{"id":6785,"date":"2022-04-24T10:12:41","date_gmt":"2022-04-24T09:12:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/?post_type=condition&#038;p=6785"},"modified":"2025-05-27T13:29:49","modified_gmt":"2025-05-27T12:29:49","slug":"nervous-system-health-traditional-chinese-medicine-perspective","status":"publish","type":"condition","link":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/condition\/nervous-system-health-traditional-chinese-medicine-perspective\/","title":{"rendered":"Nervous system health: A traditional Chinese medicine perspective"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><em>We discuss nervous system health and how we can best support it from a range of disciplines, including Traditional Chinese Medicine.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ugb-accordion ugb-accordion ugb-9d20464 ugb-4bd421b ugb-accordion--v2 ugb-accordion--design-plain ugb-accordion--open ugb-main-block\" aria-expanded=\"true\"><style>.ugb-4bd421b .ugb-accordion__title{font-size:26px !important}<\/style><div class=\"ugb-inner-block\"><div class=\"ugb-block-content\"><div class=\"ugb-accordion__item\"><div class=\"ugb-accordion__heading\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\"><h2 class=\"ugb-accordion__title\">Understanding the nervous system<\/h2><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" class=\"ugb-accordion__arrow\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\"><path d=\"M16.7 3.3L10 10 3.3 3.4 0 6.7l10 10v-.1l10-9.9z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"ugb-accordion__content\" role=\"region\"><div class=\"ugb-accordion__content-inner\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized\"><img src=\"https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/21124115\/memory-jigsaw-man-nervous-system-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"Nervous system health: A traditional Chinese medicine perspective\" style=\"aspect-ratio:1;object-fit:cover;width:541px;height:auto\"\/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This is an incredibly important time to discuss nervous system health and how we can best support it from a range of disciplines. Whether as a direct result of contracting the Covid-19 virus or simply as a consequence of living through a pandemic, it is commonly known that these last years have pressured nervous systems globally with the result being an upsurge in conditions such as tension, anxiety, depression, insomnia, fatigue and post-traumatic stress. Thankfully, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has much to offer in this domain, both in terms of treatment and advice for self-care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:21px\">The autonomic nervous system<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Stemming from the brain and subdivided in to the central and peripheral nervous systems, the nervous system is the control centre that guides us through our daily lives, governing everything from speech and movement to respiration, thoughts and feelings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Within the peripheral nervous system is the autonomic nervous system (ANS). The ANS controls involuntary processes such as our heart rate, blood pressure, breathing and digestion via the sympathetic (activating) and parasympathetic (calming) nervous systems. It is the ANS that is activated when we experience the \u2018fight\u2019 or \u2018flight\u2019 or \u2018freeze\u2019 response to threatening situations and it is the communication between the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis that regulates this response. (1)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:21px\">HPA axis&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>When we encounter stress or a perceived danger, the sympathetic nervous system galvanises us to react (fight) or flee (flight) through a hormonal response. The hypothalamus, located at the base of the brain, releases corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH). CRH prompts the pituitary gland to secrete adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) which then promotes the adrenal glands to release the \u2018stress hormone\u2018, cortisol. The adrenal glands also release adrenaline and noradrenaline, which prepare the body to fight or flee by increasing blood pressure, heart and breathing rates. Once blood levels of these hormones reach a certain level they will send inhibitory messages to the hypothalamus and this negative feedback returns the body to homeostasis. In the face of chronic stress, however, this equilibrium is not achieved and we suffer what is known as hyperactivation of the HPA axis. (1,2)<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ugb-accordion ugb-accordion ugb-a2bc58e ugb-accordion--v2 ugb-accordion--design-plain ugb-main-block\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><style>.ugb-a2bc58e .ugb-accordion__title{font-size:26px !important}<\/style><div class=\"ugb-inner-block\"><div class=\"ugb-block-content\"><div class=\"ugb-accordion__item\"><div class=\"ugb-accordion__heading\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\"><h2 class=\"ugb-accordion__title\">How do nervous system disorders work in TCM?