We have had a good response from the Detoxing and Chinese herbal formula posting. I decided to include another huge complaint about people in general and in recovery; SLEEP! We don’t get enough of it, and when we do sleep we don’t sleep very restfully. See how Chinese herbs can help you sleep and NOT feel “hung over” the next morning.
For people in recovery, sleep is a huge problem. Western sleeping pills typically leave people feeling drowsy the next day, and or people report not feeling like they are achieving natural sleep. Chinese herbs, in particular the formula below, deal with the “typical” type of sleeping disorder of people in recovery. Please remember this formula is a “base” formula that we would start with, and from there modify the herbs to match each person on an individual basis. These herbs can be taken as short or long term therapy depending on the nature of the complaint.

CALM (ES) TM

CLINICAL APPLICATIONS

Stress with poor appetite, headache, tension, insomnia, and similar stress responses

Extreme or severe emotional and psychological disorders such as hysteria, neurosis, schizophrenia, and others

Withdrawal signs and symptoms associated with alcohol, drug and smoking addiction

Insomnia with disturbed sleep and night awakenings

WESTERN THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS

Sedative effect to relieve nervousness and irritability

Anxiolytic function to relieve stress and anxiety

Tranquilizing effect to alleviate severe emotional and psychological disorders

Calming effect to ease withdrawal signs and symptoms associated with alcohol, drug and smoking addiction

Antispasmodic effect to relieve muscle tension and cramping

CHINESE THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS

Spreads Liver qi, purges excess Liver fire

Calms the shen (spirit) and tranquilizes the Heart
DOSAGE

For stress- and anxiety-related disorders, take 3 to 4 capsules three times daily. For severe emotional and psychological disorders, or patients with withdrawal signs and symptoms because of drug or alcohol addiction, the dosage may be increased to 6 to 8 capsules every four to six hours or as needed. Dosage can then be dropped down to 3 to 4 capsules three times daily when symptoms are stabilized.

INGREDIENTS

Bai Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae)

Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri)

Chuan Xiong (Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong)

Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei)

Da Zao (Fructus Jujubae)

Dang Gui (Radicis Angelicae Sinensis)

Fu Ling (Poria)

Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae)

Gou Teng (Ramulus Uncariae cum Uncis)

Gui Zhi (Ramulus Cinnamomi)

Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae)

Long Gu (Os Draconis)

Mu Li (Concha Ostreae)

Sheng Jiang (Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens)

Suan Zao Ren (Semen Zizyphi Spinosae)

Xi Yang Shen (Radix Panacis Quinquefolii)

Xie Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Valerianae)

Zhu Ru (Caulis Bambusae in Taenia)
FORMULA EXPLANATION

Calm (ES) is one of the strongest herbal formulas to treat emotional and psychological disorders. In addition to regulating Liver qi and purging Liver fire, it also calms the shen (spirit) and tranquilizes the Heart. Clinically, it is commonly used for patients with severe emotional distress or mild psychological disorders. Furthermore, it can also be used to treat withdrawal signs and symptoms commonly associated with substance addiction.

Long Gu (Os Draconis) and Mu Li (Concha Ostreae) are mineral medicinal substances commonly used to anchor the floating shen (spirit). They have tranquilizing and sedative effects, which can subdue the hyperactivity of Liver fire. Gou Teng (Ramulus Uncariae cum Uncis) treats headache associated with a sudden rise of blood pressure. Huang Qin (Radix Scutellariae) and Da Huang (Radix et Rhizoma Rhei) clear heat and relieve irritability. Chai Hu (Radix Bupleuri) disperses stagnant Liver qi and Dang Gui (Radicis Angelicae Sinensis) nourishes Liver blood. Xi Yang Shen (Radix Panacis Quinquefolii), Bai Zhu (Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae), Fu Ling (Poria), Sheng Jiang (Rhizoma Zingiberis Recens), and Da Zao (Fructus Jujubae) strengthen and harmonize the middle jiao and prevent the Liver from overacting on the Spleen. Gui Zhi (Ramulus Cinnamomi) and Chuan Xiong (Rhizoma Ligustici Chuanxiong) promote qi and blood circulation. Suan Zao Ren (Semen Zizyphi Spinosae) and Xie Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Valerianae) calm the Heart and nourish the shen (spirit). Gan Cao (Radix Glycyrrhizae) harmonizes all the herbs in the formula and protects the stomach against harshness of the mineral medicinal substances in this formula.

