Essential tremor, a nervous system condition that causes a person’s hands, arms, head, or other body parts to shake involuntarily, is one of the most common neurological conditions reported. In fact, it is 20 times more common than Parkinson’s disease.

Most cases of essential tremor are limited in their effects, and considered mostly benign. But it can interfere with everyday life — even something as simple as drinking from a cup. It can also affect a person’s voice.

While there is still a great deal of mystery concerning this condition, one of the common findings is a loss of special cells called Purkinje cells, which are in the cerebellum — a part of the brain located in the very back of the head.

Connections between the cerebellum and frontal lobes help make our movements smooth and coordinated. Therefore, when this circuit is impaired, abnormal movements can result.

Growing evidence suggests that this condition is caused by an imbalance between the excitatory neurons (glutamate) and inhibitory neurons (GABA) within this circuit.

Stimulants, such as caffeine and glutamate make the tremors worse. Alcohol improves the tremor.

The goal is to reduce the activity of the excitatory neurons and increase the activity of the inhibitory neurons. Berberine has been proposed as a possible solution to this problem, as it inhibits excitatory impulses.

In addition, several of the ginseng species — such as American ginseng — raise GABA levels in the brain, and offer a number of other protective mechanisms.

Curcumin, quercetin, resveratrol, niacinamide, riboflavin-5-phosphate, thiamine, B12, and other flavonoids also provide anti-inflammatory and anti-excitotoxic protection for the cerebellum.