Types of Natural Mind Altering Herbs

As some topics seem to explode, not much is said about natural mind-alterants. There are several different natural mind alterations and natural mood enhancers such as stimulants, mood brighteners, brain boosters, relaxants, inebriants, and aphrodisiacs. Some effects are shared among the natural remedies but each remedy seems to have its very own unique attribute. Many are still in question in North America, especially the Western society. Natural mind alteration causes a confusion and resistance among some public and political representatives.

Stimulants, also known as excitants, are substances that increase action of the central nervous system. This leads to improved alertness, higher ability to concentrate, and increased physical and mental endurance. Caffeine is the most popular stimulant in the U.S. found in drinks such as coffee and soda. Several caffeinated herbs such as green tea have additional ingredients that prove to be a healthier source of caffeine. Even though ephedrine contains no caffeine, its effect on the brain is the same. Ephedrine is a bite more potent, and as a result a very controversial topic in the natural herb world. Certain amino acids, primarily phenylalanine and tyrosine, can also provide an energy lift. Another type of stimulant is known as tonic herbs are on the uprising. Tonic herbs such as ginseng and Siberian eleuthero do not contain central nervous system stimulants as potent as caffeine and ephedrine. These old school herbs work in the body to increase energy, prevent fatigue, improve mood, and possible even enhance libido.

Mood brighteners are substances that elevate the spirits, rid depression, reduce anxiety, and increase feelings of cheer and optimism. Mood brighteners tend to be less potent and less toxic than anti-depressants. Substances such as St. John’s wort and three essential oils (Rose, Jasmine, and Neroli) rarely cause euphoria but frequently rid mild depression and enhance an overall sense of well being.

Brain boosters are becoming more and more popular in the natural remedy aisle. Brain boosters are taken to enhance brain function, prevent age related declines in mental performance, increase short and long term memory, promote learning, and heighten creativity and motivation. Some common side effects of natural brain boosters are the ability to protect the brain from radical damage, increase blood flow in brain, and lastly, boosting the activity of some neurotransmitters (dopamine, noradrenalin, and acetylcholine).

Relaxants tend to be the most popular herb taken among our generation. Americans consume 30 million sleeping pills a day. Prescription relaxants are usually pretty potent, with a high risk for abuse. Dose is important; a low level of relaxant might represent calmness and reduce anxiety, a large dose would be a sleep aid, and a higher dose yet, would be considered an anesthetic. The word Narcotic originated from the Greek narkoun for "to numb". The majority of our population enjoys a cold brew; this is to be considered an inebriate after several. Inebriate originated from the Latin ebriare, meaning, to make drunk. Just a few beers can be relaxing, while a few more can be inebriating.

Aphrodisiacs are substances that are supposed to increase libido, sexual desire and performance. There are a variety of natural aphrodisiacs that enhance libido by diminishing sexual inhibition, while increasing sensory feelings. Natural aphrodisiacs can not only enhance short term sexual desire, but can support the sex glands and the whole hormonal and reproductive system.

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