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Herbs & Homeopathy for Mind & Memory

Herbs & Homeopathy for Mind and Memory


Including Dementia and Alzheimers

People Helping People Live Healthier Lives through Natural Healing

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Copyright 2012, David R. Card. All Rights Reserved. This information is for educational purposes and not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional.

Herbs & Homeopathy for Mind & Memory

Herbs and Homeopathic Care for Mind and Memory by Dave Card
Memory is fundamental to our being; it lets us process the myriads of information every second of our lives, then we use that information to live our lives. A good memory will benefit us and help us grow. Herbs have been used for centuries in cultures all around the world to benefit learning, memory, concentration, and to benefit those with conditions such as head injuries and old age conditions of dementia and alzheimers. So the ancients discovered plants that had the ability to enlighten the mind and bring peace to the heart of those that embraced them. We are going to talk about uses of herbs for modern day conditions that can be more effective than any of the drugs on the market for memory and mind health in prevention and care for problems that go from cognitive dysfunction to dementia or even Alzheimers disease. While the medical field recognizes problems in these areas and has numerous drugs that affect the brain these drugs also have numerous side effects and toxicity that can hamper a persons lifestyle. These drugs will suppress symptoms but will not address the cause affecting especially the elderly who can be taking a number of medications. Many drugs have side effects on memory and concentration and may even create the illusion that there is a condition of memory problems or even Alzheimer symptoms. It is a sad fact that for those who have several doctors, they usually are taking multiple medications and have no one overseeing the totality of their medications, toxic side effects etc. It takes courage by the patient or their care takers to be assertive enough to question their doctors or even look up medications and their side effects. Other causes of memory and mind problems include nutritional deficiencies from poor eating habits over a long period of time, head injuries, stress, grief, and many other factors can factor into memory loss. Thats why one drug doesnt fit all; neither does one herb fit all circumstances. As another note, most of these herbs will not interfere or interact with most medications. One has only to observe the effect of the herbs over a period of time. Just use common sense that if an herb makes you feel worse to discontinue use, although this is very rare. If you are taking an herbs for 2 to 3 months and dont notice and effect, thats the time to replace it with another one that will give you a noticeable effect. Dont be afraid to try a number of herbs and some you may need to use at higher doses or you may need to take a few weeks to notice change. Homeopathy can deal with most causes as it triggers the vital force (immune system). You must merely match the symptoms with the remedy. Then take the remedy or remedies in a 30c potency twice a day or put them in your water bottle and drink it during the day. You can use homoeopathic remedies along with other medications, nutrition and herbs. Make sure you are dealing with other factors that might be and underlying cause of the mind or memory problems and always consult your healthcare professional.

Copyright 2012, David R. Card. All Rights Reserved. This information is for educational purposes and not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional.

Herbs & Homeopathy for Mind & Memory

Memory Shaping Who We Are By Jacob McKinney, Therapeutic Herbalist


We could say that who we are is a compilation of our beliefs or those things which we hold as truth. Some refer to beliefs as a super memory. Our beliefs are formed from our experiences. Our brain (or perhaps our entire bodies) constructs a reality from a trickle of information received and filtered through our senses and then stored for future retrieval. Interestingly its our interpretation and recall of this information that creates how we respond or act, and in turn what we believe determines who we are. In simpler terms it goes something like this: An experience is filtered by our senses touch, sight, sound, smell. This experience is interpreted and stored in our brains. Each experience is added to other experiences. These experiences form our memories which become our beliefs. The recall of these beliefs determines our actions. Our actions determine who we are. So if we lose our memory, we lose a part of who we are. If we lose our ability to acquire more knowledge, more information, or our ability to process or learn, we stop our growth or our becoming. How we organize or construct our memory or what we focus on in the memory also has a profound effect on who we are. Mental disorders such as schizophrenia may be the results of the inability to organize memory. Focus on mainly negative memories is a part of depression. At one time it was believed that the memory was a filing cabinet filled with filing folders where information was stored away. Modern research shows it to be far more complex. Memory is not located in one particular spot, but is a brain-wide process. Even closer examination shows that memory can even be stored throughout the body. We understand that there is a conscious and subconscious memory and a short and a long term memory. These types of memories are encoded and stored in different parts of the brain and body. There is a greater connection between the brain and the body than western medicine admits. Keeping the brain in top condition not only effects mental health, but also physical health. When the fetus is forming in the mother's womb, the brain cells and the intestinal cells are the same. As the baby continues to develop cells separate, but the brain and digestive tract stay connected by the Vegas nerve. So what happens to your colon affects your brain and what happens to the brain determines the health of your colon. As we continue to study, we see another strong connection between brain and heart. Eventually we will probably discover that all organs of the body, thought processes, and health status are all tightly connected and interwoven. We see some outside evidence of this when we examine herbs for the brain and memory. We quickly recognize that what plants we choose to improve mental function also greatly affects various aspects of the physical body.
Copyright 2012, David R. Card. All Rights Reserved. This information is for educational purposes and not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional.