<\/h2><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" class=\"ugb-accordion__arrow\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\"><path d=\"M16.7 3.3L10 10 3.3 3.4 0 6.7l10 10v-.1l10-9.9z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"ugb-accordion__content\" role=\"region\"><div class=\"ugb-accordion__content-inner\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized\"><img width=\"1800\" height=\"1013\" src=\"https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/21124427\/Herbal-and-nutritional-therapy-for-PTSD-fibromyalgia-and-chronic-anxiety.jpg\" alt=\"Herbal and nutritional therapy for PTSD, fibromyalgia and chronic anxiety\" class=\"wp-image-6166\" style=\"width:648px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/21124427\/Herbal-and-nutritional-therapy-for-PTSD-fibromyalgia-and-chronic-anxiety.jpg 1800w, https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/21124427\/Herbal-and-nutritional-therapy-for-PTSD-fibromyalgia-and-chronic-anxiety-1000x563.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/21124427\/Herbal-and-nutritional-therapy-for-PTSD-fibromyalgia-and-chronic-anxiety-1300x732.jpg 1300w, https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/21124427\/Herbal-and-nutritional-therapy-for-PTSD-fibromyalgia-and-chronic-anxiety-768x432.jpg 768w, https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/01\/21124427\/Herbal-and-nutritional-therapy-for-PTSD-fibromyalgia-and-chronic-anxiety-1536x864.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1800px) 100vw, 1800px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:21px\"><em>Yin<\/em> and <em>Yang<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><em>\u201cYin ping yang mi, jing shen nai zhi.<\/em>&#8220;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>&#8220;<em>If yin is level [calm] and yang is secret [unobtrusive],<\/em> <em>the spirit is therefore in order\u201d <\/em>(3)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Kidneys are the foundations of y<em>in<\/em> and <em>yang<\/em> in the body and kidney <em>essence<\/em> provides the material basis for the brain and spinal cord. (4) They are, therefore, integral to an understanding of the western nervous system.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the most fundamental level, chronic HPA axis overactivity is a disharmony of the <em>yin<\/em> and <em>yang <\/em>energies. Where <em>yin<\/em> is cooling and sedentary, <em>yang<\/em> is warming and active. Where <em>yin<\/em> calms, <em>yang<\/em> stimulates. Opposites, they also rely on each other to generate and tame one another to maintain balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In cases of HPA axis hyperactivity we are &#8211; at least in the early stages \u2013 looking at overabundant and\/ or unrestrained <em>yang<\/em> energy. A stressor has called the <em>yang<\/em> energy in to action to enable us to \u2018fight\u2019 or \u2018fly\u2019, and where <em>yin<\/em> would ordinarily restrain the <em>yang<\/em> to bring the body back to a place of equilibrium, this has failed to occur. The stressor has either been ongoing or pre-existing weaknesses have rendered the body unable to control and anchor the <em>yang<\/em>. The heating, stimulating <em>yang<\/em> energy is left unchecked and the fall-out from this affects us on many levels, including the disturbance of our <em>shen <\/em>(spirit\/ mind). Left untreated, this excess condition, typically involving the heart and liver systems, will eventually lead to one of deficiency (in particular, of the heart, spleen and kidneys). (2) This depleted state is often termed, \u2018<a href=\"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/health-lifestyle\/energy-activity\/andrenal-fatigue-how-chronic-stress-affects-us-what-to-do\/\">adrenal fatigue<\/a>\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:21px\"><em>Shen<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In TCM, our <em>shen<\/em> is a broad concept referring to everything from our mental functions, thoughts, memory, emotions and sleep as well as the more ethereal concept of our \u2018spirit\u2019. As mind and body are inextricably linked in TCM, the <em>shen<\/em> is believed to reside in the heart and is anchored and nourished by blood and <em>yin<\/em>. If these are weak, our <em>shen<\/em> will lack stability. It is also easily agitated by excessive <em>heat<\/em>. (4) When we look at conditions affecting the nervous system, <em>shen<\/em> disturbance is typically present.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ugb-accordion ugb-accordion ugb-fb87bdd ugb-58e400e ugb-accordion--v2 ugb-accordion--design-plain ugb-main-block\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><style>.ugb-58e400e .ugb-accordion__title{font-size:26px !important}<\/style><div class=\"ugb-inner-block\"><div class=\"ugb-block-content\"><div class=\"ugb-accordion__item\"><div class=\"ugb-accordion__heading\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\"><h2 class=\"ugb-accordion__title\">Understanding the root<\/h2><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" class=\"ugb-accordion__arrow\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\"><path d=\"M16.7 3.3L10 10 3.3 3.4 0 6.7l10 10v-.1l10-9.9z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"ugb-accordion__content\" role=\"region\"><div class=\"ugb-accordion__content-inner\">\n<p>In TCM, there is no specific understanding of the nervous system or HPA axis dysfunction as we know them in allopathic medicine. However, as chronic HPA axis activation is illustrated perhaps most explicitly in the anxiety disorder post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), where the autonomic nervous system remains activated long after the initial trauma, we may look to the main TCM \u2018patterns\u2019 (constellations of signs and symptoms) seen in PTSD cases to gain a general understanding of how TCM interprets an overactive sympathetic nervous system (bearing in mind that not all symptoms will be present in all cases). The excess, relatively acute, patterns tend to involve the liver and heart systems and the deficient, chronic patterns, the heart, spleen and kidneys. (2)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized\"><img width=\"2560\" height=\"1635\" src=\"https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/21125532\/Mental-health-woman-crowd-people-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-3228\" style=\"width:572px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/21125532\/Mental-health-woman-crowd-people-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/21125532\/Mental-health-woman-crowd-people-scaled.