Copper

The attenuations are prepared from metallic copper, Cu, AW: 63.5.

Copper has a narrowly defined sphere of action, in which spasms are in the forefront. These frequently originate in the fingers and toes and on occasions involve loss of consciousness. Such spasmodic states may be found in dysmenorrhoea, in gastro intestinal colics, in renal colics (especially on the left side), in cramps of the

calf muscles, in muscle cramps after cholera, but also in epilepsy and similar conditions: they are especially marked at night. Thus copper also gains a certain importance in the treatment of retoxic impregnation phases, i.e. particularly after the inhibition of discharges, eruptions etc.
Cuprum is likewise indicated in Sydenhams’ chorea (St. Vitus’ dance), and especially in whooping cough when there is spasmodic coughing for hours on end. Cuprum is also indicated in asthma, when there is spasmodic vomiting at the end of the attack. In cholera too we find violent vomiting, also diarrhoea, anxiety felt in the pit of the stomach, convulsions of the extremities, coldness and cyanosis of the body, spasmodic constriction of the chest, dyspnoea and chronic cramps, which point to Cuprum Arsenicosum (and Veratrum Album) as simillima. Here Cuprum can save lives. Furthermore, Cuprum is the metal of the kidneys and, according to Prof. Müller of Titisee, it is indicated in those kidney diseases which proceed with hypotension, whilst Plumbum is the indicated metal in those forms of kidney disease with hypertension. Left-sided renal colics obviously react better to copper than right-sided ones, in which Arsenicum acts well.
Dahlke describes a further modality of Cuprum; according to this the coughing and vomiting which call for Cuprum are relieved by a sip of cold water. Cuprum is also said to be effective in acute hydrocephalus, dental cramps and especially in inveterate skin eruptions, particularly if these are herpetic or scabies-like, itching very strongly, with possible ulceration in the creases of the joints. The ripening of deep abscesses is said to be hastened by Cuprum. Cuprum has also done good work in inveterate syphilis, ankylosis, contractures and suppurations of the joints. There is great muscular weakness, frequently a small, rapid pulse, with the pains tending to radiate out in all directions. Collapse and coldness of the surface of the body with cyanosis and dyspnoea may also be present, as well as hoarseness and glottal spasm, which is relieved by cold drinks. Cuprum may also prove useful in T.B. of the larynx.
Cuprum has an obvious action on the blood formation, especially after abuse of iron.
Aggravation is generally from hot weather and at night, also before the menses. Amelioration is from cold drinks and pressure.
A glance at the toxicology of the copper compounds shows that large quantities (1 gram) produce violent inflammation of the gastro intestinal mucosa with agonising vomiting, colicky pains and diarrhoea, whilst quantities of 0.2 grams only produce feelings of disgust for food, vomiting and diarrhoea. Still smaller quantities up to about 0.03 grams, produce a reduction of appetite and – by Reversal effect – constipation.
Since copper salts are used in a considerable range of industrial processes and copper poisoning occurs as an occupational disease, in such cases one should be on the look-out for greenish or greenish-yellow discolouration of the hair, face, eyes and teeth; a copper rim may also occur on the gums.
Copper poisoning can produce similar symptoms to lead poisoning. Copper colic is differentiated from lead colic insofar as after copper colic diarrhoea usually occurs.

If we summarise all the symptoms of Cuprum, the following list results:
1. Spasm/cramp remedy par excellence: cramps in the calf muscles, dymenorrhoea, renal colic, muscle spasms, and spasms of the limbs (in cholera).
2. Convulsions in epilepsy, eclampsia, uraemia, with possible alternation of tonic and clonic spasms, which mostly begin with drawing in the fingers and toes and extend from there over the whole body.
3. Whooping cough and asthma with spasmodic vomiting at the end of the attack.
4. Opisthotonos and spasms of the masseter. Abdominal neuralgias, intestinal spasms.
5. Arteriosclerosis. Nephrosis and kidney diseases.
6. Contractures ankylosis, suppuration of the joints associated with inveterate syphilis.
7. Inveterate skin-eruptions with itching, and ulceration in the creases of the joints.
8. Pains are ameliorated by cold drinks and pressure, and aggravated by hot water, at night and before the menses.
Thus we see that Cuprum can be used in numerous conditions, extremely violent and threatening ones, mostly acute, but also in chronic ones, with success. The action of copper salts in similar to that of Cuprum Metallicum. Cuprum Aceticum, Cuprum Sulphuricum and Cuprum Arsenicosum are particularly in use, the latter appearing to work better in neuralgias, nephrosis and uraemia, insofar as one may expect action by Reversal effect, in combination with complementary methods (e.g. sarcodes.)
The German Monograph-Preparation Commission for the Homoeopathic Field of Therapy has, under the Preparation Monograph for Cuprum metallicum, published the following indication(s) in the German Bundesanzeiger (German Federal Gazette) for cuprum: cerebral seizure disorders; spasmodic muscular conditions; spasmodic conditions of the smooth musculature, the gastro intestinal tract, the respiratory organs, the vascular systems, and the coronary vessels; circulatory failure.