Herbs & Homeopathy for Mind & Memory

Memory Shaping Who We Are continued Bacopa monniera is an integral ingredient of the ayurvedic healing system. It is a creeping marsh herb and is becoming recognized by the western world as a brain activator, memory and learning enhancer. In addition it is an immunomodulator and an adaptogen. It is highly beneficial for increasing learning skills, and for helping to lift the mood while calming stress. Recent studies showed that bacopa decreased the rate of forgetting of newly acquired information. One study on bacopa showed improvement in the ability to concentrate. Research also shows that bacopa was comparable to Lorazepam for anxiety. There were no reported side effects except for a memory enhancement. In addition to taking supplements, certain exercises have been identified with improving memory. Playing a musical instrument or learning a new language seems to improve memory. Taking bacopa could help improve the success of both of these activities offering a double dose of memory enhancing benefits. Ginkgo biloba has been used as a longevity and memory enhancing herb for over 5000 years in China. It is one of the most popular herbs used in Europe, being prescribed in Germany and France as a treatment for a range of conditions including memory and concentration, problems such as confusion and depression, dizziness, anxiety, tinnitus and headaches. Clinical research indicates that ginkgo has the ability to increase short term memory retention as well as possibly delay brain deteriorating diseases. The exact mode of action is unknown, but it seems to be related to its ability to open up capillaries allowing more blood and oxygen to the brain. Ginkgo also modifies neurotransmitter systems and reduces the density of free radicals Gotu Kola develops the crown chakra or the energy center at the top of the head. It is believed to balance the left and right hemispheres of the brain bringing wholeness to the body and mind. Triterpinoids found in gotu kola decrease anxiety and increase mental function. It aids intelligence and helps improve memory. Gotu kola is used by herbal practitioners to treat depression, anxiety, stress, memory, and mental fatigue. It also improves circulation throughout the body. Other supplements which help improve memory include: Phosphatidylserine (PS) the omega 3 fatty acid, DHA from fish oil, Vinpocetine, and Resveratrol from grape skin and seeds. All of these items offer health benefits to the brain, plus benefits to other body organs, particularly the cardiovascular system. Aging has profound negative effects on the body. However, losing the memory seems to have an even farther reaching consequence. Losing memory is next to losing self. Pictures and journals may help, but a strong, clear memory may be one of our most prized possessions. Supplementing with the above items are your best way to insure a long, healthy memory system.

Copyright 2012, David R. Card. All Rights Reserved. This information is for educational purposes and not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional.

Herbs & Homeopathy for Mind & Memory

Homeopathy for Memory Loss (Cognitive Dysfunction) by Dave Card


Cognitive dysfunction or memory loss is the mildest of memory problems and starts with forgetting names, going into a room and forgetting why you went there. There may be loss of sleep or loss or motivation to do things (boredom), and depressive symptoms may be part of cognitive dysfunction. Causes of cognitive dysfunction (memory loss) may be prescription medications such as cholesterol-lowering drugs, sadness, loss of family or friends, or giving up on life. From the medical perspective look for the cause from prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking. Next blood tests may be able to tell whether the thyroid or something else is not working properly. Many times there are few answers and doctors may prescribe drugs for dementia or Alzheimers. From the natural perspective we want to find the cause and look at the diet, lifestyle, exercise, and the emotions too. A combination of homeopathics, diet and nutrition, cell salts, and herbs can help before a person gets into dementia or even Alzheimers. The following homeopathic remedies are listed as main remedies (including others) and cover these specific issues: For memory in general Belladonna changeable; thoughts dont match words; memory impaired, confused, hides things, confused, fears of imaginary animals, muttering, excitable, delirious. Coffea cruda over excitability, hurried; memory active until midnight; mental exhaustion; alternates with depression and excitability; sensitive to noises. Hyoscyamus quarrelsome, immodest, obscene, jealous, nervous agitation; picks at bed clothes; muttering, delirium, suspicious, anxiety on hearing running water. Lachesis talkative, jumps from subject to subject; vengeful, foolish, manic depressive; paranoia; worse after sleep, from grief. Opium delirious, fears after extreme fright; rash and bold; thinks he is not at home; indifferent to pain or pleasure.