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/21125532\/Mental-health-woman-crowd-people-scaled.jpg 1300w, https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/21125532\/Mental-health-woman-crowd-people-768x490.jpg 768w, https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/21125532\/Mental-health-woman-crowd-people-1536x981.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/09\/21125532\/Mental-health-woman-crowd-people-2048x1308.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:21px\">Excess patterns<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:18px\"><em>Liver qi stagnation<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>The liver governs the smooth flow of <em>qi<\/em>. When we are stressed, liver <em>qi<\/em> stagnates creating physical and mental tension, moodiness, irritability and\/ or depression. This can be accompanied by feelings of abdominal discomfort below the ribs and digestive issues (belching, nausea, poor appetite, a churning feeling in the stomach), where stagnant liver <em>qi <\/em>has invaded and disrupted our digestive function (controlled by the spleen and stomach). In women, we will often see menstrual irregularities and pain. The radial pulse will feel \u2018wiry\u2019, taught like a guitar string, reflecting the constraint of energy in the body. (2,4)&nbsp; &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:18px\"><em>Liver qi stagnation with heat<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>If Liver <em>qi <\/em>stagnation persists, it generates <em>heat<\/em> or even <em>fire<\/em>, like the rubbing together of sticks. Here we will see an exacerbation of liver <em>qi<\/em> stagnation signs (e.g. extreme irritability) accompanied by <em>heat<\/em> signs such as: red eyes and face, dry throat, thirst, burning abdominal discomfort, dry stools, dark yellow urine, a red tongue with a yellow coat and a pulse that is now both rapid and wiry. The level of <em>shen<\/em> disturbance here is greater and one will suffer from insomnia and possible nightmares due to the rising<em> heat<\/em> disturbing the <em>shen<\/em>. Ascending <em>heat<\/em> may also cause high blood pressure, dizziness and severe headaches. (2,4)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:18px\"><em>Heart Fire<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>As it rises, liver <em>fire<\/em> readily transfers to Heart <em>fire<\/em>. This pattern is similar to that of liver <em>fire<\/em>, but there will be symptoms such as intense mental restlessness, palpitations, a sensation of heat in the chest, burning mouth and tongue ulcers (the tongue is an \u201coffshoot of the heart\u201d (3, p208)) and impulsiveness. Insomnia is characterised by frequent waking and nightmares. The urine will again be dark and may even be painful or contain blood in cases where the intense <em>heat<\/em> from the Heart has transferred to the small intestine (the heart\u2019s partner in TCM). The pulse will again be rapid but may also be irregular, reflecting the heart\u2019s agitation. In TCM, the tip of the tongue relates to the heart and in cases of heart <em>fire<\/em> it will be red and swollen. (2,4)&nbsp;&nbsp; <em>&nbsp;<\/em>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:18px\"><em>Phlegm fire disturbing the shen<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Qi <\/em>stagnation can impair the processing and circulation of fluids as well as impacting digestion. This can lead to the generation of <em>phlegm. Phlegm <\/em>stagnation may also lead to <em>fire, <\/em>agitating the <em>shen<\/em>. Clinical symptoms are similar to heart fire but, as <em>phlegm<\/em> \u2018obstructs the orifice of the mind\u2019 in TCM, the <em>shen<\/em> disturbance is typically more pronounced and there may be a tendency to being easily startled, confused thinking, aggression and \u201cexcessive ranting\u201d. (2, p24) Again, there will often be dizziness and hypertension from the heat flaring upwards. The pulse will feel rapid and \u2018slippery\u2019. (2,4) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:21px\">Deficient patterns<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:18px\"><em>Heart blood and Spleen qi deficiency<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Over-thinking and rumination leads to the consumption of <em>qi<\/em> and <em>blood<\/em>. In this deficient pattern, the heart (and, therefore, <em>shen<\/em>) lacks nourishment from <em>blood<\/em> and digestion (and, therefore, qi and blood production) is impaired. There will be fatigue, poor appetite and digestion, great anxiety, timidity, palpitations, insomnia (particularly falling asleep) and memory impairment. The complexion and tongue are pale, the pulse is weak and \u2018thin\u2019. (1,3)&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:18px\"><em>Heart and Kidney not communicating<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>In TCM, the heart belongs to the fire element and the kidneys, water. Like <em>yin<\/em> and <em>yang<\/em>, they keep each other in check; Heart fire (<em>yang<\/em>) warms the kidneys and kidney water (<em>yin<\/em>) cools the heart. Excessive mental activity and overwork can sever this communication by depleting kidney <em>yin<\/em>, resulting in hyperactivity of heart <em>fire<\/em> and <em>shen<\/em> disturbance. The nature of the <em>shen<\/em> disturbance is that of the excess heart <em>fire<\/em> pattern above but here it is paired with typical kidney <em>yin<\/em> deficiency signs such as sore low back and knees, tinnitus and nightsweats. The pulse will be rapid and thin. (2,4) <\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ugb-accordion ugb-accordion ugb-727094a ugb-ce6acf9 ugb-accordion--v2 ugb-accordion--design-plain ugb-main-block\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><style>.ugb-ce6acf9 .ugb-accordion__title{font-size:26px !important}<\/style><div class=\"ugb-inner-block\"><div class=\"ugb-block-content\"><div class=\"ugb-accordion__item\"><div class=\"ugb-accordion__heading\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\"><h2 class=\"ugb-accordion__title\">Signs and symptoms<\/h2><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" class=\"ugb-accordion__arrow\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\"><path d=\"M16.7 3.3L10 10 3.3 3.4 0 6.7l10 10v-.1l10-9.9z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"ugb-accordion__content\" role=\"region\"><div class=\"ugb-accordion__content-inner\">\n<p>Possible conditions involved in chronically active sympathetic nervous systems:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Tension<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Irritability<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Anxiety<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Depression<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Insomnia<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Impaired memory<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Confused thinking<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fatigue<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>High blood pressure<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Headaches<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Obesity<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ugb-accordion ugb-accordion ugb-eeddbb9 ugb-db99bd3 ugb-accordion--v2 ugb-accordion--design-plain ugb-main-block\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><style>.ugb-db99bd3 .ugb-accordion__title{font-size:26px !important}<\/style><div class=\"ugb-inner-block\"><div class=\"ugb-block-content\"><div class=\"ugb-accordion__item\"><div class=\"ugb-accordion__heading\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\"><h2 class=\"ugb-accordion__title\">Herbal solutions<\/h2><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" class=\"ugb-accordion__arrow\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\"><path d=\"M16.7 3.3L10 10 3.3 3.4 0 6.7l10 10v-.1l10-9.9z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"ugb-accordion__content\" role=\"region\"><div class=\"ugb-accordion__content-inner\">\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herbalism\/herbal-research-herbal-projects\/art-science-herbal-formulation-traditional-chinese-medicine\/\">Chinese herbal medicine<\/a> tends not to use herbs individually but in synergistic formulae. It is important to consult a qualified TCM practitioner as they must be carefully prescribed and modified to match the individual\u2019s presenting symptoms, environment and constitution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/persian-silk-tree\/\"><img src=\"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Albizia-julibrissin-mimosa-silk-tree-flowers-leaves-1200x795.jpg\" alt=\"Albizia (Albizia julibrissin)\" class=\"wp-image-6966\" style=\"width:631px;height:auto\"\/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Albizia (<em>Albizia julibrissin<\/em>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:21px\">Substances that calm the spirit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In the TCM materia medica, we have a category of herbs known as substances that calm the spirit which work predominantly on the heart and liver to address issues such as irritability, insomnia and anxiety. Within this category are \u2018herbs that nourish the heart and calm the spirit\u2019.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:18px\"><em>Suan zao ren<\/em> (<em>Zizyphus spinosae<\/em>)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Jujube seeds is a commonly-used sedative herb that alleviates irritability, insomnia and anxiety with palpitations in cases of <em>yin<\/em> or Blood deficiency. The tonic properties of <em>suan zao ren<\/em> lend it to safe use in the elderly and in children. (5) It has also been shown to reduce blood pressure. (6) It is the primary herb in the classic formula, <em>Suan Zao Ren Tang<\/em><strong><em> <\/em><\/strong>(Sour Jujube Decoction), used widely in TCM to treat insomnia from <em>yin<\/em> and Blood deficiencies. (7)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:18px\"><em>Yuan zhi <\/em>(<em>Polygala tenuifolia)<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Polygala is a bitter, pungent, slightly warming herb that nourishes the heart and clears <em>phlegm<\/em> that is disturbing the spirit. (5,6) It is also an important herb for re-establishing the communication between the heart and kidneys. (8) &nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:18px\"><em><em>He huan pi<\/em>&nbsp;<\/em>(<em>Albizzia