Nerves

Ashwaganda is a member of the nightshade family.

It shows antibacterial activity against gram-positive bacteria such as Staph, Enterrococcus, and Streptococcus. ¹ And also gram-negative bacteria such as Salmonella and Pseudomonas. ²

It also has antifungal properties, and is active against Candida Albicans. ²

It shows potential in treating malaria, diabetes, and cancer. However, because it increase testosterone, it should be avoided in those being treated for prostate cancer. ²

It increases sperm count and reduces FSH levels. In women, it increases arousal, lubrication, and orgasm. ²

It protects the cardiovascular system. It is also anti-inflammatory and antioxidant. ²

It also helps with stress, anxiety, insomnia, depression, schizophrenia, and hormone balance. ²

It helps build muscle. It might even be effective against COVID. ²

It may be useful in treating Hypothyroid conditions. That being said, it can exacerbate Hyperthyroid, so be mindful of each condition. ²

It increases GABA and reduces dopamine, which can be beneficial or harmful depending on the situation. GABA can excite or inhibit the nerves, and reduced dopamine can have an impact on clinical depression, for example. ²

Because it reduces the functioning of the HPA axis, it may speed aging rather than slowing it down. Supplementing with DHEA may help counteract this issue. ²

Those with autoimmune disease should avoid Ashwaganda altogether, because it boost immune activity and also is a member of the nightshade family. ²

Interactions:

Ashwagandha root may interact with anti-anxiety, sleep, myorelaxant and sedative preparations, exacerbating their effects due to synergism. The raw material exhibits additive effects with anticonvulsants, barbiturates, and benzodiazepines which may lead to an increase in their adverse effects, such as impaired motor coordination, muscle weakness, headache, decreased libido, muscle tremors, and drowsiness. Ashwagandha root should not be used concomitantly with immunosuppressive drugs. ²

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.a.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4427836/
2. https://www.mdpi.com/1999-4923/15/4/1057

Black Cumin Seed is a powerful antioxidant with antiviral properties.

It attenuates oxidative stress and inflammation, and promotes immunity, cell survival, and energy metabolism, which underlie diverse health benefits, including protection against metabolic, cardiovascular, digestive, hepatic, renal, respiratory, reproductive, and neurological disorders, cancer, and so on. ¹

It has antiviral properties against HSV infection. ²

In clinical trials, black cumin seed oil was shown to normalize blood and urine parameters and improve disease outcomes in advanced CKD patients. It can protect against kidney injury caused by various xenobiotics, namely chemotherapeutic agents, heavy metals, pesticides, and other environmental chemicals. This herb can also protect the kidneys from ischemic shock via antioxidation, anti-inflammation, anti-apoptosis, and antifibrosis capabilities. ³

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8225153/
2. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/49589773_The_Effect_of_Cumin_Seed_Extracts_against_Herpes_Simplex_Virus_Type_1_in_Vero_Cell_Culture
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8396533/

Mucuna Pruriens, or Velvet Bean is known to treat male infertility, as an aphrodisiac, and to treat Parkinson’s and other nerve disorders. ¹

1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3942911/

Thiamine is one of the essential B vitamins. Deficiency can occur as a result of several conditions, such as alcohol misuse, aging, AIDS, kidney conditions, and eating disorders. ¹ Supplementing with this vitamin can help reduce deficiency symptoms.

1. https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/thiamine-deficiency-symptoms