Childhood memory loss may mean some sort of abuse that has been suppressed. Carcinosin perfectionist people, craves dancing, music, and travel; obsessive-compulsive, fears, loves excitement; chronic fatigue from being abused. Stramonium hallucinations, delirium, curses, mania, paranoia, talkative, religious delusions, fear of the dark, thinks partner is unfaithful. Thuja dull mind, isolated, slow comprehension, mistakes in writing and talking; speech is confused; vanishing thoughts, doesnt know where he is; feels alone; feels he is dirty.

Copyright 2012, David R. Card. All Rights Reserved. This information is for educational purposes and not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional.

Herbs & Homeopathy for Mind & Memory

Forgetfulness Baryta carb childish behavior, irresolute, cant recall past events. Mental dullness, bashful, silly. Cocculus indicus with dizziness, also from sleep loss. Slow to understand. Memory blanks out, from distractions. Causes from nursing a loved one. Lycopodium dyslexia, weakness of memory for names, letters; cant spell. Tired form 4 pm to 8 pm. Confused from common words, problems with math, low self esteem. Mercurius solubis - instability of ideas, forgetful, nervous, distrustful, losing reason, wants to escape, sensitive to temperature changes. Phosphoric acid mental exhaustion, slow to comprehend, especially from disappointed love or some grief. Vanishing thoughts on reading. Indifference. Phosphorus over excitable, anxiety, fears of thunderstorms, spacey, wants sympathy, clairvoyant. Forgetfulness in the elderly Ambra Grisea embarrassed, timid, cant urinate around others, slow comprehension, music makes them weep. Jumps from one subject to another. Baryta carb childish behavior, irresolute, cant recall past events. Mental dullness, bashful, silly. Conium slow comprehension. Difficulty in reading concentration. Alzheimer symptoms, depressed, grieving, breast problems in women. Lycopodium dyslexia, weakness of memory for names, letters; cant spell. Tired form 4 pm to 8 pm. Confused from common words, problems with math, low self esteem. Phosphoric acid mental exhaustion, slow to comprehend, especially from disappointed love or some grief. Vanishing thoughts on reading. Indifference. Forgot what you are about to do Cannabis indicus fearful, anxious, fuzzy thinking, history of pot use, talkative, spacey, disoriented; sense of time-passes too slowly. Other remedies include Bar-c, Carb-ac, Card-m, Chel, Lac-c, Nux-m, Onos, Sulph, Thuj. Forgot what you have just done Cannabis indicus fearful, anxious, fuzzy thinking, history of pot use, talkative, spacey, disoriented; sense of time-passes too slowly. Other remedies include Acon, Androc, Bar-c, Calc-phos, Hyos, Kali-c, Nux-m, Onos, Oxygen. Forgetfulness after epilepsy Zincum met hard to focus, may have muscle pain or spasms; over stimulated, racing thoughts, irritability. Other remedies include Absin, Ars, Calc, Cicuta.

Copyright 2012, David R. Card. All Rights Reserved. This information is for educational purposes and not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional.

Herbs & Homeopathy for Mind & Memory

Forgetting while expressing one self Plumbum met slow progressive memory loss; can also have physical numbness or paralysis; may be self centered, rude or arrogant; hates children, may feel violent. Other remedies include Alum, Cann-I, Coca, Kali-br, Kali-c, Lyc, Nat-m, Phos-ac, Stram. Forgot facts Calc carb with obesity issues; memory loss from over work and responsibility; lots of fears; feels he may be going insane. Absinthinum dull mind. Medorrhinum from sex, drugs, and rock and roll. Forgot what has happened Cannabis indicus fearful, anxious, fuzzy thinking, history of pot use, talkative, spacey, disoriented; sense of time-passes too slowly. Lachesis with jealousy, talkative, high sex drive. Natrum mur with grief, loss of words. Nux moschata sleep during day, foggy thoughts. Forgetfulness during headaches Alumina with constipation, especially in the elderly. Apis jealous, irritable, fears of death; kidney problems. Calc carb with obesity issues; memory loss from over work and responsibility; lots of fears; feels he may be going insane. Mezereum with skin problems, anxiety in the stomach, serious. Forgot what you heard (auditory) Helleborus from a head injury, mental dullness, weak memory, blank thoughts, feels guilty or even suicidal. Hyoscyamus behavior after loss of memories; touching; gestures with fingers, hands; loss of sexual inhibitions; jealous, suspicious, accusing others, agitated, belligerent, hostile, paranoid; person is either passive or manic. Other remedies include Cann-I, Lach, Med, Nux-m. Forgets names Anacardium nervous exhaustion from over study; cant work; low self esteem; absent-minded; especially from a fright; memory loss with depression; vanishing thoughts. Baryta carb acts as a child, shy or timid, learning disabilities or may be emotionally backward. Cannabis indicus fearful, anxious, fuzzy thinking, history of pot use, talkative, spacey, disoriented; sense of time-passes too slowly. Hepar sulph forgetful, dull memory, critical, over-sensitive, talks fast, restless, hurried, irritable.
Copyright 2012, David R. Card. All Rights Reserved. This information is for educational purposes and not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional.

