Depression

The genie has the magic right? In this blog I discuss why I prefer to use the whole plant (herbs) remedies vs an isolated synthesised chemical (pharma), usually derived from the herb! This is like pulling apart the radio to see where the music is coming from… Many years ago I studied what is known as Physiomedicalism, which is an understanding of herbal prescribing that has come down through the European tradition over the last 2000 years (at least). This knowledge was then blended with that of the Indigenous Peoples of America. So, for those who don’t know, we have a very strong European tradition of herbal prescribing which is a little different to Chinese Medicine. In the European tradition we develop the formulas based on the specific need of the individual (rather than by condition), building it up herb by herb by herb. Generally, European herbalists utilise what are also known as Galenical Preparations, because they have actions over and above the isolated, or ‘active principle’ of the herb. This is using liquid extracts of the whole herb, that combine together with other herbs, into one big bottle of yucky tasting liquid gold. However, Professor H E Bock makes no distinction between the active principle of a plant and the use of the whole herb when he states… “Herbal medicine, either using the whole plants or isolated principles, is called phytotherapy. It presents itself as a gift of nature…” He emphasis’s the scientific application of herbs. Which is ok, as herbal medicine as it’s practiced today is based upon the latest science based evidence, in addition to the empirical use (verifiable by observation & experience) of plant therapy over thousands of years. It’s a blend of knowledge, which is really quite exciting. And yet, most herbalists would disagree with the above statement as they believe that there are a number of valuable differences between ‘galenical’ preparations and the use of isolated constituents. I know I certainly do! Nature as powerful wisdom keeper With a healthy regard for nature, herbalists know that the whole plant contains within it several other constituents that work to buffer the side effects observed when potent plant chemicals are administered in an isolated state. Like with a drug. This is not only understood, but valued. And this is something that speaks to the wisdom of herbs – they have a brilliantly complicated and potent chemistry that is put together in a way that is supportive and/or protective, when it comes to benefiting from the chemicals that pack the most punch. To see why this matters let’s look at a few examples. Rauwolfia Firstly, lets take the example of Rauwolfia Serpentinia. This is a herb that works mainly through the central nervous system to reduce blood pressure via reduction in the heart rate. It also appears to have a balancing action on the emotions, gently tranquilizing the nervous system. In this respect it has been used in India for several centuries, being mentioned in the ancient Hindu texts as far back as 1000 BC. One of the many people to savor it’s sedative effects was Gandhi, and in its long history of usage in the whole plant state, there have been no reported side effects. According to Dr R Wilkins, previous Director of the Hypertension Clinic at Massachusetts Memorial Hospital “it had a type of sedative action… the patients appear to be relaxed, quiet and tranquil…”, and this effect was noted without any accompanying grogginess or ‘fogginess’ being present. Viewed by Herbalists as a superior plant in the treatment of Hypertension, the main alkaloid of Rauwolfia, Reserpine, was eventually isolated and used as the basis of a pharmaceutical medication known as ‘Serpasil’. A quick search on the internet shows that this medication is still recommended for the treatment of High Blood Pressure. In the isolated form however, Reserpine produces unfortunate side effects, such as melancholia and depression, often severe enough to require hospitalization. Whilst it may be correct that reserpine contributes much toward the therapeutic action of the plant, there are at least 161 alkaloids found in this herb! It is believed that the combined action of all of the alkaloids improve tolerance and reduce risk of sensitive reactions to any one individual alkaloid. Ephedra (Ma Huang) Another example would be Ephedra sinica, or Ma Huang, a powerful bronchodilator used safely by the Chinese in the treatment of Asthma for many thousands of years. Working via the parasympathetic nervous system it is able to subdue bronchial spams, that was until the isolated active Ephedrine was made into a pharmaceutical drug, followed by pseudo-ephedrine. In the whole plant state however, it has a gentle ‘awakening’ activity, and formed part of a tea blend used by Indigenous peoples – known as New Dawn. I often used this tea as a substitute for coffee. Now, sadly, due to the abuse of the pharmaceutical versions, which have a much stronger (and addictive) action – the plant can no longer be used. Meadowsweet We don’t lose them all to pharmaceutical companies however. Take Meadowsweet – this beautifully gentle herb contains salicylic acid (or aspirin), however it also contains tannin and mucilage within its chemistry. These compounds are known to be protective and healing to the gut wall. Aloe Vera is example of a plant that is very high in mucilage, which is a slippery slimy kind of compound that places a barrier over the mucous membranes, so-that when you take Meadowsweet as a whole plant preparation, you get the pain relieving benefit of the salicylic acid, without any damage occurring to the gut wall! Win-Win I hear you say – and I would respond with a resounding Most Definitely! So as you can see…there are numerous constituents found in all plants, which together work synergistically to offer something more in the way of restoring and regulating bodily functions. The myriad of plant chemicals contained within any given remedy contribute their own special bit, and then there is the more metaphysical concept of...

