Irritability
/ Anxiety / Generalized Nervous Excess
A condition
of nervous excess can present itself in many different situations,
as part of a stress response or as an inherent constitutional trait
(which might be classified as a symptom of “Liver fire”
in Chinese medicine). Generally each case should be treated individually,
with an eye to the surrounding systems and patterns in the physiology.
Often, links can be found with the digestive system, the endocrine
and digestive tissues of the liver, and perhaps feedback from the
cardiovascular system. Thus, bitters can become an important adjunct
unless specifically contraindicated (heartburn, etc…). Nervous
system sedatives can be employed; in this context, it is important
to distinguish this pattern from one of yin deficiency. General
suggestions follow.
Treatment
Goal(s):
· Sedate the nervous system short-term; improve function
and reduce inflammation of supportive physiologic systems.
Primary
Treatment:
· Administer an appropriate sedative / anxiolytic herb, usually
by itself to determine effectiveness and/or adverse reactions. Some
suggestions: Valeriana officinalis (Valerian); Piper methysticum
(Kava-kava); Humulus lupulus (Hops); Passiflora incarnata (Passionflower).
Doses can begin relatively high (1 tsp. 3x daily) and diminish gradually
as indicated.
· Use a general tonic tea of Avena sativa (Oats).
Supportive Treatment:
· Eliminate inflammatory promoters from the diet (refined
sugar is a key culprit; food allergens may be involved as well;
reduce caffeine and alcohol intake).
· Support the stress response using adrenal tonics (see protocol
on Adrenal depletion).
· Support digestive function using bitters and/or upper digestive
stimulants / carminatives such as Zingiber officinale (Ginger) or
Angelica archangelica.
· Massage therapy / Relaxation exercises / Deep Breathing.
Differential diagnoses, cautions, and other considerations:
· Do not use sedative herbs for a prolonged period, or in
conjunction with prescription sedatives without consulting with
the doctor that prescribed them. If the condition does not improve
within a month to 6 weeks of following a comprehensive protocol,
consider the possibility of a deep congestive condition –
refer to acupuncture and/or massage therapy.
· Determine if the condition is one of yin/qi deficiency
(low or absent tongue moss; insomnia; scattered energy; depressive
symptoms; quivering tongue) and use nervous restoratives / adrenal
restoratives in that case. Do not continue to sedate.
