Many Problems From Few Causes. Brain Fog, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, ADHD, Stress and Attention Deficit Disorder, ADD, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder – PTSD, Fibromyalgia are not different problems.

They are an interlinked group of problems sharing similar symptoms. Stress, Brain Fog, Perpetual Nervousness, Anxiety, Panic Attack, Sleeplessness, Hyperactivity, Hyper Mental Activity, Sugar Cravings and Even Reynaud’s Phenomenon (cold hands) are related symptoms tied to a similar cause.

This article is based on Traditional Herbal Philosophy. The principles set forth are basic, uncomplicated and to the point.

Brain fog, attention deficit disorder ADD, PTSD, post traumatic stress disorder, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders ADHD, anxiety panic attack, chronic nervous tension, sleeplessness, hyperactivity, hyper mental activity, sugar cravings, always feeling cold or having cold hands, Reynaud’s Phenomenon and general nervousness are problems generally related to energy availability in the body.

They are all made worse by stress and modern day malnourishment through habitually poor food choices. Food itself does not cause any of these problems but, should the food being eaten be of continuously poor quality, the resulting weaknesses can make a person more susceptible to stress and what is associated with it. This is common in North America where the foods generally eaten are the foods most heavily marketed more than those foods that are more sensible and nutritious.

Brain fog, anxiety, panic attack and all of the other problems mentioned above are becoming very, very commonplace in our modern developing world. They are not ailments but the effects of organ imbalances that in time can and do become ailments. In this case they are bringing about all of these problems, brain fog, no matter what other name it may be called by, being a major mental handicap from it.

Traditional herbal theory suggests that these problems are brought about simply and fundamentally by:

• intense mental and/or intense emotional “overwork,”
• consistent long term poor food choices (hormone & chemically treated fast foods and convenience foods or food poisoning), 
• the depletions from pregnancy and childbirth,
• or all of the above.

These situations deplete the body of it’s ability to restore it’s energy reserves which would explain why brain fog or anxiety and panic attack are also accompanied by perpetual tiredness and fatigue.

An extreme case would be a soldier in battle in a constant state of tension due to justifiable fear. This is extremely draining. A soldiers energies can get depleted rapidly if this tension is not abated. The spleen becomes depleted as all the symptoms of stress set in. That post traumatic stress disorder PTSD is rampant among military personnel is not a surprise.

Brain fog and all other Stress related symptoms are not just a nervous system problem. All parts of the body are inter-related. It is not possible to affect just one system in isolation of all others. All parts of the body are fed and maintained by our digestion. Our digestive processes turn food into blood which feeds the entire body through the bloodstream.

The Whole Body Participates In It’s Ailments – Brain Fog Is A Symptom Not An Ailment In Itself

All parts of the body are dependent on digestion. It would not be unreasonable to presume that if there is a digestive organ depletion that it not affect the entire body because being the source of the body’s blood production that maintains the entire body how could it not affect the entire body at once. The Stomach, as the central organ of digestion, not only extracts what would become blood but also what is much finer that feeds all the nerves. If this function is compromised, it stands to reason that all bodily systems will be affected.

It is a common misconception that nervousness is caused by the nerves. Few consider that the nerves are a dependent organ system fed by the digestive process through specific organs. According to traditional herbal theory, the nerves are fed by the Stomach assisted by Spleen functions.

The Stomach and Spleen figure prominently in the maintenance of the nervous system. Most people when they feel tense, nervous, stressed or upset often feel the pressure of that strain in their Stomach area. In times like these, the body may take actions for the purpose of self preservation. When it does, it is not uncommon for people to get diarrhea or even vomit from extreme nervous tension. The body does this to free itself to better cope with the strain of whatever the person is experiencing.

From these and other effects, simple deduction suggests that the Stomach and Spleen functions have significant bearing on the health of the nerves when they are affected by the stress creating the conditions that would provoke brain fog, anxiety, panic attack and general nervousness, nervous tension and the other very similar related conditions. This suggests that the Stomach and Spleen are themselves also directly affected by stress. Granted there are more details to this. They can be discovered in more detail here.