julibrissin<\/em>)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Also known as Mimosa tree bark. While this is a herb that is mild in its action, the English translation, \u201ccollective happiness bark\u201d, (5) goes some way to illustrate its importance in TCM as a herb for steadying and elevating our emotions. It does so primarily by alleviating contrained liver <em>qi<\/em>, though large doses and prolonged use is needed for this. (8) <em>He huan hua (Flos albizziae julibrissin) <\/em>the Persian silk tree flower, is also used to calm the spirit, especially in cases of great <em>qi<\/em> stagnation and where Stomach <em>qi<\/em> has been impacted (ie. poor appetite). (5,8)<em> &nbsp;<\/em>&nbsp;<strong><em>&nbsp;<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Within the <em>shen<\/em>-calmer category, we also have \u2018substances that anchor, calm and settle the spirit\u2019, used for their tranquillizing effect in cases of ascendant <em>yang <\/em>energy. (5) These herbs (e.g. <em>mu li<\/em> (oyster shell) and <em>long gu<\/em> (fossilized mammal bones)), however, are minerals and shells and are not approved for use in the UK.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:21px\">Herbs that regulate q<em>i<\/em><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:18px\"><em>Chai hu (Bupleurum chinense<\/em>, Bupleurum)<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>While <em>chai hu<\/em> belongs to the category of herbs that \u2018release the exterior\u2019, here we will explore its ability to regulate the <em>qi <\/em>in cases of emotional instability due to liver <em>qi<\/em> stagnation.&nbsp;It is a bitter, cool herb that both alleviates liver <em>qi<\/em> stagnation and benefits and protects the spleen <em>qi<\/em> (our digestive energy). As this herb \u2018raises yang\u2019, it must be avoided in cases of liver <em>fire<\/em> or where <em>yang<\/em> is rising. (6) It is the chief herb in <em>Xiao Yao San<\/em>, one of the most popular TCM formulas and the go-to formula for stress and depression. (7)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:18px\"><em>Xiao yao san (XYS)<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Xiao yao san (XYS)<\/em><strong><em> <\/em><\/strong>translates as \u201cFree and Easy Wanderer\u201d or \u201cRambling Powder\u201d for its ability to free up and smooth the flow of our energy and moods. <em>Along with chai hu, it contains<strong> <\/strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/dang-gui\/\" data-type=\"herb\" data-id=\"7117\">dang gui<\/a><strong> (<\/strong>Angelica sinensis<\/em>, Chinese Angelica root), <em>bai shao<\/em><strong><em> <\/em><\/strong><em>(Paeonia lactiflora<\/em>, white Peony root), <em>bai zhu<\/em> <em>(Atractylodes macrocephala<\/em>, white Atractylodes root), <em>fu ling<\/em><strong><em> <\/em><\/strong><em>(Poria cocos<\/em>, Poria), <em><a href=\"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/mint\/\">bo he<\/a> (Mentha haplocalyx<\/em>, Mint), <em>wei jiang<\/em> (<em>Zingiberis officinalis recens, <\/em>roasted <a href=\"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/ginger\/\">ginger<\/a>), and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/licorice\/\"><em>zhi<\/em> <em>gan cao<\/em><\/a><strong><em> <\/em><\/strong><em>(Glycyrrhiza uralensis<\/em><strong>, <\/strong>honey-fried licorice root). This combination regulates <em>qi<\/em>, strengthens the digestion and tonifies blood. (7)&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A meta-analysis reported that use of <em>XYS<\/em> alongside antidepressants was more effective in alleviating symptoms of depression than antidepressants alone and previous studies have demonstrated that <em>XYS<\/em> may reverse \u201cchronic stress-induced anxiety-like symptoms\u201d by regulating hypothalamus and HPA axis activity. (9) It has also been posited that <em>XYS <\/em>may help to alleviate depression by reducing neuroinflammation (inflammation of the brain and spinal cord) stemming from a gut microflora imbalance. (10)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignleft size-large is-resized\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/ginseng\/\"><img width=\"1546\" height=\"1031\" src=\"https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/15161906\/Ginseng-root-Panax-ginseng.jpg\" alt=\"Ginseng root (Panax ginseng)\" class=\"wp-image-13568\" style=\"width:655px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/15161906\/Ginseng-root-Panax-ginseng.jpg 1546w, https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/15161906\/Ginseng-root-Panax-ginseng.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/15161906\/Ginseng-root-Panax-ginseng.jpg 1300w, https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/15161906\/Ginseng-root-Panax-ginseng-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/15161906\/Ginseng-root-Panax-ginseng-600x400.jpg 600w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1546px) 100vw, 1546px\" \/><\/a><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Ginseng root (<em>Panax ginseng<\/em>)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:21px\">Tonic herbs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:18px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/ginseng\/\"><em>Ren shen<\/em><\/a> <em>(Panax ginseng)<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p>Ginseng, has been used in TCM for millennia to treat conditions of weakness affecting the spirit. In modern research, it has been shown to be beneficial in cases of depression and anxiety where hyperactivation of the HPA axis is present by reducing CRH, ACTHand