It Shoots Up Through Stony Ground (U2) I’ve often thought that many lyricists are our modern-day poets. In years gone by I was often beset by excruciating, and at times soul destroying….cycles of anxiety and depression. The kind that has you running and hiding (hiding under beds and running to other states – of place and of mind). If you’ve experienced either of these conditions then I don’t need to explain further, it’s sometimes quite a painful thing to try to explain that which is, ultimately, unable to be explained. The inability at that moment to manage the vagaries of life, the point at which overwhelm sets in. Most of us experience it, what is more important however, is what we do when we find ourselves in that place. I remember my 42nd birthday… one of a few that I have had in my life (what is it about birthdays?)… where I am just not able to look the world in the eye. On this particular morning I was lost, wanting to hide, and just stay under the covers. I literally could not get out of bed, despite the fact that I was in a fairly good position at the time (to some anyway) working as a sales rep for a pharmaceutical company (hahaha), a beautiful son, and a partner who loved me – all good, right? Except No. Just no. I had lost myself from an existential perspective… I had lost myself from an existential perspective. I was living in a way that was not reflective of my true self, and in so doing, I had placed myself in the wrong environment, and surrounded myself with the wrong social group. Let me say though, part of my depression was that I had placed myself in the right and wrong situations on many many occasions prior to that. As capable as I was, my anxiety would slowly unravel the situation, slowly unpick the person I had set myself up to be. I was now heading toward a sizeable list of something like 30+ jobs… and it begs the question, what is the true cost of Anxiety? But that’s another story. So on that beautiful November morning when I was unable to move my mind or my heart, my 11-year-old son walked into the room with a small hand-made card – not pretty – but just perfect on that morning, as he had made it himself. On this card he had drawn (in lead pencil) a flower growing out of rock base – and then he said the words of a song he knew I played a lot at that time… ‘the heart is like a bloom, it shoots up through stony ground’ The words are of course from U2’s gorgeous song ‘It’s a Beautiful Day’. My son’s not silly (for all of his attempts to make me think he is), and he knew it was a favourite. I still wonder though, how he found his way to those two lines… on that morning?  Whatever it was, the idea helped me find some courage in my heart, and I was able to see my way out of the darkness that had descended. Working as a sales rep in those days I was on the road a lot, and as I would drive around the music I listened to in the car would inspire me, lift me, and encourage me. This has really been the way of things for most of my life… music has been my saving grace, and I recall that Edgar Cayce once said that… ‘music should be a part of every soul’s journey’ if they were to progress.’ So here’s to those great muso’s that really do light our paths along the way! My coffee table dream book At some point along the journey, I started to make a list of songs with the hope of one day creating a beautiful and visually inspiring coffee table book. My vision was to take the song (words + music), and give to someone who was experiencing (or had experienced) a ‘dark night of the soul’ – and ask them to listen with their heart, and then interpret the song visually. How do you imagine these words, these ideas? What emotions and ideas do they invoke in the deepest part of you? Then to lay the visual art piece side by side with the words in a gorgeous sleek and colourful book, that someone could pick up and sit with, contemplating each word, each image and each note – as an inspiration to healing. I have developed quite a list over the years, and I hope one day to create a history of words and music that inspire us to look for beauty, to see one another with compassionate eyes, and to dance! to laugh… or to simply ‘just keep going’. Some are magnificent. Some are gentle. All are healing. So here’s to those that really do light our paths along the way – it had to be their intention – so if we ever meet – the drinks are on me! #givetheguruabourbon #musicforthesoul #So(u)lution Therapy