Appetite Swings from Extreme Hunger to No Appetite at All Related to Brain Fog Anxiety Possible Suggestion Brain Fog and Anxiety in Relation to Stress Candida Related Brain Fog and Anxiety Emotional Effects of Stress How Food Produces Brain Fog or ADD in Children and Adults How the Spleen is affected by Stress How the Heart is affected by Stress- it’s relation to Brain Fog How the Kidney’s are affected and relate to Brain Fog PTSD – Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Toxins Anxiety and Brain Fog

Having Cold Hands Feeling Cold in General when Stressed How the Lungs are affected by Stress How the Thyroid is affected by the Spleen from Stress Mental Effects of Stress Ever present Nervous Tension Organs Affected by Stress Physical Effects of Stress Stress Defined Stress Explained Stimulants and Brain Fog Sugar Cravings Explained Another Suggestion

This section discusses the far reaching effects of stress and how it consumes the body’s energies to produce brain fog, anxiety, panic attack and several other related problems. There is much truth to the statement that over 80% of ailments are attributable to, or are aggravated by stress. This article links and explains some of these relationships from the natural point of view.

Note: Post Traumatic Stress Disorder PTSD (where do they keep coming up with these meaningless and complicated names for an otherwise simple problem) is included in what is being explained here. The name just sounds a little fancy but there are only so many possibilities for any particular problem.

Whether it is a car accident, a loss of a loved one or experiences on a battle field; the body can only react in a finite set of ways, in varying degrees of intensity. The intensity of fear, which is just another word for stress, has a very standard modus operandai. In other words, stress, is stress, is stress; it only varies in its intensity but the effects are always the same or at least have the same pattern.

In order to understand brain fog, anxiety, panic attack, ADD, feeling cold, craving sugar and so on it is important to understand the effects of stress. And, to discuss stress, it must first be defined in simple, understandable terms.

“Stress” as such, is an engineering term often used to express the work that is being done by structural components. When these components are working beyond their safe limit they are said to be “over stressed.” Should these components continue to be overworked or worked for too long, it won’t be long before the structural member will fail causing damage to the overall structure.

The exact same principle can be applied to the internal organs of living beings that are overworked. In time this manifests as a form of tiredness and eventually depletion. In this tired/depleted state, the organs are still working of course or we would die but, they can only work at a lesser capacity or at a slower rate than what they are normally capable of as they try to recuperate.

People can understand that if they work too hard they get tired but, few can conceptualize that every organ individually, if over-worked can also become tired from having been aggressively called upon to compensate for the circumstances we find ourselves in. Abnormal body chemistry from stress is a fact that cannot be denied but, it is only the after-effect of the organs fatigue not the cause of the problem itself.

Modern life is stressful. We feel it emotionally due to emotional strain or, mentally due to intellectual strain but in addition, these two produce physically manifesting conditions as well. Many people are described as “looking like nervous wrecks.” Feeling stressed is just one component of the problem. Emotional and Mental stresses draw and deplete more energy than mere physical work. In fact, physical activity can be used to relax emotional and mental stress. While our energy reserves are full we can cope with situations more in stride and with greater resilience, but if we are already tired or strained, the same situations are much more taxing.

Stress Explained in fundamentally simple terms.

To explain this still further – In principle; should one perceive that they are overwhelmed with “too much,” in relation to their capacity to cope, they can be said to be stressed. This principle applies whether the situation is mental, emotional or physical.

As a basic principle – in order for anything to be able to work, it must have energy. When someone is stressed their body’s ability to produce, store and distribute the necessary energy to properly function has become impaired. Every physical organ as well as our emotional and mental faculties need energy to function. Prolonged stressful situations are exhausting because they consume energy very quickly. Out of that come all of the after effects and symptoms of stress.

The normal origin of bodily “energy” is the food we eat and the air we breath. The organs that initially transform this energy into a usable substance for the body are the stomach assisted by the Spleen. Naturally, these organs have different functions but their functions compliment each other. Every organ lives of the energy they extract. The more energy, the better they can cope with the work load we give them. If this process becomes impaired or otherwise inhibited every organ also suffers due to lack of energy.

