Depression Learning

Anxiety relief?

Question:

Does anyone know of a non-prescription herb or whatever that will help relieve anxity. These are not panic disorder attacks, just lots of worries. I read somewhere that kava kava can help. Can anyone confirm this? If so, recommended dosage if other than listed on the bottle please? Anything it doesn’t mix with? Other suggestions? TIA Ken

Response:

Does anyone know of a non-prescription herb or whatever that will help relieve anxity. These are not panic disorder attacks, just lots of worries. I read somewhere that kava kava can help. Can anyone confirm this? If so, recommended dosage if other than listed on the bottle please? Anything it doesn’t mix with? Other suggestions? TIA Ken

I’ve taken Kava Kava for anxiety and found it to be somewhat helpful. The problem I have with it is that it tends to be effective for … like… fifteen minutes.  Then it wears off quickly.  That’s what I’ve experienced, anyway.  I use it if I’m heading for a situation that causes me great anxiety (like the in-laws at Thanksgiving!!!!!).  I’ll take a dose of Kava Kava right before I leave my house, and by the time I arrive, I’m fairly anxiety free.  That gives me time to adjust and settle before the Kava wears off.  I’ll do the same if I’m in a stress/anxiety situation at work, like, when I have to give a presentation to the bosses. Kava Kava, from what I understand, should not be used on a daily basis as it can become toxic.  And there are certainly drug interaction problems… for example, if you are currently using prescription anti-depressants or other drugs for anxiety.  It should not be mixed with alcohol and you shouldn’t drive while taking Kava. If you are looking for something you can take daily I would not recommend Kava and I would say, if you have a serious anxiety problem, you’re best bet is to consult a doctor. Sherdan Before you buy.

Response:

I would echo the previous suggestion that you see some sort of accredited health care practitioner.  I think the current position of herbs in our society is unfortunate, and dangerous.  No one without medical education should be reading a magazine article and then putting themself on herbs.  I say this because now, being 2 years through a 4 year Master’s program in Traditional Chinese Medicine, I recognize that everyone has a different situation, and herbs affect everyone differently.  For example, the company metabolife makes a product that they claim gives people energy. Unfortunately, some of the people who want more energy are already high strung, and taking herbs that push them even further that direction leads to a risk of heart attack or stroke (CVA).  There are a number of lawsuits against that company right now.  Another factor in choosing herbal solutions is that there are drug-nutrient interactions that must be avoided. So be warned that 1. not all herbs are for everyone- for example, even if St John’s Wort may alleviate the depression of some, it probably is not appropriate for ALL who are depressed and 2. you may not be objective enough to choose the appropriate herbs for yourself.  Check with a health care practitioner, please! Brian Carter The PULSE of Oriental Medicine (An Oriental Medicine Resource): http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Resort/9427/welcome.htm

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Does anyone know of a non-prescription herb or whatever that will help relieve anxity. These are not panic disorder attacks, just lots of worries. I read somewhere that kava kava can help. Can anyone confirm this? If so, recommended dosage if other than listed on the bottle please? Anything it doesn’t mix with? Other suggestions? TIA Ken

Response:

Hi Ken, You ask about other suggestions……how about: meditation, it’s wonderful for relaxation once you get into it and well worth it. Doesn’t cost anything either and when you get good enough you can do it while sitting at your desk for a quick 5 minutes relaxation. Marlynn – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Does anyone know of a non-prescription herb or whatever that will help relieve anxity. These are not panic disorder attacks, just lots of worries. I read somewhere that kava kava can help. Can anyone confirm this? If so, recommended dosage if other than listed on the bottle please? Anything it doesn’t mix with? Other suggestions? TIA Ken

Response:

As a fellow TCM practitioner (though I use acupuncture almost exclusively as a physical therapy for trigger points – combined with bodywork – without regard to meridians and Chinese Mystical theories), I applaud your advice.

is that a new branch of it or something? does it (acupuncture) have different branches (mystical, non mystical, traditional, non traditional, etc)? as i am just starting to look into researching acupuncture, i havent gotten to this yet…… However, many find it necessary for you to blast the pharm industry in the same post if you dare criticize herbs lest you will be accused of being biased.

i doubt that "many" feel this way..maybe a couple of extreme anti-pharm sorts. but certainly not "many".  and if all we have to go on here at mha regarding one’s bias is what is presented by one’s posts, then kali has indeed put forth a whole lot of derogatory alt information. I don’t feel you need to. I myself have plenty of criticism AND accolades for both mainstream and "alternative" medicine (though extremists can only recall my criticism).