cortisol. (11) Warm and sweet, it is said to strongly tonify <em>qi <\/em>and blood and quiet the <em>shen<\/em> and to this end is typically combined with other <em>qi<\/em> and blood tonics such as <em>dang gui<\/em><strong><em> <\/em><\/strong>and <em>long yan rou<\/em><strong> <\/strong>(<em>Euphoria longan<strong>, <\/strong><\/em>Longan fruit). (6)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><em>Ren shen<\/em> is present, often the chief herb, in many formulae where the <em>shen<\/em> is suffering as a result of deficiency, including <em>Gui Pi Tang<\/em> (spleen restoring decoction) &#8211; a popular formula used where spleen <em>qi<\/em> and heart blood have become deficient, typically as the result of mental taxation or rumination. (7)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:21px\">Herbs that clear heat<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Where Liver <em>qi<\/em> stagnation has led to <em>heat<\/em> (as it often does) and, therefore, more extreme <em>shen<\/em> disturbance<em>, <\/em>we may use a modification of <em>Xiao Yao San<\/em> called <em>Jia Wei Xiao Yao San<\/em>. Bitter and cold, <em>mu dan pi<\/em> (<em>Paeonia suffruticosa<\/em>, Peony tree) and <em>zhi zi<\/em><strong><em> <\/em><\/strong><em>(Gardenia jasminoides,<\/em> Gardenia) are added to the original formula to quell <em>heat<\/em> and ascending liver <em>fire. <\/em>(7)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:18px\"><em>Sheng di (Rehmannia glutinosa)<\/em><\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/rehmannia\/\">Rehmannia<\/a> is another popular herb used in cases where <em>heat<\/em> agitates the spirit. It does this by not only clearing heat and \u201cupwardly blazing heart fire\u201d (6, p68) but also by nourishing <em>yin<\/em>. It is the primary herb in the formula <em>Tian Wang Bu Xin Dan<\/em><strong>, <\/strong>illustriously named, \u2018Celestial Emperor\u2019s Special Pill to tonify the heart\u2019. It is used in cases of <em>yin<\/em> deficiency of and miscommunication between the heart and kidneys with <em>heat<\/em> signs. (7)<strong> &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ugb-accordion ugb-accordion ugb-956b204 ugb-98be77d ugb-accordion--v2 ugb-accordion--design-plain ugb-main-block\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><style>.ugb-98be77d .ugb-accordion__title{font-size:26px !important}<\/style><div class=\"ugb-inner-block\"><div class=\"ugb-block-content\"><div class=\"ugb-accordion__item\"><div class=\"ugb-accordion__heading\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\"><h2 class=\"ugb-accordion__title\">Holistic solutions<\/h2><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" class=\"ugb-accordion__arrow\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\"><path d=\"M16.7 3.3L10 10 3.3 3.4 0 6.7l10 10v-.1l10-9.9z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"ugb-accordion__content\" role=\"region\"><div class=\"ugb-accordion__content-inner\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignright size-full is-resized\"><img width=\"1000\" height=\"667\" src=\"https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/07120359\/Healthy-diet.jpg\" alt=\"Healthy diet\" class=\"wp-image-11672\" style=\"width:593px;height:auto\" srcset=\"https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/07120359\/Healthy-diet.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/07120359\/Healthy-diet-600x400.jpg 600w, https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/04\/07120359\/Healthy-diet-768x512.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1000px) 100vw, 1000px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:21px\">TCM diet tips<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In cases where <em>heat<\/em> and\/ or yin deficiency is present it is important to avoiding warming foods and stimulating substances. These include spices (think chilli, pepper, garlic, <a href=\"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/cinnamon\/\">cinnamon<\/a> etc), red meat (especially lamb), fried foods, sugar, caffeine and alcohol. Incorporate more cooling foods such as greens, celery, cucumber, daikon radish, spinach, apples, watermelon, mint, chrysanthemum tea, fish (ocean). &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In cases of <em>phlegm<\/em>, avoid <em>damp<\/em>-forming foods &#8211; excessive cold, raw food, greasy, fatty foods, dairy, bananas, peanuts, sugar, flour products, avocados and incorporate foods that cut phlegm such as pear, turnips, radishes and seaweeds. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In cases of spleen <em>qi<\/em> deficiency, likewise avoid <em>damp<\/em>-forming foods and nourish spleen <em>qi<\/em> with warm, easily digested food, in particular pumpkins, squashes, sweet potatoes, rice, dates, chicken and <a href=\"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/herb\/ginger\/\">ginger<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The sour flavour is astringing and contracting and, therefore, excess sour foods should be avoided in cases of <em>qi <\/em>stagnation. (12)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:21px\">Relaxation<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Incorporate <a href=\"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/condition\/stress-and-relaxation\/\">relaxation<\/a> techniques in to your everyday life. Some examples:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Meditation and mindfulness<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Descend or ground ascendant energy by walking barefoot in the park, massaging the soles of the feet or having a warm foot bath.