i'm under a lot of stress, and don't get much sleep. i try eat well but often feel drained, my glands are swollen and i just feel exhasusted, is there something i can take to help me cope with life. thanks
Answers (1)
12 Feb 2012
The best herb for stress generally is Valerian as it acts on the GABA, same way as does the benzo type meds. It isn't as strong, but it also is extremely safe to take with only very questionable reports of any negative long term effects (such as an alcoholic who ruined his liver was also taking Valerian at the time, so it technically could have been caused by the herb, but realistically not probable).
Another herb that helps with stress, anxiety, and sleep would be Passion Flower, a CNS (central nervous system) depressant that is calming. Any herb that is sedating will be potentiated by alcohol of course, and should also be tried out before having to drive depending on how sensitive you are to these herbs.
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Just remember that just because it is "natural" doesnt mean it is harmless! Herbs can be serious medicine and should NOT be combined with pharmaceuticals unless your Dr is familiar with properties of both herbs and pharmaceuticals (and few are).Be sure that if you buy herbs, that you buy "standardized" herbs. They can only be labelled standardized if they meet certain standards and they must contain what they say they do. Remember that herbs are not regulated the way medicines are in the US. A manufacturer can use parts of the plant that have very little to no active ingredients and still label it as the herb. For instance, if the root is the only part that contains the active ingredient, an unscrupulous manufacturer can use other parts (leaves and stems with or without the root part that has the active ingredient) and lebel it as the herb. At least with standardized herbs they have to contain a certain amount of the active compounds.
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Be sure that you follow the direction on the label exactly. It is best to use herbs only under the advice of a naturopathic Dr.
Excellent point!!
thanks for all your advice, went out and got some st john's wart today, so i hope it will get me thru... is there any bad effects of this herbal treatment, i was told that people this mental issues shouldn't use it, why is that? surely if its herbal its safer to use without too many bad side effects.
Saint Johns Wort if taken with an SSRI medication can very very easily take you to the hospital due to it creating an excessive amount of serotonin. It stops acting as an antidepressant and hits the body like a poison. Herbs really are chemicals as well, and can have consequences on to there own. The opium plant creates morphine, codeine, and many many other derivatives that could be called "herbal", however as we all know is extremely potent medicine. Same goes with cocaine, it also is an herbal product, or at least it is in the beginning stages. I personally would just do some research on the plant so that you understand it better and have a knowledge as to what it does to your body. Best of luck!
Foxglove is also a plant and digitalis is made directly from it and digitalis can kill you! Deadly nightshade is a plant and ""natural herb" and it can kill you! Mistletoe is another plant with poisonous parts (the berries) Just because it is "natural" and made from plants means it is safer than pharmaceuticals. That is a mistake that many people make! It is false information in thinking that because it is derived from plants that makes it safe!!