L-Theanine

There’s something calming about sipping a cup of green tea, and it may be the L-theanine. An amino acid found naturally in green tea and some mushrooms, L-theanine is said to alleviate anxiety, improve sleep, and reduce stress.

Health Benefits

To date, scientists have yet to extensively explore the benefits of L-theanine. However, preliminary research suggests it may help lift mood and calm the body’s response to stress and anxiety.

Stress

L-theanine may help to increase adaptability to stress, according to a 2016 study.1 Healthy participants consumed a drink containing 200 milligrams (mg) of L-theanine or a placebo. One hour after consumption, the stress response to a cognitive stressor was significantly reduced in those who consumed the L-theanine drink. Three hours after consumption, saliva cortisol (a hormone secreted in response to stress) was significantly lower.

Another study explored the effects of regular consumption of L-theanine and found that daily intake decreased subjective stress and saliva levels of α-amylase (an enzyme released in response to stress) in undergraduate students undergoing stress.2

Sleep

Salivary α-amylase activity is a marker of overall sympathetic nervous system activity implicated in both stress and sleep. The study in undergraduate students also found that higher levels of α-amylase were correlated with shorter sleeping time.

Another study examined the effects of a low-caffeine green tea on sleep quality and found that saliva α-amylase levels were significantly lower in those who drank the low-caffeine green tea after seven days of daily intake than in those who consumed the standard green tea.3 Higher sleep quality was higher in those who had consumed a larger amount of low-caffeine green tea containing L-theanine.

Mood

A 2017 study published in Acta Neuropsychiatrica explored the use of L-theanine for major depression.4 The trial included 20 men and women who had 250 mg of L-theanine added to their current medication for eight weeks. They found it had multiple benefits in relieving anxiety, sleep disturbances, and cognitive impairment associated with depression.

L-Tryptophan

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that serves several important purposes, like nitrogen balance in adults and growth in infants. It also creates niacin, which is essential in creating the neurotransmitter serotonin.

There are two types of tryptophan: L-tryptophan and D-tryptophan. The only difference between the two types is the orientation of the molecule.

You can get tryptophan through certain foods or a supplement in powder form.

Foods with tryptophan

Tryptophan can be found in some foods, especially those high in protein. Foods known to be high in tryptophan include:

  • chicken
  • eggs
  • cheese
  • fish
  • peanuts
  • pumpkin and sesame seeds
  • milk
  • turkey
  • tofu and soy
  • chocolate

In order for tryptophan to be converted into niacin, however, your body needs to have enough iron, vitamin B-6, and vitamin B-2.

Health benefits

There are a number of health benefits from the naturally-occurring tryptophan found in foods. Most of these health benefits come from the potential increase of niacin and thus serotonin. The benefits from more serotonin include:

  • promoting healthier and better quality sleep
  • relief from depression and anxiety
  • increased emotional well-being
  • managing pain tolerance