A lacking in energy among the organs can best be compared to the despair of being starved among a community of workers. This starvation is not on a food level but, on an energy level. Many who have produced this depletion are actually eating quite heartily. Yet, because their organs are functioning at less than optimum levels, it results in impaired digestion and elimination. Wastes stay in the blood stream displacing oxygen, contributing to general and perpetual tiredness, fibromyalgia, bloating, brain fog, and a myriad of other seemingly unrelated problems. Because of the lack of energy, any activity becomes an ‘overwork’ situation because there is too much to do and not enough energy to do it with, setting in panic in some. In time the organs that extract the energy become themselves tired or depleted. If not brought back into equilibrium this cycle continues weakening the organism and quality of life of the individual.

Stress itself is like a form of fear that puts the body into “fight or flight mode. Over a prolonged period in this state  the kidneys and the adrenal glands in particular become exhausted. This is the most often mentioned fact of stress but, it is just part of the problem that under normal circumstance even has benefit were it not for the depletions mentioned above.

Brain Fog, Stress and Appetite

It should also be remembered that many people eat poorly and in their attempts to satisfy their energy needs they may instinctively over eat because the organs that deal with food also regulate appetite and can trigger hunger. Some believe hunger to be strictly of neurological origin but, in herbalism it is considered to be organ related. In herbalism the brain is regarded more as a relay, a connector between all body parts – a coordinator of all bodily activity keeping all parts communicating with each other. It has an area allocated for every body part within it but it does not and cannot rule over the organs – the heart does this. The brain is like a coordinating central government that tracks activity and sends messages, while the organs are a very free regional government that makes local decisions while closely interacting with the other organs – the Heart being their King and ruler.

Anyone who has ever felt hunger feels it in the area of the stomach therefore it is not unreasonable at all to presume that the basic need for food is triggered from here.  So it shouldn’t be too far a stretch of the imagination that if a ravenous appetite or a fluctuation from being very hungry to having no appetite at all might have something to do with the stomach and spleen. It is therefore easier, simpler and more efficient to control appetite from here rather than altering the brain functions themselves. In the end the brain is a “maintained” organ and as a maintained organ it is not in a very strong position to dictate. It is maintained by the digestive organs and what they do directly affect the brain.

Brain Fog, Stress and Craving Sugar

The stomach and spleen digest and convert the “more liquid parts of foods” into sugars called glycogen. This is a crucial process. Every organ – especially the brain – needs this “sugar.” Not only is it the main way that foods become usable to the body, they also become a main energy source for the body. This is why a little bit of refined sugar provides a short term energy boost. And, conversely why, because of its need for energy the body at times creates a sugar craving. Therefore as previously mentioned, since the stomach and spleen are dealing with food they affect appetite and cravings since the conversion of this food into sugars (glycogen) takes place here then they are also responsible for sugar cravings. And, it follows that to help control a sugar cravings or the appetite it is important to support the stomach and spleen.

Brain Fog, Stress, ADD and Feeling Cold

The Spleen in addition to being the converter of the finer digested matter into blood is also the body’s furnace and the source of bodily electricity which all organs need to function properly. The energy provided by the glycogens and that provided by the “bodily electricity” are fundamentally different in nature. The finer part of what is being digested goes through the spleen to become blood. The energy is carried by the blood to the rest of the body and especially the other internal organs. When this power is decreased the extremities feel cold – not because of a lack of circulation – but because this energy is lacking. This is important because it explains why so many of those who are stressed also feel lethargic, tired and cold in addition to having brain fog, ADD, ADHD, etc.

By depleting the spleen the energy required for the activities of life is being under-produced. This forces the body to make a choice – whether to use these vital energies to maintain the main physical body functions or to keep our faculties fully sharp and keen. The emotional and mental faculties being less vital lose out. The energy required for thinking becomes less abundant – Brain fog and the other symptoms sets in. The body realizing its dilemma starts to panic (thoughts race, anxiety, panic attacks start, the heart palpitates, etc.) as what it needs to properly maintain its nerves and blood is also in short supply.