Herbs & Homeopathy for Mind & Memory

Forgets names continued Lycopodium dyslexia, weakness of memory for names, letters; cant spell; tired from 4 pm to 8 pm; confused from common words, problems with math, low self esteem. Medorrhinum hurried, anxious, irritable, wild feeling in head, panic attacks, fears of dark, difficult comprehension; despairs of recovery. Sulphur fanciful ideas, dull mind, forgetful, especially for names, misplaces things, words, talking, writing, repeats things; lazy, bored easily, impatient, quarrelsome, worse from heat. Other remedies include Anac, Calc, Crot-h, Guaiacum, Kali-p, Lyc, Med, Rhus-t, Sulph. Forgets persons Crotalus Horr with bleeding problems and heart issues. Other remedies include Agar, Anac, Hyos, Phos-ac, Stram, Tarentula, Verat-a. Forgetful while reading Anacardium nervous exhaustion from over study; cant work; low self esteem; absent-minded; especially from a fright; memory loss with depression; vanishing thoughts. Cannabis indicus fearful, anxious, fuzzy thinking, history of pot use, talkative, spacey, disoriented; sense of time-passes too slowly. Helleborus from a head injury, mental dullness, weak memory, blank thoughts, feels guilty or even suicidal. Hyoscyamus quarrelsome, immodest, obscene, jealous, nervous agitation; picks at bed clothes; muttering, delirium, suspicious, anxiety on hearing running water. Lachesis talkative, jumps from subject to subject; vengeful, foolish, manic depressive; paranoia; worse after sleep, from grief. Lycopodium dyslexia, weakness of memory for names, letters; cant spell. Tired form 4 pm to 8 pm. Confused from common words, problems with math, low self esteem. Medorrhinum hurried, anxious, irritable, wild feeling in head, panic attacks, fears of dark, difficult comprehension; despairs of recovery. Mercurius solubis - instability of ideas, forgetful, nervous, distrustful, losing reason, wants to escape, sensitive to temperature changes. Natrum muriaticum fear of the future, isolates self, dwells on unpleasant past memories, fears of robbers, heights; mistakes in speaking, awkward speech. Nux Moschata memory weakness, confused, loss of entire past life; thoughts vanish when talking, reading or writing; headaches, sense of duality, constantly sleeping. Phosphoric acid mental exhaustion, slow to comprehend, especially from disappointed love or some grief. Vanishing thoughts on reading. Indifference. Staphysagria poor memory from an emotional trauma or abuse; wants to be alone; ailments from abuse or suppressed anger, humiliation; memory loss when angry. Other remedies include Onos, Op. Sudden forgetfulness Anacardium nervous exhaustion from over study; cant work; low self esteem; absent-minded; especially from a fright; memory loss with depression; vanishing thoughts. Cannabis indicus fearful, anxious, fuzzy thinking, history of pot use, talkative, spacey, disoriented; sense of time-passes too slowly. Carbo veg with apathy; irritable to family; heart or digestive problems, gas or bloating.
Copyright 2012, David R. Card. All Rights Reserved. This information is for educational purposes and not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional.