Used for & Why

Insomnia
L-tryptophan has been used successfully for people with insomnia in many studies,including double-blind trials.
Pain
Double-blind research has also shown that oral L-tryptophan can increase tolerance to acute pain.
Premenstrual Syndrome
Some research suggests that L-tryptophan may help balance mood symptoms associated with PMS.
Bipolar Disorder
Supplementation with L-tryptophan has led to improvement in depression in many studies, though its effect on bipolar disorder needs more study.
Depression
Several controlled trials have found L-tryptophan as effective as antidepressant medications. Depressed people should consult a doctor before use.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
With a doctor’s supervision, some people with OCD have experienced some symptom relief from supplementing with L-tryptophan.
Schizophrenia
L-tryptophan supplementation has occasionally been helpful for specific schizophrenia symptoms, such as aggression and memory function.
Seasonal Affective Disorder
Some research suggests that L-tryptophan alone or in combination with light therapy may improve SAD symptoms.
Alcohol Withdrawal (Glutamine, L-Tyrosine, Multivitamin, Phenylalanine)
In double-blind research, alcoholics treated with L-tyrosine combined with DLPA (D,L-phenylalanine), L-glutamine, prescription L-tryptophan, plus a multivitamin had reduced withdrawal symptoms and decreased stress.
Anxiety
Research suggests a connection between anxiety and serotonin deficiency and that its precursur L-tryptophan may help reduce anxiety in people with social anxiety disorder and neurosis.
Attention Deficit–Hyperactivity Disorder
Imbalances in the brain chemical serotonin, or low blood levels of its precursor, L-tryptophan, have been associated with ADHD in some (though not all) studies
Bulimia (Vitamin B6)
Vitamin B6, when taken with L-tryptophan, has been shown to improve eating behavior, feelings about eating, and mood among women with bulimia.
Bulimia
L-tryptophan may be beneficial for people with bulimia, as this amino acid synthesizes serotonin, a hormone that helps regulate food intake and appetite.
Hypertension
The brain chemical serotonin may affect blood pressure regulation, and animal research suggests its precursur L-tryptophan may help prevent and manage hypertension.
Migraine Headache
Preliminary research has found abnormally low levels of serotonin in the brains of people suffering a migraine attack, which was reversed with L-tryptophan supplements.
Obesity
Animal research and preliminary human reports suggest that serotonin precursors such as L-tryptophan might help control appetite and promote weight loss.
Restless Legs Syndrome
Preliminary research has shown some benefit reducing symptoms of restless legs syndrome and the insomnia that often accompanies it.
Smoking Cessation
In one study, tryptophan supplements along with a high-carbohydrate diet lessened withdrawal symptoms and helped people smoke fewer cigarettes.
Tardive Dyskinesia
Animal research and preliminary human reports suggest that L-tryptophan may help  reduce the severity of symptoms.

Inositol

Inositol is a substance found naturally in cantaloupe, citrus fruit, and many fiber-rich foods (such as beans, brown rice, corn, sesame seeds, and wheat bran). It is also sold in supplement form and used as a complementary therapy to treat a wide range of medical conditions, including metabolic and mood disorders.

Inositol is often referred to as vitamin B8, but it is not actually a vitamin. It’s a type of sugar that influences the insulin response and several hormones associated with mood and cognition. Inositol also has antioxidant properties that fight the damaging effects of free radicals in the brain, circulatory system, and other body tissues.

D-chiro-inositol, inositol hexaphosphate (often referred to as “IP6”) and the compound myo-inositol are the most widely used inositol supplements. They are generally considered safe if taken appropriately.

Commonly Known As

  • inositol
  • D-chiro-inositol
  • inositol hexaphosphate (or “IP6”)
  • myo-inositol

Health Benefits

Alternative health providers recommend inositol supplements for a wide range of health conditions, including:

  • Anxiety
  • Depression
  • Diabetes
  • High cholesterol
  • Metabolic syndrome
  • Panic disorder
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

In addition, inositol is believed by some to slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease and prevent certain cancers. Some people also use inositol to promote hair growth or overcome insomnia. Research, however, is lacking.

According to the latest research, inositol may be beneficial for some disorders, including mental health issues, PCOS, and metabolic disorders. Here’s a closer look at the science.

Mood and Anxiety Disorders

Inositol is believed to improve depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders by stimulating the production of the “feel-good” hormones serotonin and dopamine. The hypothesis is largely supported by research in which myo-inositol concentrations in blood is suggested a reliable marker for clinical depression.

The benefits have mostly been seen in people with panic disorder (PD) in whom depression is common. A small study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology investigated the effect of myo-inositol on 20 people with PD.

After being provided a daily 18-gram dose of myo-inositol for four weeks, the participants were given a daily 150-mg dose of Luvox (fluvoxamine)—a commonly prescribed psychiatric drug—for the four weeks. When compared to a matched set of individuals not given myo-inositol, those who did had an average of 2.4 fewer panic attacks per week.

