Chill Out / Muscle Calming
Valerian, Kava Kava & St. Johns
Wort
The Chill Out/Muscle Calming formula
contains herbs to help relax mentally and physically.
Below is a list and description of the herbs in the Chill Out formula.
Found
growing throughout Europe, valerian is a perennial plant that can reach 4
feet in height. It has hollow stems and white or reddish flowers that bloom
every summer. Most of the valerian used medicinally is grown on farms. Other
valerian species grow naturally in Africa, Asia, and North America.Best known for its calming effect, valerian is used in connection with insomnia, nervousness and related conditions including anxiety, nervous restlessness, anxiety-induced headache or upset stomach.
Valerian also appears to be useful in relieving menopausal symptoms and menstrual discomfort.
St. Johns Wort
Native
to Europe, St. John's wort is now found growing in dry areas such as the
edges of fields and along roadsides in many temperate climates throughout
the world. It is a shrub-like weed that spreads rapidly and invades
cultivated land unless controlled. St. John's wort blooms from late May
through September, depending on the climate. It was believed to bloom on the
birth day of St. John the Baptist, June 24 - hence the name St. John's wort.
Best known for use as a mild antidepressant, St. John's wort is also being
studied for its possible affects on other mood disorders such as anxiety and
obsessive-compulsive disorder. St. John's wort herbal supplements are among
the leading medicines used in Germany to relieve the symptoms of mild to
moderate depression. People taking St. John's wort show an improvement in
mood and ability to carry out their daily lives. Symptoms including sadness,
hopelessness, worthlessness, exhaustion, and poor sleep also may decrease
with the usage of St. John's wort. Used topically, it may have antiviral and
antibacterial effects.
The major active ingredients in St. John's wort include hypericin and other
dianthrones, flavonoids, xanthones, and hyperforin. For many years
researchers believed the antidepressant properties of St. John's wort were a
result of its hypericin contnet and the inhibition of the enzyme monoamine
oxidase, however, more recent research suggests that its antidepressant
actions may be a result of other active constituents, such as hyperforin,
and flavonoids. Clinical studies suggest that St. John's wort extracts may
exert their antidepressant actions by inhibiting the reuptake of the
neurotransmitters serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. This action may
be due to hyperforin. St. John's wort's may work as an antidepressant, by
making more of hyperforin (a neurotransmitter) available to the brain.
Kava
kava root comes from a tall shrub that grows in tropical climates such as
Hawaii. The kava kava plant produces large heart-shaped leaves that cover
the branches. The flowers of the kava kava plant grow from the point where
the stems and branches connect.One of the main uses of kava root is to reduce stress-related anxiety and for combating the effects of anxiety disorders. When taken in small doses, kava helps increase awareness and activity without increasing tension. If higher doses of kava are taken, the chemicals in kava root induce sleep and may cause drowsiness. Physicians and health specialists have been known to prescribe kava for pain, anxiety, insomnia, uncontrolled epilepsy, stiffness, and jet lag.
Kava kava root has shown in animal studies to possess chemicals called kavapyrones that are effective in reducing convulsions and relaxing muscles. The kavalactones also produce the same reactions on the brain as pharmaceutical drugs used for depression and anxiety. Placing liquid kava directly in your mouth or on your gums will cause a strong numbing sensation induced by the kavalactones found in the kava.
Many of the chemical properties in kava kava seem to offer a soothing or calming effect on the central nervous system. Fortunately, in comparison to alternative anti-anxiety and or sedative prescriptions, the chemicals in kava do not appear to affect the blood pressure, breathing, heart rate, or one's ability to think clearly.