Complementary therapies, such as microdosing psilocybin, Centella asiatica, and Bacopa monnieri, may improve recovery and rehabilitation for traumatic brain injury (TBI) patients. This paper explores the potential benefits of using these therapies alongside western medical treatments for TBI.

TBI is a form of brain damage caused by external force to the head. It can range from mild (concussion) to severe and cause symptoms such as headache, vertigo, memory problems, and mood changes. Alternative therapies like microdosing psilocybin (found in certain mushrooms) may help TBI patients by reducing anxiety and depression, enhancing creativity, and improving interpersonal connections. Although its use is controversial, research suggests it could be a potential additional therapy for TBI patients.

Microdosing involves taking tiny amounts of a substance, like psilocybin, to experience its therapeutic benefits without the intense effects of a full psychedelic trip. It's believed to bring benefits such as improved creativity, emotional well-being, and personal growth.

Studies have shown that microdosing psilocybin can help TBI patients. One study found it reduced depression and anxiety, improved social functioning and quality of life for a small group of TBI patients. Another study found it reduced symptoms of sadness, anxiety, and PTSD in TBI patients.

Note that sample sizes for these studies are small and more research is needed. Also, using psilocybin for therapeutic purposes is illegal in some countries and should only be done under professional supervision.

Centella asiatica (also known as gotu kola) is a popular herb used in Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine. It has been shown to improve memory and learning, reduce anxiety and stress, and support brain repair and regeneration. Studies on rats have indicated that Centella asiatica reduces brain swelling, improves cognitive performance, and stimulates the creation of new brain cells in the hippocampus. Limited human trials have shown that it can also improve cognitive function and reduce anxiety in TBI patients.

Bacopa monniera, also known as brahmi, is commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine for its cognitive-enhancing effects. It has been shown to improve memory and learning, reduce anxiety and stress, and enhance brain function in healthy people. Some research suggests that Bacopa monniera may also be beneficial for TBI patients.

However, more research is needed to fully understand the potential benefits of these herbs as adjuvant therapies for TBI. The results so far are promising, but you should always consult an experienced herbalist before starting any herbal protocol.

Bacopa monniera has been shown to improve memory and cognitive function in both TBI patients and healthy older adults. A study in the Journal of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine (Darbinyan et al., 2007) found that Bacopa monniera improved memory and cognitive function in a group of TBI patients. Another study in Phytotherapy Research (Stough et al., 2012) found that Bacopa monniera improved memory, learning, and cognitive function in healthy older adults.

To summarize, using psilocybin, Centella asiatica, and Bacopa monniera as supplementary treatments for TBI shows promise. It’s exciting to see current evidence suggesting these herbs may help with depression, anxiety, PTSD, and improve cognitive function and brain health. It's important to use these only after consulting with an herbalist, and not as a replacement to seeking medical care from a professional.

If you have TBI and are looking for additional support, these treatments might be worth exploring as part of a comprehensive approach. Schedule a consultation with me to learn more about how these herbs can benefit your health.

Sources:

• Darbinyan, V., Aslanyan, G., Amroyan, E., Gabrielyan, E., Malmström, C., & Panossian, A. (2007). Clinical trial of Rhodiola rosea L. extract SHR-5 in the treatment of mild to moderate depression. Nordic Journal of Psychiatry, 61(5), 343-348.

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• Gasser, P., Kirchner, K., Passie, T., & Brenneisen, R. (2014). Safety and efficacy of lysergic acid diethylamide-assisted psychotherapy for anxiety associated with a life-threatening disease: A retrospective evaluation. The Journal of Psychopharmacology, 28(2), 98-108.

• Grob, C. S., Danforth, A. L., Chopra, G. S., Hagerty, M., McKay, C. R., Halberstadt, A. L., & Greer, G. R. (2011). Pilot study of psilocybin treatment for anxiety in patients with advanced-stage cancer. Archives of General Psychiatry, 68(1), 71-78.

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• Saleem, S., Butt, M. S., Anwar, F., & Sheikh, A. Q. (2012). Centella asiatica: A potential herb for central nervous system disorders. Phytotherapy Research, 26(6), 891-899.

• Stough, C., Lloyd, J., Clarke, J., Downey, L. A., Hutchison, C. W., Rodgers, T., & Nathan, P. J. (2012). The chronic effects of an extract of Bacopa monniera (Brahmi) on cognitive function in healthy human subjects. Psychopharmacology, 225(4), 491-497.