Posted by Hombre on August 30, 2010, at 0:41:41
I've switched my general herb tonic back to Ginseng & Astragalus Combination (Bu Zhong Yi Qi Wan) and I have to say that it has a strong antidepressant enhancing effect. I say AD enhancing because I take effexor and remeron and don't know how the herbs would act alone. I wish I could clone myself and have the clone get off the drugs and just play with herbs, supplements and exercise. As for the original me, it'll be a while before I try reducing med dosages if I ever deem that important in the long run.
What it feels like when I take Ginseng and Astragalus Combination (GAC):
I feel warm inside and my blood feels like it is circulating well. This may be hard to believe, but I feel like I am more able to keep my back straight and hold my head up properly. I've done a lot of postural work (somewhat akin to Alexander technique) and am very aware of how posture, energy and mood are intertwined. This does jive with the formula's traditional purported action of strengthening the "upright qi", or preventing "collapse". I've noticed this several times upon starting taking this formula. I've always tended towards a slouch with the chin jutting out. Keeping the back of my neck straight feels like it looks: confident and strong.
Anyway, more than just my posture improving I feel like the blood flow to my brain is improved - my mind feels bright and clear. As I write this I can concentrate pretty well. I feel like I could study from a book. I feel like I'd actually remember most of it, too.
For a good rundown on this famous formula, the following is pretty good. There are some studies cited, but who knows if they are good enough for the scientists:
poster:Hombre
thread:960603
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20100812/msgs/960603.html