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Calm JR ™
CLINICAL APPLICATIONS
* Atrophy and wasting of muscles,
* ADD (attention deficit disorder)
* ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder)
* Hyperactivity, anxiety, impulsiveness, difficulty in focusing, inattentiveness, restlessness
WESTERN THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS
* Cognitive effect to improve memory and treat learning impairment
* Neuroprotective effect to protect and prevent damages to the nerves and the brain
* Anxiolytic activity to relieve anxiety and hyperactivity
* Detoxifying effect to eliminate unwanted toxic compounds, chemical substances, and artificial food additives
CHINESE THERAPEUTIC ACTIONS
* Extinguishes Liver wind
* Nourishes Liver yin
* Tranquilizes the shen (spirit)
DOSAGE
For adults, take 3 to 4 capsules three times daily. For children, please refer to the Strategic Dosing Guidelines section to determine the proper dose based on age or body weight. For maximum effect, take the herbs on an empty stomach. The herbs should be taken for three months continuously prior to an evaluation on the progress of the individual.
INGREDIENTS
Bai Shao (Radix Paeoniae Alba)
Bie Jia (Carapax Trionycis)
Chuan Xiong (Rhizoma Chuanxiong)
Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae)
Gou Teng (Ramulus Uncariae cum Uncis)
Gui Ban (Plastrum Testudinis)
Jue Ming Zi (Semen Cassiae)
Mai Dong (Radix Ophiopogonis)
Mu Li (Concha Ostreae)
Shi Chang Pu (Rhizoma Acori Tatarinowii)
Tai Zi Shen (Radix Pseudostellariae)
Yu Jin (Radix Curcumae)
Yuan Zhi (Radix Polygalae)
Zhi Gan Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae Praeparata cum Melle)
BACKGROUND
Introduction: ADD/ADHD is a developmental condition in which the affected person is unable to concentrate and is easily distracted, with or without accompanying hyperactivity. Adults or children must have had an onset of symptoms before the age of seven that caused significant social or academic impairment. More recently, increasing attention has been focused on adult forms of ADHD, which have probably been under-diagnosed. The incidence is 3 to 7% in school-age children, and 2 to 7% in adults.
Pathophysiology: The pathology of ADHD is not clear. Findings indicating that psychostimulants (which facilitate dopamine release) and noradrenergic tricyclics treat this condition have led to speculation that certain areas of the brain related to attention are deficient in neural transmission. The neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine have been associated with ADD/ADHD.
Mortality/Morbidity: There is no clear correlation with mortality in ADD/ADHD. However, studies suggest that childhood ADD/ADHD is a risk factor for subsequent conduct and substance abuse problems, which can carry significant mortality and morbidity. ADD/ADHD may lead to difficulties with academic or employment performance and social difficulties that can profoundly affect normal development. However, exact morbidity has not been established.
Age and Gender Distribution: ADD/ADHD is a developmental disorder diagnosis that requires an onset of symptoms before age seven. After childhood, symptoms may persist into adolescence and adulthood, or they may ameliorate or disappear. The percentages in each group are not well established, but at least an estimated 15-20% of children with ADD/ADHD will maintain the full diagnosis in adulthood. Up to 65% of these children will have ADD/ADHD or some residual symptoms of ADD/ADHD as adults. In children, ADD/ADHD is three to five times more common in boys than girls. Some studies report incidences as high as 5:1. In adults, the gender ratio is closer to even.
Treatment: Stimulants such as Ritalin (methylphenidate) and Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine), are generally prescribed for treatment of ADD/ADHD. Though they may be effective, there are certain risks involved. Common short-term side effects include significant insomnia, appetite suppression and weight loss, headaches, mood fluctuations (depression, irritability), and these substances can exacerbate tics in children. Long-term risks include possible growth retardation, especially with prolonged use. Furthermore, stimulants such as Ritalin (methylphenidate) and Dexedrine (dextroamphetamine) have significant abuse potential and must be used and regulated carefully.
FORMULA EXPLANATION
According to traditional Chinese medicine, ADD/ADHD is diagnosed as Liver wind rising with shen (spirit) disturbance arising from Liver yin deficiency. To treat these disorders, both calming and nourishing herbs must be used together to restore normal balance in the body.
To extinguish Liver wind and calm down Liver yang rising (manifesting in muscle twitching or restlessness), Mu Li (Concha Ostreae), Jue Ming Zi (Semen Cassiae) and Gou Teng (Ramulus Uncariae cum Uncis) are used. These three herbs neutralize the mood, addressing the emotional aspects of ADD/ADHD such as irritability, hyperactivity and short temper. Bie Jia (Carapax Trionycis) and Gui Ban (Plastrum Testudinis) are used to tonify Liver yin and further assist the first three herbs in extinguishing Liver wind. To address yin deficiency, Bai Shao (Radix Paeoniae Alba), Di Huang (Radix Rehmanniae) and Mai Dong (Radix Ophiopogonis) are used. Bai Shao (Radix Paeoniae Alba) also softens the Liver to relieve spasms, cramps and stiffness that may be associated with anxiety or hyperactivity. Mai Dong (Radix Ophiopogonis) also sedates Heart fire to relieve shen (spirit) disturbance. Shi Chang Pu (Rhizoma Acori Tatarinowii) and Yuan Zhi (Radix Polygalae) are two aromatic herbs used to disperse phlegm obstructing the orifices and help restore cognitive and sensory functions. They are often used for forgetfulness and inability to concentrate. Yu Jin (Radix Curcumae) clears Heart heat, opens orifices and promotes consciousness. Tai Zi Shen (Radix Pseudostellariae) is neutral and tonifies both qi and yin. Chuan Xiong (Rhizoma Chuanxiong) promotes blood circulation and relieves stagnation and pain in the channels that may be caused by the long-term stiffening or twitching of the muscles. Zhi Gan Cao (Radix et Rhizoma Glycyrrhizae Praeparata cum Melle) nourishes the Heart and harmonizes the entire formula.
In summary, Calm (Jr) is an effective and sophisticated formula with many herbs that address different aspects of ADD/ADHD. Herbs are used to tonify qi to treat the underlying deficiency, calm the shen (spirit) to improve focus and concentration, and sedate Liver wind and fire to reduce hyperactivity.
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