BENEFICIAL HERBS
- Valerian and skullcap are among the most effective herbal remedies for stress and nervous tension. They also relieve headaches and can improve sleep quality. Caution: Large doses of valerian may cause vomiting, stupor, and dizziness, and continued use may lead to depression.
- Panax ginseng and/or Siberian ginseng can improve the ability to deal with stress
- Hops tea is a relaxing herb. Hops helps to ease stress, nervousness and restlessness. It also decreases the desire for alcohol.
- Passionflower is calming, and is good for times of acute anxiety Caution: Do not use during pregnancy.
- Catnip and kava kava promotes relaxation. Caution: Kava may causes drowsiness.
- Chamomile is a soothing, calming herb. It is a good nerve tonic, soothing to the digestive tract, and a pleasant sleep aid. Caution: Do not use this herb on an ongoing basis and avoid it completely if you are allergic to ragweed.
- Red clover relaxes the body and improves overall health
- Suma helps the body cope with stress
- Lobelia, skullcap, hops and ginseng taken in combination may be useful
NUTRIENT SUPPLEMENTATION (see anxiety)
A well balanced diet is a more natural source of nutrients and it is best to get as much as possible from food. If you are not eating a varied mixture of the main food groups or foods high in a certain nutrient needed for your health situation then make up the remaining through vitamin and mineral supplementation.
- Vitamin C: 500 milligrams three times a day. Caution: Doses of vitamin C larger than 1,200 milligrams a day can produce diarrhea in some people.
- Calcium: 2,000 milligrams. Caution: Do not take calcium supplementation without your doctors approval if you have heart or kidney problems
- Magnesium: 1,000 milligrams. Caution: If you have heart or kidney problems, you should always check with your doctor before taking magnesium supplements
In some cases, herbal products can interact negatively with other medications. Such interactions can be dangerous. Herbal remedies are not regulated and their quality is not controlled. Moreover, while there is an abundant supply of information circulating about herbs, not much of it has been scientifically proven. Consult your physician. Informing your doctor and pharmacist of what herbal products you are using is just as important as letting them know what drugs you are taking. Your physician and the pharmacist on duty at your pharmacy can assist you in deciding which herbs
are safe.