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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by blueberry on November 19, 2006, at 9:02:48
I'm looking for those herbs that can knock down anxiety in less than an hour, kind of like prescription benzos do.
From reading previous threads, there are at least 2 that appear promising...skullcap and mugwort. The other common ones like valerian, kava, hops, and others seemed to not have as good reviews. They seemed to have weird effects, no effects, or worsened depression.
I am very interested to hear comments and reviews of fast acting antianxiety herbs that go well with someone still in depression.
Thank you very much.
Posted by linkadge on November 19, 2006, at 12:01:51
In reply to What Are Good Fast Calming Herbs?, posted by blueberry on November 19, 2006, at 9:02:48
Blueberry, have you ever tried alpha lipoic acid?
I think you should give it a try, 100-200mg.
Its at the top of my list. It is calming, but not sedating at all.
Linkadge
Posted by Declan on November 20, 2006, at 23:42:47
In reply to What Are Good Fast Calming Herbs?, posted by blueberry on November 19, 2006, at 9:02:48
Skullcap and zizyphus are best for me.
There are also TCM formulations that are useful and are just about as effective as 2.5mg Valium in the doses I take.
Posted by verne on November 22, 2006, at 11:15:57
In reply to What Are Good Fast Calming Herbs?, posted by blueberry on November 19, 2006, at 9:02:48
I like Feverfew, Skullcap, and Mugwort but reach for magnesium citrate powder when I need a quick fix.
I usually get good results when I mix a few tablespoons of magnesium citrate and taurine powder. I sweeten with splenda or stevia.
I'm still testing the different forms of magnesium. Some prefer malate, taurate, or glycinate.
I've been meaning to get serious about niacinamide. I've been told and have read that for niacinamide to be effective (good for lots of things from anxiety to arthritis) it must be taken several times a day in doses of 250mgs for a total of at least 1,500mgs per day. More won't hurt.
Niacinamide is an excellent anti-inflammatory. It makes since that it would be calming - putting out the *fire*. I'm too out of it right now to look up my sources. I have a friend with severe arthritis that improved dramatically with niacinamide therapy. He tries to take it every 3 hours.
I prefer capsules and use Nature's Way 500mgs. I discovered long ago that hard tablets go right through me. I once found a digestive enzyme tablet in the toilet completely undigested - it's melon-yellow covering still intact. (sorry if that's too much information)
Herbs can be tricky. So many times, *sedating* or calming herbs will backfire on me - making me even more agitated. Valerian Root, for example, usually makes me tired and agitated at the same time - with a little heart-pounding thrown in.
You may want to find more subtle herbs that reduce "vata" in ayurvedic terms. I recommend the book, "Yoga of Herbs". Usually anxiety is caused by a vata imbalance and there are many vata-reducing herbs that may help. Vata could be likened to air.
I tend to use a lot of pitta (fire) reducing herbs for my type of anxiety. The other major element is kapha (water & earth). Usually anxiety has to do with pitta and vata being out of whack. Too much fire and air.
I'm too out of whack to continue. Another time, perhaps.
verne
Posted by verne on November 22, 2006, at 21:51:39
In reply to What Are Good Fast Calming Herbs?, posted by blueberry on November 19, 2006, at 9:02:48
Oops, I guess I've given you my list before. And I'm now remembering that magnesium didn't work for you.
Have you tried meditation or yoga? The yoga doesn't have to be extreme. Even a combination of yoga and pranayama (type of breathing) is good. I prefer a mantra-based meditation or centering prayer with just a short verse or part of a verse - or just a word.
But for some reason I'm struggling to get back into meditation. It's so simple and easy, yet there's some kind of resistance inside me.
verne
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