Herbs & Homeopathy for Mind & Memory

Sudden forgetfulness continued Kali brom memory issues with intense religious feelings, feels condemned by god; may have acne issues; sense of paranoia. Moschus memory problems with hysteria; has anger fits and respiratory issues. Forgets words Baryta carb acts as a child, shy or timid, learning disabilities or may be emotionally backward. Cannabis indicus fearful, anxious, fuzzy thinking, history of pot use, talkative, spacey, disoriented; sense of time-passes too slowly. Plumbum met slow progressive memory loss; can also have physical numbness or paralysis; may be self centered, rude or arrogant; hates children, may feel violent. Pulsatilla with hormonal issues, memory fades in and out; cries easily, moody. Other remedies include Anac, Arg-nit, Arn, Dulc, Hell, Hep-s, Kali-br, Kali-c, Kali-phos, Lach, Nat-m, Nux, m, Nux-v, Op, Phos-ac, Sulph. Forgetful while writing Cannabis indicus fearful, anxious, fuzzy thinking, history of pot use, talkative, spacey, disoriented; sense of time-passes too slowly. Crocus sativa moods alternate and uncontrollable laughter, hemorrhage issues. Natrum muriaticum fear of the future, isolates self, dwells on unpleasant past memories, fears of robbers, heights; mistakes in speaking, awkward speech. Nux Moschata memory weakness, confused, loss of entire past life; thoughts vanish when talking, reading or writing; headaches, sense of duality, constantly sleeping.

Copyright 2012, David R. Card. All Rights Reserved. This information is for educational purposes and not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional.

Herbs & Homeopathy for Mind & Memory

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Dementia in All Its Forms by Alexandra Madsen, Master Herbalist


Dementia, taken from the Latin roots de meaning without and ment meaning mind, is a loss of brain function that occurs with certain diseases stroke, Parkinsons disease, Huntingtons disease, Picks disease, multiple sclerosis, Lyme disease, HIV/AIDS, and progressive supranuclear palsy. It affects memory, thinking, language, judgment, and behavior. Dementia usually occurs in the elderly; rarely does it occur in people under the age of 60. Some of the signs of Dementia include difficulty with the language, memory, perception, emotional behavior/personality, and cognitive sections of the brain. One of the first symptoms of Dementia may appear as forgetfulness. However, some individuals may have mild cognitive impairment (MCI) which comes with old age. Some of the symptoms for this are forgetting recent events/conversations, difficulty multi-tasking, difficulty in solving problems, and taking longer to work though more difficult mental activities. Often people with MCI are aware that they are forgetting things. Also, MCI wont always develop into Dementia. The further developed the Dementia becomes the more noticeable to symptoms become, because of their noticeable interference with the ability to care for yourself. Some of these symptoms can include forgetting events in your own life history, losing awareness of who you are, more difficulty in reading/writing, poor judgment, the loss of the ability to recognize danger, speaking in confusing sentences, having hallucinations, striking out violently, delusions, agitation or depression, no longer understanding language, unable to recognize family members, and unable to perform basic daily activities like eating, dressing, and bathing. There are a few conditions that may add to the progression of Dementia. They include: Thyroid disease, vitamin deficiency, brain tumor, medication intoxication, chronic infection, and anemia. Your health care provider should be able to identify if someone has dementia and if these things are a contributing factor. Usually symptoms must be present for at least 6 months before a diagnosis can be made. However, due to the complexity of the symptoms of Dementia it is often difficult to pinpoint which type it is. Often analysis of the brain tissue is needed to be able to know which type the individual has. There are many types of dementia and most are nonreversible. Dementia, though often treatable to some degree, is usually due to causes that are progressive and incurable. Some types of dementia include: Alzheimers disease, Dementia with Lewy body disease, Vascular Dementia, Frontotemporal dementia, and Semantic dementia. Also, people can develop more than one type of dementia at the same time. Alzheimers disease Alzheimers disease is the most common type of dementia in people 65 and older. Most symptoms appear after the age of 60. There is a gradual decline in cognitive abilities over a 7 to 10 year period. Often the progression of the disease comes from the build-up of amyloidal plaquea protein structure that grows between the nerve cells and often clumps with degenerating neurons; and neurofibrillary tangleswhich are tau protein structures which have twisted incorrectly so the neurons cant communicate properly. In addition to that, Glutamate an amino acid that aids in the transport of neurological messagesis often inhibited.
Copyright 2012, David R. Card. All Rights Reserved. This information is for educational purposes and not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional.

Herbs & Homeopathy for Mind & Memory

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Dementia in All Its Forms continued


