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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 6 of 6. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by john1022 on October 28, 2003, at 19:32:45
I was just wondering if anyone (Ames?) can recommend any good natural anxiety/sleep aid herbs or medicines?
I have done a search and found a few, but I am just wondering if there was anything imparticular that works best for someone.
Ames, I remeber reading one of your posts once about Kava Kava and a particular tea mixture that you might be able to recommend. Is there any way you can share this with me? It would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks everyone
Posted by Ame Sans Vie on October 28, 2003, at 20:48:24
In reply to Natural anxiety relief? Ames?, posted by john1022 on October 28, 2003, at 19:32:45
Hiya John,
There are so many things out there that can be useful -- the trick is finding the one that works for you. I'll share my kava recipe with you (and you'll LOVE it!) as long as you promise only to use bulk kava ordered from Hawai'i. ;-) Go to http://www.konakavafarm.com/price.html -- they have the best price and best quality (Mahakea kava) that I've ever found, and I've ordered from at least a dozen other Hawai'ian and Oceanic sites. The stuff you buy OTC here in the contiguous U.S. is C R A P.
~Ingredients:
*8 oz. Mahakea kava
*500 ml amaretto almond liqueur (I like Disaronno, but it doesn't really matter of course) or Kahlua
*2 cups half-and-half
*4 bags Darjeeling tea
*8 whole cloves
*12 green cardamom pods
*1/2 tsp ginger
*1/2 tsp cinnamon
*2 tsp black peppercorns
*1/2 tsp fennel seeds or aniseed
*1/2 tsp licorice root
*Allspice
*Honey~Preparation:
The night before preparing the tea, pour the half-and-half into a large bowl. Grind the kava and place half of it inside a women's legging. Tie it shut well and knead it for at least 10 minutes in the half-and-half, which should begin to turn a creamed coffee color. Leave it in the milk overnight, covered, in the fridge.
Put the amaretto into another bowl and repeat the process with the other 4 oz. of kava. Cover and refrigerate overnight.
Different kavalactones are more soluble in either alcohol, fat, or water -- the alcohol in the liqueur will take care of some, the fat in the half-and-half some of the others, and the water content of each will do the rest. This way (unlike when making a simple water-based tea) you're getting *all* the good stuff.
About 24-hours after the initial preparation, remove the bowls from the refrigerator, take out the stockings containing the kava, and squeeze the life out of them until you can't get any more out of them. This kava can be used a second time, so save it!
Steep the tea in four cups of boiled water for five minutes. Strain out the tea bags, then add all the spices. Simmer for 10 minutes. Strain this through a tea strainer and allow the tea to cool for about 10 minutes (too much heat will destroy kavalactones). Add the kava-half-and-half, kava-liqueur, and honey to taste. This makes eight servings -- sprinkle the top of each cup with allspice.
~~~
Well, there you go -- beyond that, there are just so many things to choose from... California poppy is second-best to kava in my opinion. A combination of valerian root and passion flower seems to work great for many people. Ashwagandha, eleuthero root, reishi mushroom, and others may be useful (especially as adjuncts) for their adaptogenic properties. Beyond that, there's always good old niacinamide, calcium, magnesium, and picamilon. And about a million others, lol... let me know if you'd like some more options.
Michael
Posted by john1022 on October 28, 2003, at 21:09:19
In reply to Re: Natural anxiety relief? Ames? » john1022, posted by Ame Sans Vie on October 28, 2003, at 20:48:24
Thanks Michael
I will be sure to order Kava from that company online. That is some recipe, I am definitely going to try it. Thank you very much for taking the time to answer my question and to write out the recipe.
I guess I am really looking for more of a sleep aid than an anxiety med (well actually both, but I am having some serious sleep problems and don't want to take Ativan too long because of possible withdrawal problems)
Do you or anyone else have a few other recommendations for mainly a good natural sleep aid? Thanks again! Take care
Posted by Ame Sans Vie on October 28, 2003, at 21:13:52
In reply to Re: Natural anxiety relief? Ames?, posted by john1022 on October 28, 2003, at 21:09:19
I would absolutely recommend L-tryptophan for sleep first and foremost, but consult with your doctor about it first if you're on any antidepressant other than Serzone, Desyrel, Remeron, or Wellbutrin. Melatonin is of course another possibility... other than that, I'd say the valerian/passion flower mix has a very good reputation, as does a tincture made by GAIA Herbs called Valerian Poppy Supreme. The kava chai will certainly help you sleep though, believe me. It can be taken during the day without causing drowsiness, but at night, if taken a few hours before bed, when it starts to wear off you just want to jump into bed. Great stuff.
Posted by McPac on October 28, 2003, at 23:23:16
In reply to Re: Natural anxiety relief? Ames? » john1022, posted by Ame Sans Vie on October 28, 2003, at 21:13:52
GREAT to see you again Ame!
Hope you are doing well...best wishes.
Posted by Ame Sans Vie on October 29, 2003, at 6:41:03
In reply to Ame, Re: Natural anxiety relief? Ames?, posted by McPac on October 28, 2003, at 23:23:16
Thanks, and nice to see you again as well! :-)
My e-mail has changed -- if you want to get in touch with me, it's now lordaadika@sbcglobal.net (and it's linked to on my name at the top of the messages). Take care!
Michael
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