Yesterday I found a bag of Mucuna powder in my fridge that I purchased last year. I intuitively knew this plant medicine was a must have while completing my wholesale cart with Mountain Rose herbs. One of my former retail positions as manager/buyer at a large natural grocer taught me that this herbal remedy had to stay on the shelf. It was in high enough demand for those that knew the secret.
Why is herbal medicine such an unwell kept secret? Only by being covered up by the ones that run the worlds economy. Otherwise treaded lightly by the respectful knowers that be, which is hence why most herbs can still be found. Though some are now under threat.
Today one of the happiest herbs helping Us feel well when we need a boost of dopamine in our system is Mucuna pruriens aka velvet bean. One of the reasons mucuna is so popular is itās a natural source of the amino acid, levodopa (L-dopa). L-dopa is a precursor to the neurotransmitter, dopamine! In fact, one of the supplements was actually called L-Dopa and it was capsules of concentrated mucuna found in the stress section w/other natural feel good pills & potions.
~this is a dandelion flower~
Dopamine is the neurotransmitter(a chemical messenger) communicating messages between nerve cells in your brain and the rest of your body. Itās responsible for motivation, pleasure, sleep, mood & focus.
An ADHD brain often has issues with dopamine regulation.
SegueĀ» What exactly are all the causes for our rampant focus problem?
Thatās another discussion and a concerning topic! Hereās a tidbit of data..
2022 Discoveries(post pandemic):
~>1:9 children in the US(ages 3-17) have been diagnosed with ADHD
~>Researchers state 11.4%, 7.1 million had received an ADHD diagnosis, a million more children than in 2016
~>6% adults, 15.5 million are being diagnosed
>>Feeling ādepressedā or sad?
Want answers or a way out to feel well again? Yearning for an experience of peace within? Wondering how to feel joy again? Something is off insideā¦
Dopamine imbalance or deficiency can cause depression symptoms, such as apathy and feelings of hopelessness, while a serotonin imbalance can affect our processing of emotions(and so much more). Both of these hormonal neurotransmitters are essential for feeling well & happy.
Dopamine drives the brain's reward system, motivating you to take action toward goals and delivering feelings of pleasure and satisfaction upon achievement. Key to note acheivement, accomplishing a goal will trigger dopamine naturally:)
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter made in our brains. It plays a key role in many other bodily functions as well, including memory, movement, motivation, mood & attention.
High or low dopamine levels are associated with dis-eases like Parkinsonās, restless legs syndrome(RLS) & attention deficit hyperactivity disorder(ADHD).
Symptoms of low dopamine:
~Feeling tired, unmotivated, unhappy
~Memory loss
~Mood swings
~Sleep problems
~Focus & Concentration issues
~Low sex drive & Infertility
šæNatural ways to activate:
~Eating natural whole foods rich in Tyrosine, an essential amino acid precursor to L-dopa: soy, chickpeas, lentils, squash, wild rice, mushrooms, sesame seeds, chia & pumpkin seeds, eggs, meat & dairy, salmon & cod..
**please choose sustainably raised options & organically grownš
~Cannabis research is showing an impact on neurotransmitters, such as dopamine. While the role of dopamine in the brain is diverse, short term THC use causes dopamine neurons to fire more, increasing the amount of dopamine in the system. Dopamine is also involved in regulating appetite, so an obvious sign that itās being activated when THC is in the bloodstream.
~Mucuna is considered an effective herbal medicine giving the best natural source of the amino acid L-dopa, a direct precursor to the hormonal messenger dopamine!
Velvet beans(photo) are grown in tropical areas of India Asia & Africa
Ayurvedic medicine mucuna pruriens is known as Kapikacchu, traditionally used to nourish and ground vata constitution, which helps support a healthy nervous system balance and sleep routine. Also used for reproductive health in both men & women and digestive support.
Bottom line: Mucuna gently increases dopamine by providing L-dopa. The herb is one of the best natural sources of the amino acid L-dopa, a direct precursor to the hormone dopamine.
Additional benefits from L-Dopa(:
~>Increases energy levels, enhances concentration and improves mood. By raising low dopamine levels, mucuna pruriens can have a positive effect on motivation, attention span, general outlook and many other aspects of mental well being.
~>Helps reduce excessive prolactin & increases testosterone in the body. Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that primarily stimulates breast milk production. Normal blood levels depend heavily on sex and pregnancy status, but elevated levels can lead to infertility, irregular periods, and erectile dysfunction.
Many women and men notice an increase in sexual desire, libido and performance when taking the herb due to higher testosterone levels and mucuna is often considered an aphrodisiac.
~Stimulation of human growth hormone production. Increasing HGH within your body is associated with enhanced muscle growth, improved fat burning & anti-aging effects!
~Improved relaxation and help getting to sleep. Dopamine from L-dopa acts on the pineal gland which secretes the sleep hormone melatonin. Higher dopamine levels are also associated with lower stress and an improved ability to relax.
I know this may sound like what? Yes!! Herbs are fabulously rich in many amazing offerings to the human body & beyondā¦
Disclaimer: all data collected here is from my own personal experience or research being done compiled and publicized over the internet & is strictly for sharing to those interested in growing knowledge, never to diagnose or prescribe.