B VITAMINS Overview
B-complex vitamins are coenzymes involved in energy production. They are an important factor in the process of the conversion of carbohydrates to glucose and are also involved in the metabolism of fats and proteins. B vitamins may be helpful in relieving symptoms of depression and anxiety. It is particularly important for elderly people to get adequate intake of the B vitamins due to the fact that absorption of these nutrients decrease with age. B vitamins are essential for the normal functioning of the nervous system and help people that suffer from stress and fatigue by providing relaxation and energy. The B vitamins should be taken together, although they may be taken individually for certain disorders. All the B vitamins are water soluble, any excess will be eliminated in the urine; therefore they should be supplemented on a daily basis.
This formula is a high potency B-complex formula that provides high doses of the B complex vitamins. In addition there are added minerals calcium, magnesium, phosphorus and chromium that provide additional support to combat the effects of stress, fatigue and anxiety. Moreover, this formula contains the herbs passionflower, skullcap and valerian that are known to reduce stress and anxiety. Stress can negatively impact a person’s health in countless ways. Symptoms of stress include irritability and emotional depression to a whole variety of seemingly unrelated physical symptoms. Modern day life has become increasingly more stressful, and some individuals are in chronic stress mode. This product is an excellent option for individuals that lead stressful lives and are looking for a formula that will provide extra nutrients that will help counteract the negative effects of stress and fatigue. The combination of B-vitamins, minerals and herbs found in this formula will increase a body's resistance to stress by relieving tension and provide support to the adrenal glands and immune system.
Cautions
If you are pregnant or lactating, you should consult your health care practitioner before using this product.
Passionflower Overview
Passionflower (passiflora incarnata) is a native of North America but is also cultivated in cooler climates. It is a woody, hairy, climbing vine whose stems climb by means of axillary tendrils. The alternate, serrate leaves are palmately three- to five-lobed. Solitary, white flowers with a purple, blue or pink crown bloom from May to July. The fruit is an edible, many-seeded berry (maypop) almost as large as a chicken egg. Several possible medical benefits make this common plant useful as a sedative, antispasmodic and mild pain reliever.
Research Indicates
Studied for potential ability to decrease anxiety and prolong sleeping time
May decrease pain in some instances and reduce muscle spasms
May enhance the effectiveness of other sedatives
Dosage Most common dosage is 100 mcg.daily as a dietary supplement. Dosages used in clinical trials range from 21 to 200 mcg. The RDA for Selenium is 55mcg and states that daily intake from all sources should not exceed 400 mcg/day.
Cautions
Passionflower may increase the effects of alcohol.
Passionflower may cause drowsiness. Use caution when driving and performing tasks that require alertness.
Skullcap Overview
Skullcap (Scuttellaria lateriflora) is native to North America, it is called skullcap because the inverted calyx cup looks like a helmet with the visor raised and it also looks somewhat like a skull. Historically, it was used in pagan ceremonies where a cup of Skullcap was passed around for couples that wanted to make vows that would extend beyond this lifetime. It was also used to relieve pain, particularly pain associated with nervous conditions. The Native Americans used it as a female medicinal herb. Skullcap has been used for over two hundred years as a mild relaxant that affects the nervous and musculoskeletal systems. Today Skullcap is used as an anti-inflammatory, antispasmodic, slightly astringent, nervine, and as a sedative. Although little research has been conducted on Skullcap, some scientific studies are concluding that it may assist in the treatment of mental disorders. Some valuable constituents include lignan, tannin, essential oil, flavonoids (scutellarin), scutellonin, bitter (scutellaine) palmitic acid, stearic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid, phenols, tannin, calcium, and B vitamins.
Research Indicates
May be useful in treatment of nervous conditions
Used to help promote restful sleep
May be beneficial for PMS-related symptoms
May lessen anxiety
Cautions
Passionflower may increase the effects of alcohol.
Passionflower may cause drowsiness. Use caution when driving and performing tasks that require alertness.
Valerian Overview
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a perennial plant native to North America and Europe, it has pinkish colored flowers that grow from a tuberous root or rhizome. Harvested when the plant is two years old, the root contains a number of important compounds including valepotriates, valerenic acid, and other volatile oils. Valerian has long been used as an agent to soothe the nervous system in response to stress and as an inducer of restful sleep. Although other agents have been introduced in recent years which offer similar benefits, valerian is still one of the most popular herbal preparations on the market and is widely used throughout Europe and Germany. It is important to note that Valerian has a strong odor, so much so that new customers may think they have a ‘bad batch’. The ‘disagreeable’ odor is completely normal and should be expected.
Research Indicates
Studied for it’s sedative effects
May mildly sedate the central nervous system
Improves sleep quality without the side effects commonly associated with conventional sleep aids
Can be useful for relaxing the smooth muscles of the gastrointestinal system
Studies indicate that valerian may be involved in modulating brain activity
Used in treatment for anxiety disorders and conditions worsened by stress
Cautions
If you are taking valerian to enhance sleep, practitioners recommend reducing your dosage if morning sleepiness occurs.
Valerian may cause drowsiness. Use caution when driving and performing tasks that require alertness.
Valerian may increase the effects of alcohol.
