What Helps Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is a naturally-occurring compound in the Cannabid sativa L plant, commonly known as hemp. Originating in Central Asia, hemp has been cultivated for thousands of years.  CBD is non-psychoactive and has been used to treat conditions ranging from chronic pain and anxiety to autoimmune and skin diseases.

Kava Kava is made from the ground roots of the tropical, evergreen shrub Piper methysticum. Kava Kava’s key components are lactone compounds called kavalactones, which are known to have a psychotropic effect. Native to the South Pacific islands including Hawaii, the plant has been used for hundreds of years in a ritual drink revered for its tranquilizing properties.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, also known as CBT, is a psychotherapy centered on bringing awareness to inaccurate or negative thinking, therefore altering behavioral patterns. In addition to helping individuals manage stressful situations, CBT is used in the treatment of mental health disorders including depression, eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Chamomile is an herb composed of dried, daisy-like flowers of the Asteraceae family.  Used by the ancient Egyptians, Greeks and Romans as a medicinal herb, it is known for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and mild astringent properties. Largely consumed as a tea, Chamomile is used to treat sleeplessness, anxiety, and gastro-intestinal conditions, as well as, topically to reduce inflammation. 

Valerian is a tall, flowering grassland plant, Valeriana officinalis, native to Europe and Asia. Its roots and rhizomes have been used since the ancient Greeks and Romans to treat anxiety and insomnia. By increasing gamma-Aminobutyric acid levels, also known as GABA, Valerian has a calming effect and is used in the treatment of insomnia, anxiety, depression, headaches and menstrual symptoms.

St John’s Wort is a flowering shrub in the Hypericaceae perforatum family.  Native to Europe, it’s June-blooming, yellow flowers have been used in medicine since ancient Greece. Named after St. John the Baptist, the presence of the photochemical, hyperforin, is the key antidepressant and anxiolytic component. St. John’s Wort has also been revered for its anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties.

SAMe, the acronym for S-adenosyl-L-methionine, is a compound found naturally in the human body. Discovered in the 1950s as a derivative of the amino acid methionine, it maintains cell membranes, in addition to, producing and regulating hormones. It is not found naturally in foods, therefore a synthetic version is required to normalize inadequate levels.

5-HTP, abbreviated from 5-Hydroxytryptophan, is a chemical produced by the body from tryptophan, an essential amino acid. Tryptophan is naturally occurring in foods including seeds (pumpkin, chia, sesame, sunflower), dairy (mozzarella, parmesan, cheddar), meat (beef, pork), poultry (chicken, turkey), fish (halibut, salmon, trout, snapper) and grain (oats, buckwheat).  5-HTP is attributed to increasing the production of serotonin. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter affecting mood, sleep, appetite, sexual behavior and pain, while promoting feelings of well being. As a supplement, 5-HTP is produced from Griffonia simplicifolia seeds, a woody, climbing shrub native to Africa.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids are essential fats absorbed through food including fish (mackerel, salmon, seabass), vegetable oils (flax oil, soybean oil), nuts (walnuts) and seeds (flax, chia, hemp). There are three main Omega-3 Fatty Acids: ALA also known as Alpha-Linolenic Acid, EPA also known as Eicosapentaenoic Acid and DHA also known as Docosahexaenoic Acid. ALA is found naturally in plants, while EPA and DHA are found in fish. Omega-3 Fatty Acids maintain heart, vascular, lung, brain, immune and endocrine system health, while reducing inflammation.

Meditation is a set of techniques encouraging a heightened state of awareness and focused attention. Originating in ancient Asia, it migrated worldwide in the 20th century in the form of a religious practice. Due to its calming and relaxing effects, Meditation is used in the treatment of stress, depression, anxiety, blood pressure, pain and other mental health conditions.

Ashwagandha, also known as Indian Ginseng, is the root extract of the Withania somnifera plant. The herb boasts a horse-like odor, hence the Sanskrit name meaning “horse-smell”. Native to India, Africa and the Mediterranean, this small, woody shrub has been prescribed in Ayurvedic medicine for over 3,000 years. It’s anxiolytic and anti-inflammatory properties have been used in the treatment of stress, fatigue, gastro-intestinal issues, rheumatoid arthritis, sleep disorders, as well as, topically as an analgesic.

N-acetylcysteine, also known as NAC, is the supplement form of the non-essential amino acid L-cysteine. In its natural form, cysteine is found in foods including meat (pork, beef), poultry (chicken, eggs), fish (tuna), dairy (yogurt, swiss cheese) and seeds (sunflower). Cysteine is a component of the powerful antioxidant, glutathione, and is used for its liver-protective properties and immune function support, as well as, in the treatment of an acetaminophen overdose.