Dopamine is a neurotransmitter used by your body's nervous system, including the brain. It carries messages about pleasure, pain and muscle movements between nerve cells. Certain herbs can help your body produce dopamine, and you also can use some of these herbs to counteract the effects of low dopamine levels in your body. Low dopamine levels can cause several adverse psychological and physical conditions. Speak to your physician before using herbs to treat any condition to ensure your safety.
Baikal Skullcap
Baikal skullcap is a root that contains the flayvonoids chrysin and baicalein. According to the book, "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine," these flayvonoids are monoamine oxidase inhibitors that can restore depleted dopamine levels in your body. Additionally, Baikal skullcap contains wogonin. A study published in the November 2002 issue of "Biochemical Pharmacology" found that wogonin has anxiolytic properties that affect dopamine levels in your brain. These anxiolytic properties, however, did not show the same muscle-relaxing or sedative effects seen with many pharmaceutical anxiolytics. Talk to your doctor before taking Baikal skullcap.
Green Tea
Green tea contains polyphenols. According to the "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine," polyphenols don't directly help in the production of dopamine. However, polyphenols do help protect dopamine that is present from depletion by other chemicals and substances in your body.
Lingzhi Mushrooms
Lingzhi mushrooms have a similar effect on dopamine levels in your brain as green tea. In other words, lingzhi mushrooms protect the dopamine already in your brain. According to the book, "Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine" low dopamine levels in your brain can make you feel distracted, irritable and detached. Get medical clearance from your doctor before taking lingzhi mushrooms.
Additional Herbs to Consider
Ginkgo biloba contains flavonoids, and these flavonoids offer many health benefits. According to the "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine," flavonoids help to protect the cells in your body from damage. Additionally, flavonoids help in your body's production of dopamine. Another herb that boosts dopamine levels in your body is the broadbean cowage. The seeds of this plant contain L-dopa, the precursor to dopamine. According to the "Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine" consumption of cowage can boost your dopamine levels, increasing feelings of pleasure, love, attachment and a sense of belonging. Always consult your doctor before self-treating with herbal remedies.
References
- ScienceDirect; Biochemical Pharmacology: Anxiolytic Effect of Wogonin, a Benzodiazepine Receptor Ligand Isolated From Scutellaria Baicalensis Georgi; November 2002
- Understanding Addiction: Dopamine: A Sample Neurotransmitter
- "Psychology Today" Magazine; What Is Dopamine?; Philip Newton; April 2009
- "Encyclopedia of Natural Medicine"; Michael Murray and Joseph Pizzorno; 1997
- "Encyclopedia of Herbal Medicine: The Definitive Home Reference Guide to 550 Key Herbs With All Their Uses as Remedies for Common Ailments"; Andrew Chevallier; 2000
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine"; Dennis Kasper, et al.; 2004
