Posted by Jakeman on April 1, 2006, at 0:59:26
In reply to Anti-anxiety review (valerian, kava, gotu, 5htp..), posted by daorlando on March 31, 2006, at 17:55:21
Great post, thanks. My comments below.
> I've been experimenting with various supplements in the last year to help me with my symptoms of anxiety, slight depression and obsessive thoughts. I would like to share my findings with you in hope that some of you might find it useful or share your experience and advice.
>
> ---
>
> Kava-Kava: I like this very much, including the taste of it. It takes away all the anxiety and fear. I stopped using it because I had a feeling my mind was slightly dulled on it and I had trouble concentrating.Some-what similar experince. A natural valium but doesn't work long-term.
>
> Valerian: Good for anxiety, yet I found I had difficulty breathing on higher doses and again - I had difficulty concentrating on it.Good herb, helps with sleep but tolerance develops quickly. Can cause bad body odor.
>
> Gotu Kola: Incredible herb. This takes away severe depression in just a few hours. It works like magic. It also gives me a certain calm feeling. It's not sedating like kava, valerian or tranquilizers so it's not that good for panic disorders, but it still takes the edge off.I've had it in a mix of other herbs like Mentat, was great for a few days.
> St. Johns Wort: I took this for a couple of weeks for depression. It helped yet I have discontinued to use this product because my skin got discolored and I had trouble adjusting my eyes to daylight.Not enough AD response for me. Maybe good with another agent.
>
> 5-HTP: I tried this a couple of times and the effects were always the same. It takes away anxiety and fear just like a tranquilizer would; yet it makes my head dull and severely depressed for the next two days. Friends that tried it had a very positive experience with it, though.
>
> L-Phenylalanine, 5-HTP, Tyrosine: This combination made me happy, wired and anxious. Because I have trouble with anxiety as it is I don't use this anymore.Tyrosine and Glutamine has helped my cognitive abilities on stressful days. Especially if I've been drinking.
> B-Complex 100mg: Did nothing for anxiety or depression. Made me angry from time to time.
I take it as an all around vitamin suppement.
> OMEGA3: Did nothing for anxiety or depression. I've decided to try this supplement again, now using a better quality product with higher dosage.I'm not sure about mental health benefits. It has definitely helped with problems with back pain, joints.
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> If you have any question please let me know.
>
> I would like to hear from you too. What kind of supplements would you suggest for this 'strange brain', which gets depressed on 5-HTP, anxious on L-Phenylalanine and unfocused on other anti-anxiety supplements.
>
> Thanks and good luck!
>
poster:Jakeman
thread:627208
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20060313/msgs/627384.html