Geriatric Mental Health Disaster and Emergency Preparedness

Chapter 12 Complementary and Alternative Approaches 223
Herbs as Modulators—Nervines and Adaptogens
So what does it mean to use herbs holistically? It means the medicinal
activity of herbs must be viewed more broadly than simply as replacements
for pharmaceutical activity. Plants and herbs are a complex blend
of dozens of constituents, many of which interact both within the plant
itself and in the human body after ingestion. 3 In some cases, one chemical
constituent can potentiate another, thereby increasing a specific physiological
effect. In other cases, one constituent will buffer another, reducing
the potential for adverse effects or extending the time frame for its
metabolism. In still other cases, complex chemical interactions can have
less obvious or synergistic effects, creating medicinal usages not present
in any one of the individual constituents. The most distinct advantage
that botanical remedies have over conventional approaches in a disaster
is in their ability to modulate or aid the body and mind in reestablishing
normal, balanced, physiological, and psychological functioning. This modulating
activity is best illustrated by herbs activity as nervines, adaptogens,
and immunomodulators — all of which are pertinent to mental health and
disaster preparedness.
Of particular usefulness in the area of mental health are herbs that
act as nervines and adaptogens. As Winston and Maimes (2007, p. 206)
wrote, “Nervines are nerve tonics, that is, calming herbs that are mildly relaxing
without the overtly suppressant effects of sedatives.” Some nervines
act as trophorestoratives, restoring energy and vitality to an autonomic
nervous system overstimulated and exhausted by a disaster. Adaptogens
are gentle, nonspecific tonics that serve to reestablish the general adaptive
capacity of a properly functioning autonomic nervous system that
may be compromised in a disaster. For the purposes of disaster preparation,
adaptogens are most effective when their use begins prior to or in
the early stages of a stressful incident.
Examples of Useful Medicinal Plants
for Promoting Improved Mental Health
Many herbal remedies have value in a disaster. Some significant ones
are listed in this section. Herbs that can also be used as essential oils in
aromatherapy are noted. This list is not intended to be exhaustive and
merely offers some of the herbs that have been used in holistic approaches
to health. It is not to be used as a practitioner’s guide to the use of medicinal
plants in disaster preparedness. In all cases, practitioners should
consult a credentialed herbalist when developing a program for using