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><em>Dan tian<\/em> breathing (or <em>pranayama<\/em>) is simply diaphragmatic breathing where we breathe down in to the <em>dan tian<\/em>, the space said below the umbilicus said to house our life energy. Place hands on lower belly and slowly breathe in to this space, feeling it expand, for 5 or more minutes, or whenever feeling anxious. By controlling our breath in this way and extending the exhalation so that it is longer than the inhalation, we let our nervous systems know that we are not in a threat situation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Smiling likewise inhibits the stress response by inhibiting the stress response and triggering the release of endorphins. (13)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Acupuncture has a long history of treating nervous system disorders. A particular method commonly used in the treatment of PTSD is the NADA protocol, an auricular acupuncture treatment involving five points on the ear \u2013 \u2018shenmen\u2019 (\u201cspirit gate\u201d), sympathetic (nervous system), Kidney, Liver and Lung\/ Heart. Initially developed to support drug detox, the NADA protocol is now widely used, particularly in the US, to support combat veterans with PTSD. (14)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Time in nature. In TCM, we believe that time in nature \u2013 specifically, lush, green environments \u2013 calms the spirit and nourishes our yin energy. In Japan, this is called <em>shinrin-yoku<\/em> (\u2018forest bathing\u2019) and has been shown to decrease sympathetic nervous activity, blood pressure, heart rate, cortisol, adrenaline, anxiety, depression, anger, fatigue and confusion while increasing parasympathetic nervous activity and energy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" style=\"font-size:21px\">Exercise<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In TCM, walking is a gentle way to free up liver <em>qi <\/em>constraint. Regular, gentle exercise has been shown to reduce adrenaline accumulated in the bloodstream from stress. Medium to high impact exercise, on the other hand, elevates cortisol levels. (15)<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-ugb-accordion ugb-accordion ugb-5d9c0c9 ugb-accordion--v2 ugb-accordion--design-plain ugb-main-block\" aria-expanded=\"false\"><style>.ugb-5d9c0c9 .ugb-accordion__title{font-size:26px !important}<\/style><div class=\"ugb-inner-block\"><div class=\"ugb-block-content\"><div class=\"ugb-accordion__item\"><div class=\"ugb-accordion__heading\" role=\"button\" tabindex=\"0\"><h2 class=\"ugb-accordion__title\">References<\/h2><svg xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" viewBox=\"0 0 20 20\" class=\"ugb-accordion__arrow\" width=\"20\" height=\"20\"><path d=\"M16.7 3.3L10 10 3.3 3.4 0 6.7l10 10v-.1l10-9.9z\"><\/path><\/svg><\/div><div class=\"ugb-accordion__content\" role=\"region\"><div class=\"ugb-accordion__content-inner\">\n<ol class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Understanding the Stress Response. Harvard Health Publishing. Published July 6 2020. Accessed April 1, 2022. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/staying-healthy\/understanding-the-stress-response\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/staying-healthy\/understanding-the-stress-response<\/a>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Chang et al. <em>The Treatment of PTSD with Chinese Medicine: An Integrative Approach.<\/em> Beijing: People\u2019s Medical Publishing House; 2010.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Flaws B. <em>Statements of Fact in Traditional Chinese Medicine. <\/em>9<sup>th<\/sup> ed. Boulder: Blue Poppy Press; 2010.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Maciocia G. <em>The Foundations of Chinese Medicine: A Comprehensive Text for Acupuncturists and Herbalists<\/em>. Edinburgh: Churchill Livingstone; 1989.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Tierra L. <em>Healing with the Herbs of Life<\/em>. New York: Crossing Press; 2003. <em>&nbsp;<\/em>&nbsp;<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Bensky D, Gamble A. <em>Chinese Herbal Medicine: Materia Medica. <\/em>2nd ed. Washington: Eastland Press; 1993.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Barolet R, Bensky D. <em>Chinese Herbal Medicine: Formulas and Strategies. <\/em>Washington: Eastland Press Inc.; 1990.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Seifert G. <em>Understanding Chinese Herbs. <\/em>Sydney: Garry Seifert; 1998.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Yuan et al. An Integrated Pharmacology-Based Analysis for Antidepressant Mechanism of Chinese Herbal Formula Xiao-Yao-San. Front. Pharmacol. 2020; 11:284. doi: 10.3389\/fphar.2020.00284<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gao et al. An Investigation of the Antidepressant Action of Xiaoyaosan in Rats Using Ultra performance Liquid Chromatography\u2013Mass Spectrometry Combined with Metabonomics. Phytotherapy Research. 2012; <a href=\"http:\/\/doi.org\/10.1002\/ptr.4805\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">doi.org\/10.1002\/ptr.4805<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Li C, Huang B, Zhang YW. Chinese Herbal Medicine for the Treatment of Depression: Effects on the Neuroendocrine-Immune Network.&nbsp;Pharmaceuticals (Basel). 2021;14(1):65. Published 2021 Jan 14. doi:10.3390\/ph14010065<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Pitchford P. <em>Healing With Whole Foods<\/em>: <em>Asian Traditions and Modern Medicine. <\/em>3<sup>rd<\/sup> ed<em>. <\/em>California: North Atlantic Books; 2002.