My left arm is covered in tattoos down to my elbow. The first was a young ivy vine that wrapped around my bicep at age 23. When I hit my 40s, I decided to make this vine grow. Today, my arm is covered in ivy, ladybugs, a dragonfly and monarch butterfly. The newest addition is a passionflower on the front of my shoulder.
Last year, I had the ladybugs reworked and the dragonfly re-outlined. I need to get the dragonfly reworked as well. It's a work in progress and I plan to add more bugs and plants with medicinal value. That is the reason I chose to add passionflower to this half sleeve. Passionflower has been used traditionally as a nervine for hundreds of years.
photo taken with my cellphone 😊
"Nervines are herbs that specifically help support the nervous system. Their varieties include tonics like skullcap and oat tops, mildly calming herbs like catnip and chamomile, and stronger relaxants like valerian root and hops. They are used to help relieve normal muscle tension, circular thoughts, wakeful nights, and the occasional worry we all experience from time to time." - Understanding Nervines & Adaptogens: Herbs for Stress & the Nervous System
Passionflower is a stunning perennial vine with white and blue or purple flowers. It grows quickly and is drought tolerant. Passiflora incarnata is native to the southeastern part of the United States and is one of the state wildflowers for Tennessee.
Medicinal use of passionflower originated with Native Americans. The leaves, stems, flowers and roots have all been used in traditional medicine practices. It combines well with other calming herbs and is usually made into a tea. Extracts are widely available today in the form of tinctures and many companies sell the dried herb in capsule form as well.
The Benefits of Passionflower
“While many plant extracts contain amino acids, Passiflora extracts were found to have the highest GABA content of 21 examined plants. Our studies show that Passiflora extracts not only contain a high amount of GABA, but are also able to induce direct GABA currents in CA1 hippocampal pyramidal neurons.” - Passiflora incarnata L. (Passionflower) extracts elicit GABA currents in hippocampal neurons in vitro
Why is GABA important?
Glutamate is one of the most abundant neurotransmitters in the brain. It is an excitatory neurotransmitter, meaning it excites or stimulates nerve cells. Glutamate also has the ability to regulate other neurotransmitters like dopamine, serotonin and GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid).
The main job of GABA is to work as an inhibitory neurotransmitter. It blocks messages sent between nerve cells and the brain. GABA blocks certain nerve signals to reduce fear, anxiety and stress. Without the right level of GABA in the body, conditions such as anxiety disorders may worsen. Scientists believe there may be a disruption in the metabolism of glutamate in many neurological disorders.
"Excess glutamate is believed to be involved in a variety of neurological disorders including autism, obsessive-compulsive disorders, hyperactivity disorders, tics, insomnia, anxiety disorders, seizures, addiction, depression, chronic fatigue, as well as Alzheimer’s." - Lowering Glutamate
Other ways to increase GABA:
How to Increase GABA: 5 Natural Ways to Boost GABA
Eat a well balanced diet
Eating foods rich in complex B Vitamins, Calcium, Magnesium, Vitamin D, Vitamin K and Zinc may help reduce the damaging affects of excess glutamate. These nutrients can also be supplemented with a daily multi-vitamin. These nutrients are found in whole grains, almonds, green leafy vegetables, yogurt, broccoli, beans, avocado, bananas, oranges, salmon, edamame, dairy, figs, cashews, sesame seeds, pumpkin seeds and dark chocolate.
Drink Green Tea
L-Theanine, a non-protein amino acid, is rich in green tea. L-Theanine is thought to counteract the stimulating effects of caffeine by increasing the production of alpha brain waves. Alpha waves are associated with a state of deep relaxation as seen with meditation.
Eat foods rich in Taurine
Taurine is a sulfur containing amino acid that calms the nervous system by facilitating the production of the neurotransmitter GABA. It is important for anxiety control and stress management because it lowers cortisol levels. It also improves athletic performance, supports insulin health, lowers blood pressure, protects the heart, helps with detoxification, and fights inflammation. The highest amounts of taurine are found in shellfish, including scallops, mussels and clams. It can also be found in meat, dairy and eggs. Dark meat of turkey and chicken contain higher amounts than white meat.
This nutrient can also be supplemented, but beware of energy drinks containing taurine. Studies indicate there could be a neuroendocrine response by consuming too many of these sugary, caffeine loaded drinks. Taurine, energy drinks, and neuroendocrine effects
"A common issue is taking too many supplements too soon. The more sick you are, the more carefully you need to add supplements. You should add them one at a time, starting with really tiny amounts." - How to lower your glutamate levels
As always, consult your physician before adding any supplements, especially if you are taking medication. Take time for yourself, drink plenty of water and relax. You are worth it!
Peace be with you friends!
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