Nervous Tension Related to the Stomach and Spleen

Very little is ever said about the nerves when we are nervous. In Traditional Herbal theory the nerves are maintained by the stomach and spleen making them the center of the nervous system. There is a substance that is extracted by the stomach and spleen that has bee called “nerve spirit” by the old herbalists. This substance is extracted and is stored in the nerves and bones. When the body is stressed and needs this reserve energy substance it is taken into the blood from its storage place. This weakens the nerves and in due time their capacity to relay electricity become burdened. Nervous tension sets in. if not corrected this situation can become chronic. In years past people would go to sanitariums for proper rest to recuperate form this condition.

Brain fog, anxiety panic attack, sleeplessness, nervous tension, hyper mental activity, sugar cravings, always feeling cold or having cold hands are born out of the impaired bodily functions mentioned above brought about by the circumstances of modern life. The fancier terms used to describe this grouping of problems are attention deficit disorder ADD, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders ADHD, anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder. These terms do not describe the actual problem at all – only the end result.

These problems can also occur while very young so most people who have these stress related problems think that they are getting senile while still in their twenties. Many people – very young people included – find it difficult to cram more information into their heads after intense studying or mental work. They have a hard time remembering what they had just said or did just a few minutes earlier. They say that “their memory is shot” but in reality their memory is fine, it is just being made to function with much less power. Once the energy is restored to the body the memory works fine again. Or they haven’t eaten proper food in so long that their organs could not produce enough useable energy and the organs strained to sustain them to the point of depletion.

Children, Brain Fog and ADD

When adults eat improperly the effects are bad enough but, when children are not fed properly the effects are far more devastating. A young growing body needs more energy than when it is fully grown. Today less and less people cook fresh food from “scratch” for their children opting instead for fast food, convenience foods or microwaved foods. This “modern malnourishment” coupled with abnormal and undisciplined sleeping habits greatly contribute to creating childhood ADD not to mention childhood obesity. Interestingly all of the symptoms of stress are present with ADD of any age.

A muscle that is overworked gets tired making it difficult for it to continue working. It must be rested and fed in order to be restored for more work. The spleen is also sometimes overworked satisfying the bodies sometimes abnormally high energy demands due to stress and gets depleted. It needs to be rested and fed to be restored. Exstressor is food for the spleen.

In addition to this many children also have parasites. Parasites alone can also produce several of the classic fidgety ADD symptoms. The age old external symptoms of parasites are:

• facial pallor with dark circles under the eyes
• incessant biting of the finger nails (classic in adult or child)
• grinding of the teeth during sleep at night
• itching on the anal area
• no appetite or ravenous appetite
• perpetual fidgety-nervousness often confused with ADD

The presence of these symptoms are distinct and separate from those caused by a simple spleen depletion. A good remedy for parasites would be beneficial and may or may not require the use of Exstressor – most likely not.

The best remedy for parasites can only be made at home – fresh. Very few of the store bought remedies for parasites actually work completely. The main ingredient is wormwood herb. Contrary to popular belief/myth Wormwood herb is not very useful in a capsule or a tincture for the purpose of removing parasites. It needs to be infused for 15 minutes in a good white wine. The infusion removes most of the alcohol and the final infusion needs to be stored in the refrigerator.

What is being made here is NOT, I Repeat NOT Absinthe – Absinthe is a liqueur made by an entirely different process.

“Wormwood Wine” is a simple recipe for Vermouth. The strength of the infusion and dosage depends on whether a child or an adult will be taking it. It takes a good diet and two weeks for the infusion to work. But the results are very noticeable and lasting.

Toxins and Brain Fog

There is also another possible way of producing racing mental activity, brain fog or anxiety panic attack. These can be brought about by the narcotizing effect of having various toxins in the blood stream.

