Evidence supporting the use of: Velvet
For the health condition: Nervous Exhaustion
Synopsis
Source of validity: Traditional
Rating (out of 5): 1
Velvet, often referring to velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens), has a history of use in traditional Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine systems for various conditions, including as a restorative tonic for the nervous system and for ailments akin to "nervous exhaustion." In these traditions, velvet bean was valued for its supposed ability to rejuvenate the nervous system, boost energy, and combat stress-related fatigue. These uses were based on empirical observations rather than scientific studies. Modern research on Mucuna pruriens has primarily focused on its L-DOPA content and its effects in Parkinson’s disease and male fertility. There is currently little to no clinical evidence specifically validating its use for "nervous exhaustion," a term that itself is not well-defined in contemporary medical literature. The traditional rationale likely stems from the bean’s reputation as an adaptogen and nervine tonic, but scientific support for these applications is weak or lacking. Therefore, while velvet has been traditionally used for symptoms that may overlap with nervous exhaustion, robust clinical data to support its effectiveness for this indication is absent.
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l-tryptophan
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licorice root
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liquid liver fractions
maca
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reishi mushroom
rhodiola
thiamin (vitamin B1)
vitamin B12
vitamin B6
vitamin D
zinc
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bee pollen
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sunflower
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wheat germ
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Anemone
Astragaloside
Animal protein
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