, general lethargy or mild to moderate depression

Depressive states often described as bleak, without hope, in a dark hole, with no emotional affect, worse in the morning, unable to wake up, anorexia, feelings of worthlessness

Topically to promote wound healing

For nerve pain, sciatica, damaged nerve tissue, numbness from trauma injuries, spinal cord injuries

St. John’s Wort Hypericum perforatum

Nervine relaxant also sedative and hypnotic

Relieves insomnia, anxiety, restlessness, body pains

Helps the process of falling asleep, improves sleep quality, reduces sensitivity to noise while sleeping

Antispasmodic, relaxes muscle spasms and cramps anywhere in the body, especially menstrual, stomach and intestinal with pain

Calms the heart, reduces hyperactivity, palpitations, anxiety, tachycardia.

Relaxes muscle tension to improve vascular circulation, may reduce blood pressure

Valerian Valeriana officinalis

Nervine tonic: nervous exhaustion, anxiety, insomnia

Specific for chronic stress

Relieves nerve pain and headaches

Restores depressed libido caused by nervous exhaustion

Wild Oat Avena sativa

Fire

Earth

MetalKidney

Wood

Five Phases

Fire

Earth

MetalKidney

Wood

Five Phases