although kali does often give credence to the use of herbs (one would hope so, being a TCM practitioner) his posts are *more* often filled with ridicule and sarcastic derision towards the alt-health industry…so much so that it is hard to see where the pro alt side of him starts…….and one would suppose that, given as long as he has been posting in this manner, he would have come to expect and accept the responses he gets to his posting style in stride by now.  Your post is fine on it’s own. Thank you for your message.

i agree, brian. your information was helpful and your suggestion a good one…….and any more educational (non commercial) sites that you can recommend to learn about acupuncture from would be greatly appreciated. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – — Kali On Line; http://members.xoom.com/arniskali/ I would echo the previous suggestion that you see some sort of accredited health care practitioner.  I think the current position of herbs in our society is unfortunate, and dangerous.  No one without medical education should be reading a magazine article and then putting themself on herbs. I say this because now, being 2 years through a 4 year Master’s program in Traditional Chinese Medicine, I recognize that everyone has a different situation, and herbs affect everyone differently.  For example, the company metabolife makes a product that they claim gives people energy. Unfortunately, some of the people who want more energy are already high strung, and taking herbs that push them even further that direction leads to a risk of heart attack or stroke (CVA).  There are a number of lawsuits against that company right now.  Another factor in choosing herbal solutions is that there are drug-nutrient interactions that must be avoided. So be warned that 1. not all herbs are for everyone- for example, even if St John’s Wort may alleviate the depression of some, it probably is not appropriate for ALL who are depressed and 2. you may not be objective enough to choose the appropriate herbs for yourself.  Check with a health care practitioner, please! Brian Carter The PULSE of Oriental Medicine (An Oriental Medicine Resource): http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Resort/9427/welcome.htm Does anyone know of a non-prescription herb or whatever that will help relieve anxity. These are not panic disorder attacks, just lots of worries. I read somewhere that kava kava can help. Can anyone confirm this? If so, recommended dosage if other than listed on the bottle please? Anything it doesn’t mix with? Other suggestions? TIA Ken

Response:

Absolutely right. Great answer and solid information. — Kali On Line; http://members.xoom.com/arniskali/

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – In my opinion, the BEST method for anxiety relief is cognitive behavioral therapy.  It’s a no meds approach to changing your life and elminating your anxiety issues.  It’s changed my life, and I highly recommend it.  : ) KM

Response:

As a fellow TCM practitioner (though I use acupuncture almost exclusively as a physical therapy for trigger points – combined with bodywork – without regard to meridians and Chinese Mystical theories), I applaud your advice. However, many find it necessary for you to blast the pharm industry in the same post if you dare criticize herbs lest you will be accused of being biased. I don’t feel you need to. I myself have plenty of criticism AND accolades for both mainstream and "alternative" medicine (though extremists can only recall my criticism). Your post is fine on it’s own. Thank you for your message. — Kali On Line; http://members.xoom.com/arniskali/

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – I would echo the previous suggestion that you see some sort of accredited health care practitioner.  I think the current position of herbs in our society is unfortunate, and dangerous.  No one without medical education should be reading a magazine article and then putting themself on herbs. I say this because now, being 2 years through a 4 year Master’s program in Traditional Chinese Medicine, I recognize that everyone has a different situation, and herbs affect everyone differently.  For example, the company metabolife makes a product that they claim gives people energy. Unfortunately, some of the people who want more energy are already high strung, and taking herbs that push them even further that direction leads to a risk of heart attack or stroke (CVA).  There are a number of lawsuits against that company right now.  Another factor in choosing herbal solutions is that there are drug-nutrient interactions that must be avoided. So be warned that 1. not all herbs are for everyone- for example, even if St John’s Wort may alleviate the depression of some, it probably is not appropriate for ALL who are depressed and 2. you may not be objective enough to choose the appropriate herbs for yourself.  Check with a health care practitioner, please! Brian Carter The PULSE of Oriental Medicine (An Oriental Medicine Resource): http://www.geocities.com/HotSprings/Resort/9427/welcome.htm Does anyone know of a non-prescription herb or whatever that will help relieve anxity. These are not panic disorder attacks, just lots of worries. I read somewhere that kava kava can help. Can anyone confirm this? If so, recommended dosage if other than listed on the bottle please? Anything it doesn’t mix with? Other suggestions? TIA Ken

Response:

In my opinion, the BEST method for anxiety relief is cognitive behavioral therapy.  It’s a no meds approach to changing your life and elminating your anxiety issues.  It’s changed my life, and I highly recommend it.  : ) KM

Response:

Related Depression Posts

• Interesting table
• Tiredness and Depression
• what med; can I ask tomorrow?
• Need advice from folks who know about SSRIs
• Don't know what to do–stinkin' thinkin' ahead
• Depressing day
• Margrove..Jackie..anybody..med question – help.