In Chinese traditional herbology, the brain is neither a solely physical nor spiritual entity, but like the other major organs, an embodied intelligence, an organized nexus of material and immaterial substances. As a curious organ, the brain is a focus of feeling and consciousness, the enigmatic unity of Mind and Essence (Shen and Jing) under the governance of the Heart and Kidney. While the brain is perceived as the core of bodily information, it is the Channels and Organ Networks that nurture and protect it. Accordingly, herbs that support the spiritual, cognitive and sensate life of the body must harmonize the relationship between the Heart and Kidney, and at the same time support the subordinate roles of the Spleen, Lung and Liver. Westerners commonly understand the root of sensory, emotional and mental life to be the integrative function of the Central and Autonomic Nervous Systems, including the brain, spinal cord and the Sympathetic and Parasympathetic nerve roots and ganglia. In recent years, the concept of mind has broadened beyond the model of nerves and synapses. The existence of neuropeptides circulating throughout the body suggests that the mind has escaped from the confines of the brain and spinal cord into the entire body. Our modern cognitive model is beginning to resemble the unified Shen-Jing (Heart-Kidney) paradigm of the ancient Chinese. This formula constitutes a multi-modal approach that not only eases the mind and relaxes nerves, but also relieves internally generated Du and corrects the disturbances of Qi, Moisture and Blood that ensue when the brain/mind is ungrounded of its customary anchors. The herbs in Ease Strain help to moderate occasional erratic fluctuations in mood and attention that occur during unsettling circumstances. Its aim is neither to sedate nor elevate, but rather to curb the transient feelings of chaos that a person can experience in transition from dependency to freedom. The organizing principles in Ease Strain include quieting and mooring the Mind (Shen), transforming Phlegm, clearing Heat, extinguishing Wind, relaxing muscles, soothing nerves, repressing Yang, eliminating Du and replenishing Yin (Blood and Moisture). In a broader context, the herbs harmonize the interaction of the five viscera and faculties of consciousness: the Kidney-Zhi (instinctual awareness), the Heart-Shen (unrestricted awareness), the Lung-Po (subliminal awareness), the Liver- Hun (somatic awareness) and the Spleen-Yi (cognitive awareness). RATIONALE Licorice cured Pinellia rhizome, bile prepared Arisaema rhizome, Polygala root, Peucedanum root, Lily bulb and Sichuan fritillary bulb transform both visible and invisible Phlegm that can become entangled with Heat and Internal Wind, occasionally clouding the Upper Orifices and slowing the free flow of thoughts and feelings. Arisaema rhizome and Abalone shell are useful in addressing occasional dizziness due to Wind-Damp and Wind-Phlegm. Licorice cured Pinellia rhizome is useful for a broad spectrum of Damp-Phlegm patterns, particularly those that affect the Middle and Upper Burners. Polygala root and Arisaema rhizome together support mental clarity and sensory acuity by dispelling the Phlegm that dims the mind and dulls the senses. The combination of St. John’s wort herb, dry fried Sour jujube seed, Polygonum multiflorum stem, Silk tree back and Schisandra fruit comfort Shen, nurture the Yin (Blood and Moisture) of the Heart, Liver and Kidneys, invigorate the Blood, refresh the Qi and secure the bond between Spirit and Essence (Shen-Jing). They address occasional apprehension, restlessness, insomnia and an occasional sense of vacancy and rootlessness. Sichuan fritillary bulb, Lily bulb, and Ophiopogon tuber transform Phlegm and replenish Moisture in the Upper Burner while supporting collaboration between the Lung and Heart. This eases occasional feelings of melancholy or sorrow and promotes the coordinated effort of the Heart and Lung to ceaselessly disseminate the Qi and Blood. Gambir stem branch and twig, Capillaris herb, Abalone shell, Amber resin and White peony root dispel Wind, subdue Yang and the flaring of Fire, stabilize the Yin and relax the sinews and nerves. Gardenia fruit purges Heat and Du, and in concert with Sichuan lovage rhizome, dry fried Bitter orange immature fruit and Peucedanum root, disentangles the Qi and supports healthy circulation. The support of the natural movement of Qi fosters a sense of personal freedom and expansiveness.