As the disease progresses, there may be memory impairment, a lapse in judgment, and slight changes in behavior and/or personality. Language problems, disorientation, delusions, and becoming short tempered are other symptoms that occur as Alzheimers progresses. As the disease get worse those with Alzheimers may lose control over motor functionshaving trouble swallowing, not having bowel and bladder controland may eventually be unable to recognize family members. Vascular dementia Vascular dementia is the second most common type of dementia. It can result from brain damage due to cerebro-vascular or cardiovascular problemsusually strokes, infection of a heart valve or genetics. Because of the affects stroke or other cardiovascular issues, symptoms of Vascular dementia often show up quickly. The progression of the disease is different for everyone. It is possible that the symptoms will not get worse with time unless they have another stroke. Some have been able to improve with time. Like Alzheimers disease, vascular dementia can have a progressive cognitive impairment, but often the emotional responses and personality are some of the last things to be affected. Some of the more common symptoms may include wandering at night, depression, and incontinence. Because of its relation to the strokes symptoms tend to be limited to one side of the body, where as with Alzheimers it is not restricted. This type of dementia is more likely to show up when the stroke occurs in the left hemisphere of the brain or when the hippocampus is involved. Other diseases that can increase the risk of vascular dementia include vasculitis and lupus erythematisus. There are two sub-types of vascular dementia. One is called Binswangers disease which is identified by the damage of small blood vessels in the white matter of the brain. Damage to this area can cause brain lesions, memory loss, and mood changes. With this sub-type, people will often have abnormal blood pressure, strokes, and/or diseases of the heart valves or a major blood vessel in the neck. Sometimes these symptoms only appear temporarily and are often treated with blood pressure medication. The other subtype is called CADASIL, which is the vascular dementia linked to genetics. The first symptoms usually appear in people between the ages of 20-40 and often do not live past the age of 65. Lewy body dementia (LBD) Lewy body dementia (LBD) is another common type of dementia. Often cases are random and can appear in people who have no family history of dementia. This type of dementia occurs when an alpha-synuclein protein structure grows inside the brains cortex or the outer layer of the cortex. This protein structure has also been linked to Parkinsons disease and a few other disorders. Many of the symptoms of Lewy-body dementia overlap with those of Alzheimers disease in regards to memory impairment, poor judgment, and confusion. However, persons with lewy-body dementia also have symptoms similar to Parkinsonsa shuffling gait, flexed posture. Often the symptoms fluctuate in severity. There is no known cure for LBD and most treatments are designed to manage the Parkinson-like symptoms.

Copyright 2012, David R. Card. All Rights Reserved. This information is for educational purposes and not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional.

Herbs & Homeopathy for Mind & Memory

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Dementia in All Its Forms continued


Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is identified by the degeneration of the nerve cells in the frontal and temporal lobes of the brain. Due to the degradation there are some signs of the neurofibrillary tangles which further disrupt neuron communication. This is one of the dementias that often occur in people who have a family history of dementia, so it is believed that frontotemporal dementia has a strong genetic tie. The progression of this dementia can be rapid or slow. People with FTD often have a hard time maintaining normal social interactions. They may act inappropriately in public and ignore their responsibilities. OCD, a loss of speech, and problems with motor control may also appear. Memory loss usually only appears late in the diseases progression. There is no known way to slow the development of FTD, however most medical treatments help to temper the behavioral problems associated with the disease. One sub-type of FTD is called Picks disease, where some of the nerve cells change and swell up before they die. It is the swollen cells that allow Picks disease to be diagnosed. The swelling comes from the growth of tau proteins inside the neurons. Symptoms do not usually appear until the person is at least 50 years of age. Another subtype of FTD is called primary progressive aphasia (PPA) that can show up in individuals in their forties. This type affects the language centers of the brain making speaking, understanding, and identifying common objects difficult. HIV-associated dementia (HAD) HIV-associated dementia (HAD) is caused by HIV. The virus can destroy large portions of the white matter in the brain which can lead to dementia. Some of the symptoms resulting from this may include apathy, social withdrawl, impaired memory, and difficulty concentrating. Problems with movement may occur as the disease progresses. Other Types of Dementia: Huntingtons diseasehereditary, often caused by the degeneration of regions of the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms may include involuntary jerky movements, muscle weakness, and gait problems. Dementia pugilisticaBoxers syndromecaused by head trauma. Corticobasal degenerationcaused by nerve cell loss and brain atrophy. Often have tau protein accumulations, may start on one side of the brain then progress to the other side. Have symptoms similar to lewy-body dementia. Creutzfeldt-Jakob diseaserare, degenerative disorder that is fatal. Most people who develop sysmptoms of CJD often do not live longer than a year. Results from an abnormal protein form known as prion. This form of dementia can be acquired through exposure to diseased tissue through some medical procedures. However, there is no evidence to show it is contagious through air or casual contact with someone with CJD. This dementia is similar to transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs) which resemble a sponge when looked at under a microscope. Mad Cow disease is one form of the TSEs. Typically this type of dementia occurs in younger people often from Britain or other European countries. Gerstmann-Straussler-Scheinkerrare, hereditary dementia often identified by fatal familial insomnia.