As previously stated the heart is considered the king of the body. (This is a complex topic that we will not elaborate on here) In traditional herbal theory when these toxins pass through the heart they effect the brain creating the fogginess or a hyper fast mental activity. These toxins should normally be eliminated by the digestive and eliminatory organs but when the energy is low these organs find it difficult to completely remove the wastes from the blood. These toxins depending on their nature can thin or thicken the blood. Thinned blood flowing a little quicker – thicker blood flowing a little slower. Just like a fraction of a degree in temperature deviations from normal body temperature will affect the body – the body will notice even minor changes in the bloods viscosity.

Does this have an effect on the body and mind? Well you be the judge. Alcohol, caffeine, opiates, heavy meats and sauces, preservatives, sulfur bases preservatives, or similar substances in the blood stream all have well known effects. The fats in some meats and cooked oils thicken the blood. Their undigested fats in the bloodstream are better known as cholesterol – thickening the blood. Alcohol inebriates by thinning the blood. Some artificial female hormones thicken the blood to produce blood clots, cysts and tumors. There are many other familiar examples. To learn more about helping remove toxins from the blood click here. When the body becomes incapable of disposing of these substances the effect can understandably be mental and emotional as well as physical. Producing PMS, post partum issues as well as brain fog, racing thoughts anxiety panic attack and so on.

Stimulants and Brain Fog

There is also another possibility for brain fog. Many people already being incredibly tired by the demands of a stressful life find themselves incredibly fatigued for the reasons explained above. They, in a desperate attempt to function normally, use stimulants to take them through the day but rather than strengthen their nerves stimulants ultimately further depletes them. Their is an erroneous belief that stimulants boost energy. But, how can they? The do not contain energy, they instead make the body consume the already diminished supply of energy in the body at a faster rate. When the stimulants wear off the person feels even more depleted than before. And in addition the adrenals have become exhausted by their constant energy drain due to over-activity – the brain fog can become even worse. See effects on Kidneys.

Some Helpful Suggestions for Brain Fog and Stress

Cleaning up the diet is essential and virtually a free long term solution to these problems. There are also natural products that are also helpful. Balancing the blood’s electrolytes using a simple colloidal mineral on a short term basis can help to restore the balance quicker. Of course, whatever feeds and supports the Spleen and Stomach back into normal functions will of course work the quickest. See Exstressor.

A Possible Principle of a Solution to Brain Fog, Anxiety Panic Attack and so on.

You cannot increase energy by consuming it faster. The body’s ability to produce, store, and distribute energy must be restored to help these problems while addressing the entire category of problems that include:  Brain Fog, Attention Deficit Disorder ADD, Attention Deficit and Hyperactive Disorder ADHD, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders, Anxiety Panic Attack, Sleeplessness,  Hyperactivity, Hyper Mental Activity, Sugar Cravings, feeling generally cold of having cold hands also known as Reynaud’s Phenomenon, General Nervousness, and Stress.

Exstressor is formulated to support spleen functions greatly affecting stress.

This Link takes you to an article relating to how the organs are affected by Stress and the effects they specifically produce.

The following lists separate the effect of stress on the mental and emotional faculties and on the physical body.

Mental Effects	Emotional Effects	Physical Effects
Brain Fog	Anxiety	Being pale
Difficulty concentrating mentally ADD ADHD	Panic attacks	Heart palpitations
Racing thoughts preventing asleep    – the brain will just not shut itself off”	Nightmares or constant    dreams	Appetite is too weak, or too strong    or it fluctuates
Tiredness especially at mid    afternoon	Being constantly on edge and    nervous	Constant bloating in the abdomen
Very weak memory	PMS	Sugar cravings
Hyper-mental activity or a perpetual    mental preoccupation like an    obsessive thought	Post partum blues	Constantly feeling cold, having    Cold hands or Reynaud’s    Phenomenon
The above made worse by    high stress	Emotional Volatility	Headaches brought on by tiredness    or stress
		Constant tiredness
		Sore lower back
		Feeling too hot
		Excessive menstrual flow

These are very typical symptoms for those who are Stressed. Many of these are also the symptoms of PMS. See Exstressor for PMS.