SUPPLEMENTARY FORMULAS

For moderate amounts of stress and anxiety or PMS, use Calm.

For stress and anxiety with insomnia in deficiency patients, use Calm ZZZ.

For insomnia arising from blood deficiency, add Schisandra ZZZ.

For menopausal signs, add Balance (Heat).

For hypertension, add Gentiana Complex or Gastrodia Complex.

For headache, add Corydalin or Migratrol.

For crying spells or depression, add Shine.

For constipation, combine with Gentle Lax (Excess).

If the patient has hyperthyroidism, add Thyrodex.

For ADD/ADHD, add Calm (Jr).

For heartburn or gastric ulcers, add GI Care.

For stress-related irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), add GI Harmony.

For stress-related ulcerative colitis, add GI Care (UC).

For chronic, stubborn insomnia with blood stagnation, add Circulation (SJ).

For excess fire in the body, add Gardenia Complex.

For thirst and dryness, add Nourish (Fluids).

NUTRITION

A diet high in calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, and vitamins B and E is recommended. These vitamins and minerals are easily depleted by stress.

Encourage the consumption of fruits and vegetables such as apricots, asparagus, avocados, bananas and broccoli. Brown rice, dried fruit, figs, salmon, garlic, green leafy vegetables, soy products, and yogurt are also recommended.

Avoid caffeine (coffee, tea, cola, chocolate), tobacco, alcohol and sugar whenever possible.[1]

LIFESTYLE INSTRUCTIONS

If insomnia is related to work or stress, advised the patients not to work in the bedroom and remove anything that may be a reminder of the office or work. A warm bath or light snack before bedtime may also be helpful.

Regular exercise, adequate rest, and normal sleep patterns are beneficial for stress reduction.

Practice meditation exercises at least twice daily.

Get away from daily routines to do something enjoyable to relieve stress whenever possible.

Noise can be disturbing to mental health and cause stress. Noise greater than 65-decibels can cause psychological disturbance, greater than 90-decibels can cause emotional and vegetative consequences, and greater than 120-decibels can cause nervous system and hearing damages.

CAUTIONS

Patients with a weak digestive system may experience mild gastrointestinal disturbances. In such cases, reduce the dosage or take the herbs with GI Care for nausea, and Gentle Lax (Deficient) for constipation.

Patients who are on anticoagulant or antiplatelet therapies, such as Coumadin (Warfarin), should use this formula with caution as there may be a slightly higher risk of bleeding and bruising.

This formula is contraindicated during pregnancy and nursing.

CLINICAL NOTE

In addition to using Calm (ES), efforts should be made to identify the underlying cause of illness. Both the symptoms and the cause should be treated concurrently to ensure optimal results.
MODERN RESEARCH

Calm (ES) is formulated based on careful research and includes herbs that have sedative, hypnotic and muscle-relaxant effects. Common applications of Calm (ES) include the treatment of stress, anxiety, insomnia, emotional and psychiatric disorders, and addiction.

Xie Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Valerianae) also has a wide range of functions, including but not limited to antispasmodic and sedative/hypnotic properties.[2], [3] In a double-blind crossover study of 128 people, it was found that those who took Xie Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Valerianae) had a significant improvement in sleep quality with less awakenings during the night, and less somnolence the next morning.[4] The clinical effects of Xie Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Valerianae) are thought to be similar to those of short-acting benzodiazepines.[5]

Calm (ES) is formulated based on a traditional herbal formula that is commonly used to treat stress, anxiety and sleep disorders. Furthermore, clinical trials have proven this formula to be effective in treating such disorders as neurosis, schizophrenia, hysteria, epilepsy, and withdrawal signs and symptoms associated with drug, alcohol and smoking cessation.[6],[7],[8]

PHARMACEUTICAL DRUGS & CHINESE MEDICINE: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

Stress and anxiety are two of the most common emotional disorders. Clinical signs and symptoms include recurrent and intrusive thoughts, insomnia, disturbed sleep, illusions, hallucinations, difficulty concentrating, hypervigilance, restlessness, anger, and irritability.

