In Lieu Of Gifts This Year I Will Be Giving to Charity

Over the next few weeks I plan on posting links to some of the charities that I donate to. In lieu of gifts this year I am donating to several charities. My first favorite charity is the first charity I ever donated to. They remain the largest children's rights lobbying organizations in the United States. I am of course referring to The Children's Defense Fund. A great organization doing amazing things for America's children. If you would like to donate here is a link to their actual website. http://www.childrensdefense.org/

Can Velvet Bean (Mucuna Purens) be used effectively to treat Parkinson’s disease and Depression?

 (Mucuna Purens) has long been used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine, and many other forms of traditional medicine, for centuries. This unusual plant has many usages, due to a wide variety of benefits that include, aiding in the relief of chronic pain, improved mood enhancement, increased libido, blood sugar stabilization and increasing testosterone.

One of the main active ingredients responsible for many of the therapeutic benefits of the Velvet Bean is Leva Dopa (L-Dopa), a precursor to the neurotransmitter dopamine. Dopamine dysregulation has been linked to several disease that include, Parkinson’s disease, chronic depression, drug addiction and the associated side-effects of withdrawal from drugs and alcohol, Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD), and schizophrenia.

Dopamine is considered to be a neurotransmitter associated with reward-motivated behavior, and many recreational drugs have addictive qualities because of their ability to increase circulating dopamine in the brain. Dopamine can enhance mood, create feelings of joy and euphoria, and is associated with our ability to feel pleasure and even fall in love.

Currently, Velvet Beans is available as an extract of 15% L-Dopa and has been researched as an alternative treatment for Parkinson’s disease, drug addiction withdrawal, and depression. I don’t currently advice pregnant women to use Velvet Bean as it can raise testosterone and inhibit prolactin; an important hormone needed to aid in lactation.

For people currently taking antidepressants or antipsychotic medications Velvet Bean is contraindicated. Current dosage recommendations are 30 grams twice daily, or approximately 1 heaping teaspoon twice a day. I don’t advice taking Velvet Bean unless you have spoken to your doctor first; as it may be contraindicated with some medications.