Sunday - March 14, 2010

Depression and Mood Elevator (AD-C)

Chinese herbology deals primarily with energy or the flow of Chi through the body. When the energy of the body "sags" it can result in feelings of gloom and depression, loss of energy, weak digestion, fatigue and congestion. The Chinese formula Jie Yu, sold under the trade name Mood Elevator (AD-C) is designed to regulate the flow of energy in the body. Jie Yu means "relieves the depression" indicating the general purpose of this formula. So, if your mental and physical energies are "down" ,read on. This formula may be just what you need to get you "up" again.

The major herb in this formula is bupleurum root, a major Chinese herb for resolving liver problems, a major source of depression according to the Chinese philosophy. This herb is used by the Chinese to treat moodiness. It has been used to raise the body energy, bring up the spirits (emotions), resolve prolapsed and sagging organs and to help expel the toxins which cause eruptions on the skin. It is also said that it helps to draw out repressed emotions like anger and sadness.

Cyperus is another major herb in this formula. It also has a strong effect on the liver energy and has been used to overcome depression and moodiness. It stimulates the digestive organs and helps stop muscle spasms and crampmg.

The following herbs help support the action of the key herbs. Coptis is a brittle root with laxative properties. It increases the flow of blood to the extremities and helps to normalize the function of the liver and spleen, increasing the flow of enzymes and bile in the digestive tract. Zhishi is an immature orange which stimulates the production of digestive fluids and regulates energy. The Chinese herb ligusticum is known as lovage in the West. It is spicy, warm aromatic which stimulates digestion, promotes perspiration and helps expel mucus from the lungs. Ginger is a warming and stimulating herb used to improve digestion and circulation. Hoelen also promotes the flow of urine and perspiration and aids the liver. It has a very drying effect on the body and has been used for calming emotions. Saussurea stimulates the production of digestive fluids, increases blood circulation, regulates energy and relieves smooth muscle spasms.

The bitter qualities of this formula are enhanced by these herbs: Pinelli a helps the body to thin the mucus and increases its production. It also dissolves phlegm, increases the production of digestive fluids, absorbs toxins and relieves muscle spasms.

Aurantium is an expectorant that also helps to improve blood circulation. There are a number of other herbs which help to balance out and improve this formula. One of these is bamboo which a powerful astringent and a mild sedative. Gambir also has a cooling effect and is good for reducing fevers and symptoms caused by abnormally high tension. It is an antispasmodic and anticonvulsive.

Licorice is an herb that the Chinese use in many of their formulas as a supporting or balancing herb. It helps increase energy in the body by stimulating the adrenal glands and soothes irritated tissues. It helps regulate the blood sugar levels. Blood sugar problems may be a contributing factor to loss of energy and depressed feelings. Several other herbs in this formula help to balance the blood sugar.

Ophiopogon is an expectorant and nutritive. It helps blood sugar problems by helping to regenerate cells in the pancreas. Perilla leaf, also known as shiso, helps increase blood sugar levels while Platycodon helps lower them. Both have antiseptic qualities.

There are two hormonal herbs in this formula. Siberian ginseng is slightly warming and helps draw energy to the vital organs. It helps the body adapt to stress and increases endurance and stamina. Dong quai is mildly sedative, increases the production of digestive fluids, relieves smooth muscle spasms, especially in the uterus ,promotes menstrual flow ,regulates glycogen production in the liver, increases the blood flow, lowers blood cholesterol, reduces pain and inflammation and normalizes uterine contractions.

In summary, Mood Elevator (AD-C) is designed to do the following:

1. It stimulates digestive secretions, thus helping to raise body energy by improving digestion.
2. It supports the liver energy. A weakened liver results in problems like depression, PMS, blood sugar imbalances and a general feeling of illness.
3. It helps to thin mucus, promote its flow and stimulate its expulsion from the lungs. This reduces lymphatic congestion and aids the respiratory system.
4. It helps to stimulate the nervous system and the circulation for more energy. May also help to relieve nervous tension and spasms.
5. Helps to balance the glandular system which is important for emotional stability. Specifically, it helps the pancreas and adrenals, which regulate blood sugar levels, and the reproductive glands.
6. It raises the energy or chi of the body and helps release trapped emotional energy.

The Chinese have used this formula to treat depression, fatigue, insomnia, neurosis, tinnitis, postpartum depression, dysmenorrhea, morning sickness, menopause, lung congestion and premenstrual syndrome.