A number of other studies have investigated the use of inositol with selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) used to treat a variety of depressive and anxiety disorders. The results have thus far been inconclusive.

While an earlier double-blind study found that a daily 12-gram dose of inositol improved depression scores compared to people provided a placebo, the results have not been replicated elsewhere.

In addition to panic disorder, inositol may be useful in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) given its effect on serotonin and dopamine levels.

Metabolic Disorders

There is evidence to suggest inositol can correct may metabolic disorders that contribute to the development of high blood pressure, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome.

A 2016 pilot study published in the International Journal of Endocrinology reported that people with type 2 diabetes given myo-inositol and d-chiro-inositol daily along with their anti-diabetes drugs had a significant drop in their fasting blood glucose (192.6 mg/dL down to 160.9 mg/dL) and A1C (8.6 percent down to 7.7 percent) after three months.

Another small study published in the journal Menopause suggested that myo-inositol may aid in the treatment of metabolic syndrome in postmenopausal women. According to the research, women assigned to six months of myo-inositol supplements experienced significantly greater improvements in blood pressure and cholesterol levels than women provided a placebo.

When treated with myo-inositol, women with metabolic syndrome experienced an 11 percent drop in diastolic blood pressure, a 20 percent drop in triglycerides, and a 22 percent increase in “good” high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol.

All of these values translate to an improvement of metabolic syndrome as well as a decreased risk of cardiovascular disease.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

D-chiro-inositol may help manage PCOS, according to a small study published in Endocrine Practice. For this study, 20 women with PCOS were given either a placebo or 6 grams of D-chiro-inositol once daily for six to eight weeks.

The results revealed that D-chiro-inositol helped treat several abnormalities associated with PCOS, including high blood pressure and elevated levels of blood fats. In addition, elevated testosterone levels (consistent with PCOS-related hormone imbalances) decreased by 73 percent compared to 0 percent for those given a placebo.

Generally speaking, a normalization of hormonal balances translates to an improvement of PCOS symptoms.

Other Benefits

Inositol has also been found to reduce psoriasis symptoms in people taking lithium, a drug commonly prescribed to treat bipolar disorder, depression, schizophrenia, and eating disorders. Depending on the usage, lithium-induced psoriasis can affect anywhere from 3 percent to 45 percent of users.

Gamma-AminoButyric Acid (GABA)

Gamma-aminobutyric acid—often referred to as GABA—is an amino acid and neurotransmitter, a type of chemical responsible for carrying information from one cell to another.

Produced naturally in the body, GABA is also widely available in supplement form. Manufacturers claim that GABA supplements can help boost the brain’s GABA levels and treat anxiety, stress, depression,1 and sleep problems. In fact, some supplement manufacturers call GABA a “natural form of Valium”—presumably meaning that it reduces stress and improves relaxation and sleep.

Unlike many dietary supplements, GABA cannot be found in ordinary foods. Certain foods, however, including fruits, vegetables, teas, and red wine, can have a significant impact on GABA modulation. At present, it is not clearly understood whether certain foods increase or decrease the impact of GABA on the brain.

Health Benefits

Research shows that GABA might play a key role in protecting against depression and anxiety. For instance, a study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry in 2010 indicates that people with major depression may be more likely to have low levels of GABA. And a 2009 study that increasing GABA levels may be useful in the treatment of conditioned fear. These results are consistent with the fact that GABA is the primary calming (inhibitory) neurotransmitter in the brain

Relaxants such as alcohol stimulate GABA receptors, leading to feelings of relaxation and sleepiness. The same effect occurs as a result of taking sleep-inducing drugs such as Ambien. But these approaches are only effective for the short-term and, of course, have undesirable side effects.

Preliminary animal research suggests that certain herbal supplements (including valerian) may help elevate GABA levels in the brain (possibly by promoting the production of GABA or slowing its breakdown). Another study suggests that breathing in the scent of jasmine (a substance frequently used in aromatherapy) may help enhance the effects of GABA.

Certain mind-body practices may also help boost your brain’s levels of GABA. For example, a 2010 study from the Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine found that practicing yoga may lead to higher GABA levels (and, as a result, better mood, and less anxiety). This study compared people who exercised by walking to those who took regular yoga classes, thus suggesting that the yoga in particular—rather than exercise in general—made the difference. As yoga is a mind-body exercise, some have theorized that mindfulness and focus are somehow related to the rise in GABA levels.