Western Medical Approach: Pharmaceutical drug treatment for stress and anxiety focus primarily on use of sedative and hypnotic drugs, such as Valium (Diazepam) and Ativan (Lorazepam). Though these drugs are very potent and have immediate effect to sedate patients, they do not address the underlying conditions. Furthermore, long-term use of these medications are associated with many side effects, including drowsiness, dizziness, tiredness, blurred vision, changes in sex drive or ability, shuffling walk, persistent, fine tremor or inability to sit still, difficulty breathing or swallowing, severe skin rash, yellowing of the skin or eyes, irregular heartbeat, and addiction. Therefore, these drugs should only be used when necessary, and only for a short period of time.

Traditional Chinese Medicine Approach: Use of herbs is extremely effective to treat stress and anxiety. Herbs regulate mood and emotions, and alleviate stress and anxiety by enhancing the body’s own ability to deal with these external factors. Unlike drugs that have immediate effect to treat stress and anxiety by “sedating the mind and decreasing its responsiveness,” herbs do not have an immediate effect, and require two or more weeks of continuous use to gradually treat these conditions. In contrast, one of the main advantages of herbs is they are safe and natural, and do not have negative side effects like drugs.

Summation: Stress and anxiety are two very common disorders. While drugs and herbs are both effective, they have contrasting differences of benefits and risks. While drugs are more effective for shot-term treatment, herbs are more successful for long-term management. Furthermore, counseling (behavior and psychotherapy) is extremely important toward the understanding of, and complete recovery from, these conditions.

CASE STUDIES

L.L., a 56-year-old female, presented with frustration, anger and sadness over losing her home in the hurricanes. She was unable to move through these emotions. She was also diagnosed with hypertension, high cholesterol, and post-traumatic stress syndrome recently, and refused to take medications. Her blood pressure was 138/78 mmHg and her heart rate was 82 beats per minute. She also suffered from headaches in the temporal region and the vertex. Other symptoms included twitching of the eyes, agitation, red eyes, and a scalloped tongue with thick yellow tongue coating. TCM diagnoses were damp-heat in the Liver and Gallbladder, Kidney yin deficiency, and excess fire and wind rising. She was prescribed the following formulas: Calm (ES) at 1 to 3 capsules, as needed, Cholisma at 4 capsules twice daily, and Gentiana Complex at 5 capsules twice daily. The patient gained control of her emotions immediately after taking Calm (ES). Blood pressure gradually reduced over time to 120/72 mmHg. The practitioner commented that the combination of these formulas are phenomenal.

M.H., West Palm Beach, Florida

A 49-year-old female social worker presented with stress, anxiety, dizziness and irregular menses. The patient reported occasional irritability, hot flashes, night sweats and dysmenorrhea. Dry eyes and muscle cramps were also present. The patient was diagnosed with Kidney and Liver yin deficiency with Liver qi stagnation. With Balance (Heat) and Calm (ES), the patient experienced a reduction of hot flashes and had less irritability, stress, anxiety and dizziness. She also stated that she slept better and her menses were not as painful. The practitioner concluded that Balance (Heat) and Calm (ES) were an excellent combination for the condition.

D.M., Raton, New Mexico

A 44-year-old female police officer presented with chronic headaches located in the occipital/temporal regions. She stated that stress aggravated the problem. There was acute tenderness at the Fengchi (GB 20) area as well as in the cervical spine. She also experienced pain on her zygoma. The practitioner diagnosed the condition as qiand blood stagnation in Gallbladder, Urinary Bladder, and Small Intestine channels in addition to myofascial syndrome, which was stress-induced because of the nature of her job. She was treated with Corydalin, Neck & Shoulder (Acute) and Calm (ES), which were all so effective that they subsequently replaced her medication, Imitrex (Sumatriptan). The practitioner concluded that a critical aspect in the treatment was to assist the patient in coping with stress, which in turn made the herbal treatment more effective.

S.C., La Crescenta., CA

An 18-year-old female presents with vivid visual hallucinations at night, mainly when going alone from her car to the house. The Western diagnosis was paranoia with visual hallucination; the TCM diagnosis was Liver qi stagnation with shen (spirit) disturbance. The practitioner prescribed three capsules of Calm (ES), three times daily for two weeks, and taught the patient to engage in positive visual imagery and mental clarification. After the integrative therapies, the patient reported that her hallucinations and fears had resolved.

