GAD-Anxiety

[AliBhai]

Hi everyone.....what is best herbal medicine for anxiety....please only advise if you have used it....thanks

[caregiver222]

My answer isn't exactly herbal, but it is massage and sauna, combined with a relaxing herbal tea.

[Paxiled]

Thanks for the info, but I've been supplementing them for ages.  My levels are quite high compared to the average person because of that, and I also eat foods high in them.  One also has to be careful about B6, too much can cause toxicity, so there's only so far you can go with it.  Of course, depression only became a serious problem when Paxil withdrawal made it one; anxiety was my main thing, and still is, really, but the Paxil thing has left me with a whopping case of depression as well.

[gymdandee]

Another study.
Researchers have found that seniors with the highest levels of two critical B vitamins are also the least likely to battle depression.
B6 and B12, which come naturally from a diet high in meats and fish.
Researchers looked at data on some 3,500 seniors in Chicago, and found that depression risk dropped by 2 percent for every 10-milligram increase in vitamin B6 and 10-microgram increase in B12.
The researchers behind this new study say the benefits came from supplements
Most people simply don't get large enough amounts of these nutrients from food to make a difference.
  

[gluc]

b.rewers yeast contains lots of vitamin b and minerals which helped me,plus eating lambs liver every week an excellent tonic

[gymdandee]

http://www.neurostartms.com/Patient/Home.aspx

[acker]

i found valerian didn't help me much with sleep b.t.w., but worth a go

[peggy64]

Just bear in mind that it takes the 5-htp and st johns wort longer to go to work than Rx antidepressants. So don't give up on it, if it is not helping in a week or so.

[Paxiled]

Don't know if 5-HTP will help your GAD.  It's the metabolite of tryptophan the body uses to manufacture serotonin.  So when it works it works as an ssri does, but through a different mechanism.  ssris are stronger in theory, but make the body use old serotonin longer, causing side effects.  5-HTP is the body's natural way of making serotonin, but serotonin might not be the answer to GAD.  Everyone's different.  The natural treatment for GAD would be to combine amino acids and herbs and vitamins and diet and exercise and relaxation techniques to see if the body's imbalance can be put back into balance.  Same as the natural treatment for fibromyalgia, which is to strengthen the immune system, strengthen the body, strengthen the orans, etc.  Hope it works well for you.

[Paxiled]

Can't say, unfortunately.  Since you're on an ssri you shouldn't use St. John's Wort or 5-HTP.  If it isn't working, of course it's the wrong med for you, but that doesn't mean anyone can guarantee anything will work for you.  Wish I could.

[AliBhai]

thanks guys....Paxiled I am on escitalopram right now but i am ready to quit it if herbs or natural supplements help me... i am thinking of taking Valerian capsules togather with either 5HPT or St John Wort.....what do you reck?......thanks in zillion!!  

[FurballsMom]

I had no idea that 5-HTP was good for GAD.  I've been using it for my fibromyalgia.  So, if it works for both things, it is clearly the right supplement for me to use.

[Paxiled]

Oh, and the ashwagandha was an excellent suggestion.  I'd combine it with eleuthero for better results.  They'll help keep your adrenals from overreacting.  Holy Basil also helps with cortisol production, but as it also reduces blood sugar, it might make you a little drowsy.

[Paxiled]

The Serenity compound is a blend of herbs, and might be helpful.  It might make you a little drowsy.  The homeopathic remedies are also possibly helpful.  But the best way to do this, since it's trial and error for us all, is to see a naturopath, or buy that book I recommended and try something.  And again, I'm assuming you're not on medication.  The herbs that are considered the best of long term balancing are green oats, passionflower, cactus grandiflora.  For short term relief, the best is kava, with valerian second.  The 5-HTP is important, though, because just taking relaxants can increase depression, whereas the 5-HTP will help with both the anxiety and depression if it works.  The taurine is an amino acid, not an herb, and B6 is a vitamin, but they are also important.  But there's a huge number of relaxant herbs out there.  St. John's Wort is also an antidepressant.  There's just so much to choose from, and I can't tell you which or if any will work for you.  It's a process.  Good luck.

[peggy64]

Ashwaghanda is good, if taken from a reputable company. I am using some right now, and it really helps.

I also do the deep breathing when I feel it coming up. Mine is from glandular malfunction. Do you know what is causing yours? That helps right there, just knowing.

[AliBhai]

thanks Paxiled....i am suffering from GAD and mild depresseion....what herbs would you suggest me....

[Paxiled]

Herbs are best used in combination, and if you're on medication, that eliminates many.  I've found a compound called Serenity by Gaia to be good, also ignatia amara and gelsemnium homeopathic remedies.  Taurine is also helpful, as it makes GABA in combination with B6.   But the whole package would include 5-HTP and some other stuff.  A good book to read on this is Natural Highs by Hyla Cass, a psychiatrist at UCLA.  And it goes without saying, therapy, a good diet, exercise, and meditation round it out.  And remember, no guarantees, especially with severe anxiety.