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Mental Energy

We are all using our minds from morning to night, in most cases without much rest. We are in an era where keen intelligence is the difference between success and failure. A number of Chinese and Tibetan tonic herbs are known to significantly improve mental functioning. These herbs improve concentration, mental focus, mental endurance, and are even believed to increase creativity.  More information...

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Formulations that Strengthen the Brain and Mind

A formula specifically designed as a mind tonic is Diamond Mind (100 Caps) $26.00, which should have quick and profound results.

Many formulas contain herbs that strengthen the mind. Adaptogenic formulations in particular help maintain strong mental functioning. Formulas such as Super Adaptogen and Endocrine Health are rich in phytonutrients that support mental functions. Formulations that contain Ant and Tibetan Rhodiola in particular may be useful.


Discussion

In all of history, the human mind has never been more universally challenged. The requirements of living in the modern era include an enormous amount of mental energy. Just dealing with our bills is more mind boggling than any math I encountered in high school just a generation ago. And the day we finally figure out how to use a computer program, a new version is released which we have to learn all over again. Everybody is working with computers and this requires logic and focus. All the so-called conveniences of the modern era are designed to use the mind rather than the body. For exercise, we go to a gym where we pump a computerized unit instead of working in a field. We get more work done because of the computers, but that means that we have to keep more in our minds than would have been conceivable a decade ago.

So in this explosive, breakthrough period of mind over matter, it is imperative that everybody remain in top condition mentally at all times. As a result, there has been an explosion of interest in mind tonics in the past several years. The explosion of coffee houses and coffee utilization reflects our current need as a society form more mental energy. But coffee ultimately may not be the best way to get the most out of our minds.

The Chinese tonic masters, especially the Daoist masters, have been interested in mind power for thousands of years. The art of Daoist yoga and meditation is built around the concept that the mind can be made so strong that it can actually overcome all obstacles. The Chinese art of radiant health has a branch which deals with strengthening the mind. There is a principle which states that:

The mind is the master of our creative visualization, our creative visualizing guides our Qi, and our Qi leads our blood

This is a very deep concept in Daoist philosophy. The Daoist believes that by cultivating the mind through all the means possible, including meditation, concentration exercises and with the help of tonic herbs and physical exercises that require the mind, it is ultimately possible to use the mind to control the flow of Qi in the body. Daoist mediation works by focusing one’s attention on an area of the body. Then with creative visualization, the mind pictures the Qi in that area expanding or moving. If the mind can concentrate successfully, that area becomes awakened and the Qi does in fact expand or move. Then the Daoist moves the Qi to various places in the body.

For example, if you want to heal your kidneys, you close your eyes and concentrate your attention on a point inside the abdomen located two inches below the navel and deep inside the belly. This spot is called the Dantian, or Sea of Qi. You use your mind to visualize a ball of fire in this Dantian. When you can see it clearly with your imagination, you hold the image and use all your senses to maintain it. After a few minutes, low and behold, your abdomen becomes warm and a strong pulse can be felt below the navel. Then with the mind, you direct this accumulated energy to your kidneys. With each breath, you direct more of the energy to the kidneys. Soon the kidneys are full of Qi as well. By directing the Qi to the kidneys, the blood soon follows according to the principle described above. The blood then carries all kinds of nutrients to the kidneys, including the super-nutrients provided by the tonic herbs.

This guided-imagery type of healing can be performed in hundreds of ways. With this kind of emphasis on concentration, the mind can get tired real fast. Therefore, there was a big emphasis by the Daoists on tonic herbs and formulations which strengthen the mind. Here are a few of the herbs used in Chinese tonic herbalism that make the mind strong.


Herbs frequently used to strengthen the mind

Tibetan Rhodiola is among the most powerful mind tonics in the world. The Tibetans have used it for over a thousand years to improve mental focus and mental endurance. It increases oxygen supply to the brain.

Ginseng, particularly old wild mountain Ginseng, is a marvelous mind tonic. The Daoists in particular revered Ginseng for its psychic and mental strengthening powers. They believed that the very old wild roots from the deep mountains could permanently increase intelligence. All good Ginseng will strengthen the mind, but don’t expect cheap Ginseng products to have much of an effect on the mind.

Siberian Ginseng (Acanthopanax) has a huge reputation as a mental tonic and as a mental stimulant. It is considered to be faster acting than Ginseng. Studies have proven that people are more alert after they consume Acanthopanax.

Deer Antler contains neurotransmitters which many studies have shown improves the cognitive functions of the mind. It is considered to be a very powerful brain tonic, used to improve creativity and concentration.

Reishi has been used in Asia for two thousand years to improve the capacity of the mind. It is said to improve understanding and comprehension, as well as memory. It seems that Reishi helps people to link ideas together so that understanding is easier. It is not a mental stimulant, but strengthens the mind over time.

Ginkgo biloba has been proven to improve blood circulation to the brain and therefore to improve brain function. Studies show that those who take Ginkgo biloba experience improved memory and ability to concentrate.

Schizandra is one of the major herbs almost always used in mind tonic formulations. It has a centuries’ old reputation as an alertness enhancing substance. It is also one of the best tonics to the part of the mind responsible for memory. If you have a poor memory, you must remember to use Schizandra.

Polygonatum is believed to be rejuvenating to the mind. It replenishes energy that has been drained due to overwork, over-thinking, excessive stress and lack of sleep.

Lycium is the fundamental Kidney tonic herb. The Kidneys provide the energy to the brain and mind. Lycium replenishes mental energy.

Gynostemma is a superb adaptogen and energizes the body and mind. It is considered to be an excellent mind tonic, extending the range of thinking and mental capacity.

Tea (Camellia leaf) is one of the most widely used mental stimulants in the world. The Chinese consider tea to be extremely healthy for the mind. Tea is said to have been discovered by Shen Nong, the Spirit Farmer – the same legendary hero who discovered the Chinese herbs and created the concept of superior herbalism.

Tea is much healthier than coffee as a stimulant. It contains less caffeine, and it also contains large quantities of polyphenols, one of the world’s most powerful and effective antioxidant substances. Polyphenols have been shown to prevent aging, and even to prevent cancer, arthritis and other degenerative diseases. Tea is extremely good for your health, and the mental alertness is a side benefit. If you cannot handle the amount of caffeine in a cup of tea, you probably need some good Liver tonics and Shen stabilizing herbs (try Bupleurum and Dragon Bone Formulation for a month or two, or longer).

All of these herbs have powerful mind strengthening effects. The more you use them, the stronger your mind will become. These herbs can be used individually or combined into formulas and used specifically as mind tonics. Other supportive herbs will be useful in balancing and completing the formulas.