C.L., Chino Hills, California

A 40-year-old male presented with severe insomnia, restlessness and hyperactivity. Tongue body appeared red while his pulse felt rapid and wiry. Western assessment of his condition was schizophrenia. TCM diagnosis was Heart fire and Liver fire. Within a week of taking Calm (ES), his sleep time increased from 2 to 3 hours a night to 7 to 8 hours a night. His restlessness and hyperactivity also subsided.

T.G., Albuquerque, New Mexico

M.C., a 53-year-old female, presented with anxiety. She was very anxious and fearful of flying. Otherwise healthy, she had to take her son up north to begin college and had to fly, and came to my office for treatment. Her blood pressure was 120/78 mmHg and her heart rate was 76 beats per minute. TCM diagnosis was Liver fire. Calm (ES) was prescribed at 4 to 6 capsules before the flight. She reported later that she took 4 capsules 1 hour before her flight, and that her anxiety was under control. She was able to fly out more often to see her son as she felt she could handle the flights when she takes Calm (ES).

M.H., West Palm Beach, Florida

A 53-year-old male miner presented with insomnia, depression, stress, anxiety and fatigue. He had difficulty falling asleep, which was aggravated by relentless worrying. Other symptoms included palpitations and occasional dizziness. A choppy pulse and a pale tongue were present, along with a pale complexion. The practitioner diagnosed the condition as Heart and Spleen blood deficiency. After the initial treatment, his sleep improved from 2 to 3 hours per night to 5 to 6 hours per night. The patient was no longer fatigued and felt much calmer. Because of his occupation and the nature of his condition, he was unable to take the western medication since drowsiness was one side effect. The combination of Schisandra ZZZ and Calm (ES) made it possible to manage his condition with no known side effects. The practitioner recommended continuous application of the herbal combination of Schisandra ZZZ and Calm (ES) for his medical condition.

D.M., Raton, New Mexico

A 78-year-old female with a past history of stroke presented with memory loss, insomnia, and nightmares. She was easily frightened and frequently woke up in the middle of the night because of her dreams. Her western medical diagnosis was dementia. TCM diagnosis included qi and blood stagnation, Liver and Kidney yin deficiency, and Heart fire. She was given Calm (ES) and Neuro Plus. After taking the herbs for approximately one month, the patient was able to recall the practitioner’s name for the very first time! In addition, her sleep, mood, complexion, and energy level improved greatly. The patient was much calmer and less irritable. Despite the fact that she still did not know the name of her town or the correct month, there were many improvements in all other areas. The practitioner concluded that the combination of Calm (ES) and Neuro Plus has enhanced the patient’s quality of life.

P.R., Encinitas, California

An 85-year-old retired female presented with excruciating pain in the neck and shoulder that causes difficulty sleeping. Objective findings included limited range of motion of the neck. The tongue had a dirty yellow coat and a red tip. The western diagnosis included psoriatic arthritis, arthritis, fibromyalgia, hiatal hernia, hypertension, depression, chronic constipation, leaky gut syndrome, sciatica and insomnia. The patient was instructed to take Neck & Shoulder (Acute) and Corydalin, 3 capsules of each three times daily in between meals. Calm (ES) was given at night to help sleep. The patient responded that the formulas were effective in reducing the acute pain in the neck and shoulder region. After the acute phase two weeks later, the patient was switched to Gan Mai Da Zao Tang (Licorice, Wheat, and Jujube Decoction) and Shao Yao Gan Cao Tang (Peony and Licorice Decoction), a combination recommended by Dr. Richard Tan that consistently helped patients with fibromyalgia.

J.B., Camarillo, California

B.B., a 51-year-old female, presented with daily, moderate headaches. She suffered from breast tenderness and a headache that worsened before each period. She also had insomnia and would waken and stay awake for an hour, several times a night. She suffered from irritability that may have arisen from her recent quitting of tobacco smoking. Her tongue was purplish red; her pulse was rapid and wiry. The TCM diagnosis was Liver fire and Liver qi stagnation. Jia Wei Xiao Yao San (Augmented Rambling Powder) and Calm (ES) were prescribed at 2 grams each, daily. After taking the herbs, the patient reported the breast soreness was gone. Her headache began to diminish, especially after she was past nicotine detox. Irritability was also greatly reduced. The patient continued taking the herbs for a year, and noticed that if she stopped taking the herbs, the irritability would return but not the headache or sore breasts. She continues with the formulas at 1 gram per day each, and is very impressed with the results.

C.D., Phoenix, Oregon
Thank You,

Brad Whisnant,