While consumers may expect to have muscle strain and fatigue after physical exertion, many are surprised that multi-tasking our brains under stress can cause mental strain and fatigue. In a new Terry Talks Nutrition article, Terry Lemerond noted mental and emotional fatigue is serious issues afflicting the U.S. population. Fortunately, there are ways to address this situation.
While pharmaceuticals are the more common choice of people looking to address stress, mood or cognitive strain, the possibility of significant side effects—particularly with long-term use—has more adults turning to natural remedies. Botanicals, in particular, deliver synergistic compounds that interplay to maximize health effects and minimize side effects. Lemerond noted herbal medicines are a respected way to treat mild and moderate mental disorders in Europe. Because of this, there is a great deal of state-of-the-art research going on into the effects of different botanicals, not only for their mental impact, but also safety and tolerance.
One such botanical is wild green oats (Avena sativa L.), which has been used since medieval times to support mental health and cognition, exerting tonifying, stimulating and mood balancing effects. Clinical trials cited by Lemerond have found consumption of wild green oat can increase learning ability and improve social behavior, and also change brain activity patterns to be consistent with concentration, wakefulness and learning. Wild green oats have been included in the German Commission E Monographs; the monograph states the use of wild green oat preparations can address stress and excitatory states, and as a tonic and restorative. With its ability to energize the mind, without negative stimulatory effects, it has a role to play in supporting mood and cognition
A complementary herb often used in combination with wild green oat is lemon balm (Melissa officinalis L.), used since antiquity in Greek and Islamic medicine to counter nervous disorders. Lemerond recounted recent studies on a proprietary, hydro-alcoholic extract of lemon balm leaves, which found the extract could reduce insomnia in adults with sleep disturbances, not by inducing drowsiness, but by allowing relaxation and inducing a sense of calm. Further, research has shown its ability to improve learning skills and mental accuracy.
The combination of wild green oat and lemon balm extract may exert positive effects on mood, mental energy, memory, learning skills and more, according to Lemerond; however, he urged retailers to look for patented combinations that deliver standardized extracts.