Copyright 2012, David R. Card. All Rights Reserved. This information is for educational purposes and not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional.

Herbs & Homeopathy for Mind & Memory

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Dementia in All Its Forms continued


Dementias that can occur in Children Niemann-Pick diseasean inherited disorder that affects metabolism. They are unable to properly break down cholesterol and other lipids so it accumulates in the liver, spleen and eventually the brain. Symptoms include confusion, learning and memory problems. Often this disease starts in young school aged children, but can also appear during the teen years or early adulthood. Batten diseasefatal, hereditary disorder of the nervous system. Identified through the buildup of lipopigments in the tissues of the body. Symptoms include personality changes, clumsiness, mental impairment, seizures, and the progressive loss of sight and motor skills. Lafora body diseaserare genetic disease that causes seizures, rapid progressing dementia, and movement problems. Microscopic structures known as Lafora bodies develop in the brain, skin, muscles, and liver. What things are used to diagnose dementia? Patient history, physical exams, neurological evaluations, cognitive and neuropsychological and laboratory tests, brain scans, psychiatric evaluation, and pre-symptomatic testing. Prevention/Treatment: Do some mental exercises every daymnemonics, note taking, etc. Address the contributing factors to dementia. For example, behavior modificationreward appropriate behavior and ignore inappropriate behavior. You can reduce the risk of vascular dementia, by quitting smoking and controlling high blood pressure and diabetes. Eating a low-fat diet and exercising regularly may also reduce the risk of vascular dementia. Can dementia be prevented? By addressing many of the risk factors for dementia, many people have been able to prevent or delay the appearance of dementia. Engage in stimulating activities like crossword puzzles, playing a musical instrument, chess, etc. This will help in reducing the risk of Alzheimers and other forms of dementia. Other things to address are lowering cholesterol levels, maintaining a healthy blood pressure, exercise, dont smoke, dont drink alcohol, drink plenty of water, and be mindful of your diet. Be sure to take a good quality multi-vitamin to supplement what nutrients you might be missing from your diet. Also, fish oils to help manage the inflammatory response in the body. Herbs that may be useful in preventing or reducing the symptoms of dementia include: American and/or Korean Ginsengenhances the function of many types of receptors in the brain Ginkgo bilobamay help reduce many of the symptoms of Dementia Holy Basilmay improve memory Lavender (Aromatherapy Essential Oil)may increase the duration of sleep for cases with insomnia Skullcapmay improve learning and memory
Copyright 2012, David R. Card. All Rights Reserved. This information is for educational purposes and not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional.

Herbs & Homeopathy for Mind & Memory

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Homeopathic Remedies for Dementia


From the natural perspective we look for the cause whether it is physical, nutritional, and emotional or a chemical poisoning. The cause must be dealt with; this takes someone other than yourself. Find an herbalist, homeopath or natural practitioner. Dementia Homeopathics #1 Anacardium weak memory with a poor sense of self esteem; emotionally conflicted; may use cursing or be obscene; anger, alcohol or drug abuse. #2 Baryta carb acts as a child, shy or timid, learning disability, emotionally backward. # 3 Hyoscyamus behavior after loss of memories; touching; gestures with fingers, hands; loss of sexual inhibitions; jealous, suspicious, accusing others, agitated, belligerent, hostile, paranoid; person is either passive or manic. Progressive Dementia Homeopathics Aconitum fears, claustrophobia, never well since a fright; panic attacks; fears death. Agaricus with health fears, muscle twitches and spasms; memory affected by over excitement; big fears of cancer. Phosphorus issues from over excitement and over sensitivity; fears of the dark and can have nose bleeds. Plumbum met slow progressive memory loss; can also have physical numbness or paralysis; may be self centered, rude or arrogant; hates children, may feel violent.

Herbs & Homeopathy for Alzheimers


Symptoms of Alzheimers start when a person forgets names, places, and where they put their keys with personality changes and impulsive behaviors; it progresses to forgetting events recently or in the past; lastly people are not remembered, frustration sets in, doors are left open, the stove is left on, and they cant remember where they are. It also includes poor judgment. Causes of Alzheimers include protein deposits in the brain, heavy metal toxicity, poor nutrition habits, drugs, advanced syphilis, strokes, brain tumors, aluminum poisoning, and amyloidal protein depletion. For Alzheimers modern medicine uses several medications with various results and toxic side effects. Then a person is usually institutionalized. Diet and natural supplements for Alzheimers: Remember to remove tobacco, alcohol, coffee, black tea, sodas, and refined foods. Supplements helpful for Alzheimers include Alpha lipoic acid at 400 600 mg a day which provides antioxidant protection; Acetyl-l-Carnitine at 200 to 300 mg a day for brain cell stabilization; Fish oils (salmon) at 6000 mg a day as an anti-inflammatory and brain protector.