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Stevenson S. There\u2019s Magic In Your Smile: How Smiling Affects the Brain. Psychology Today. Published June 25 2012. Accessed April 1 2022. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.psychologytoday.com\/gb\/blog\/cutting-edge-leadership\/201206\/there-s-magic-in-your-smile\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.psychologytoday.com\/gb\/blog\/cutting-edge-leadership\/201206\/there-s-magic-in-your-smile<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Conboy C, Cronin L. Using the NADA protocol to treat combat stress-induced insomnia: A pilot study. Journal of Chinese Medicine. 2013; 103. 50-56.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Hill EE et al. Exercise and circulating cortisol levels: the intensity threshold effect. J Endocrinol Invest. 2008 Jul;31(7):587-91. doi: 10.1007\/BF03345606. PMID: 18787373.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Li Q. Effets des for\u00eats et des bains de for\u00eat (shinrin-yoku) sur la sant\u00e9 humaine : une revue de la litt\u00e9rature [Effect of forest bathing (shinrin-yoku) on human health: A review of the literature]. Sante Publique. 2019 May 13;S1(HS):135-143. French. doi: 10.3917\/spub.190.0135. PMID: 31210473.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":6787,"parent":0,"menu_order":-250,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":"","beyondwords_generate_audio":"1","beyondwords_integration_method":"","beyondwords_project_id":"47224","beyondwords_content_id":"ea822294-47e3-49fc-b81f-7bcd3b3a7e7a","beyondwords_preview_token":"ab69836f-70c3-4ea1-bcd6-92aab68c688a","beyondwords_player_content":"","beyondwords_player_style":"","beyondwords_language_code":"","beyondwords_language_id":"","beyondwords_title_voice_id":"","beyondwords_body_voice_id":"","beyondwords_summary_voice_id":"","beyondwords_error_message":"","beyondwords_disabled":"","beyondwords_delete_content":"","beyondwords_podcast_id":"","beyondwords_hash":"","publish_post_to_speechkit":"","speechkit_hash":"","speechkit_generate_audio":"","speechkit_project_id":"","speechkit_podcast_id":"","speechkit_error_message":"","speechkit_disabled":"","speechkit_access_key":"","speechkit_error":"","speechkit_info":"","speechkit_response":"","speechkit_retries":"","speechkit_status":"","speechkit_updated_at":"","_speechkit_link":"","_speechkit_text":""},"tags":[373,179,767,376,281],"conditions":[696],"writer":[],"class_list":["post-6785","condition","type-condition","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","tag-chinese-medicine","tag-nervous","tag-nervous-system","tag-tcm","tag-traditional","conditions-nervous-system"],"acf":[],"featured_image_urls_v2":{"full":["https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/21124115\/memory-jigsaw-man-nervous-system-scaled.jpg",2000,1335,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/21124115\/memory-jigsaw-man-nervous-system-scaled-600x600.jpg",600,600,true],"medium":["https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/21124115\/memory-jigsaw-man-nervous-system-scaled-1000x668.jpg",1000,668,true],"large":["https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/21124115\/memory-jigsaw-man-nervous-system-scaled-1300x868.jpg",580,387,true],"banner_image":["https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/21124115\/memory-jigsaw-man-nervous-system-scaled-1600x800.jpg",1600,800,true],"gform-image-choice-sm":["https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/21124115\/memory-jigsaw-man-nervous-system-scaled.jpg",300,200,false],"gform-image-choice-md":["https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/21124115\/memory-jigsaw-man-nervous-system-scaled.jpg",400,267,false],"gform-image-choice-lg":["https:\/\/i.herbalreality.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/21124115\/memory-jigsaw-man-nervous-system-scaled.jpg",600,401,false]},"post_excerpt_stackable_v2":"<p>We discuss nervous system health and how we can best support it from a range of disciplines, including Traditional Chinese Medicine. Understanding the nervous system This is an incredibly important time to discuss nervous system health and how we can best support it from a range of disciplines. Whether as a direct result of contracting the Covid-19 virus or simply as a consequence of living through a pandemic, it is commonly known that these last years have pressured nervous systems globally with the result being an upsurge in conditions such as tension, anxiety, depression, insomnia, fatigue and post-traumatic stress. Thankfully,&hellip;<\/p>\n","category_list_v2":"","author_info_v2":{"name":"Jessika Thiele","url":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/author\/jessikat\/"},"comments_num_v2":"0 comments","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/condition\/6785","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/condition"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/condition"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/3"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/condition\/6785\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/6787"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=6785"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=6785"},{"taxonomy":"conditions","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/conditions?post=6785"},{"taxonomy":"writer","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.herbalreality.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/writer?post=6785"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}