Copyright 2012, David R. Card. All Rights Reserved. This information is for educational purposes and not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional.

Herbs & Homeopathy for Mind & Memory

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Herbs & Homeopathy for Alzheimers continued


Use a combination of the following herbs for Alzheimer's in capsule, liquid or powder for maximum benefit, and adjust as the condition improves. Therapeutic dose is equal to one capsule of each herb 3 times a day or 15 drops of an herbal tincture 3 times a day. Herbs for Alzheimers should be taken for several months. Bacopa nerve exhaustion, chronic fatigue, brain herb. Gingko herb for Alzheimers to help brain circulation as well as antioxidant, for memory. Holy basil known from Ayurvedic practice as the mind cleanser, it is also an adaptogen that helps the adrenals as well as the entire endocrine system. Sage improves digestion, anti-inflammatory.

Homeopathic Remedies for Alzheimers


Hyoscyamus (#1 Homeopathic for Alzheimers) behavior after loss of memories; touching; gestures with fingers, hands; loss of sexual inhibitions; jealous, suspicious, accusing others, agitated, belligerent, hostile, paranoid; person is either passive or manic. Alumina loss of memory, confusion as to the identity, inability to recognize relatives, lost in well-known streets; constipation and dry skin; sunken features; losing physical control of body; eye hand coordination- slow response to nervous stimuli; can be bed ridden. Anacardium Alzheimers when person grumbles and complains continuously, pacing, angry, obstinate, contrary (Lil tig), swearing, cussing, accusing, hostile, huffy, irritable; total loss of memory, amnesia, loss of identity, doesnt recognize others; people are taking from them (Ars alb), taking their money, their savings, or putting them in an institution; hypoglycemic, feed them and they calm down; history of abuse, suppressed anger; history of family of alcoholism; short periods of lucidity (3 or 4 days a month) and then relapse-sudden loss and return. Arsenicum album restlessness, pacing the floor; anxiety about money (people are going to take their money), miserly, selfish; panic, put me into an old folks home, lose trust in family and friends; wringing hands; smoking, restless hands; fears catching colds and infections. Baryta carb Alzheimer remedy after stroke, from injuries or brain damage; regression to childish states, behaving like a child; needs favorite blanket or doll, insecure; lost all intellectual functions, can feed themselves; swollen glands, history of infections. Can palliate or reverse Alzheimer symptoms. Baryta mur the Baryta with no swollen glands; use if Baryta carb stopped working or didnt work; especially for swollen tonsils and chronic tonsillitis and sore throats, suppurative tonsillitis. Conium softening and drying up of the brain, loss of memory; senility with history of grief. Kali brom imbecility, mania, schizophrenic behavior, major epilepsy; chronic severe insomnia. Kali phos 6X preventative for 2 years (in old books) is best as a preventative or early stages of senility; use for lack of symptoms; weak memory in sixties or seventies or in nervous persons.
Copyright 2012, David R. Card. All Rights Reserved. This information is for educational purposes and not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional.

Herbs & Homeopathy for Mind & Memory

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Homeopathic Remedies for Alzheimers continued


Lycopodium premature senility; at age 45 looks 65 years old; brain function looks like early deterioration; classic symptoms of Alzheimers with other symptoms of gas, bloating, and problems worse on right side. Picric acid brain fatigue with total loss of memory from mental overexertion; students take before exams; chemical burns. Staphysagria (inter current between Anacardium and Hyoscyamus) Alzheimers with anger, belligerence, history of abuse, suppressed anger (staph, anac); loss of memory after argument; chronic anger where fights lead to loss of memory; rotate hyos, staph, and anac. Sulphur Alzheimers in a ragged philosopher with deterioration of the brain; weird ideas, imagination, goes into senility, inventor that never made it; rambling, staring at the wall and talking nonsense; over work of the brain; shows no concern for personal appearance, no bathing. Zincum phos brain fog; sleeplessness; epilepsy.

Cell Salts for Alzheimers


#1 Calc fluor 6X brain tissue hardness #6 Kali phos 6X to repair brain cells from nervousness and stress #10 Nat phos 6X for reducing acidity in the brain

Copyright 2012, David R. Card. All Rights Reserved. This information is for educational purposes and not meant to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease. Always seek the advice of your healthcare professional.

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