Anyone Use Herbs for Anxiety?

libby74 · Oct 6, 2011

I'm looking for an alternative to the Xanax I've used prn for years. I have a new dr. (I go to a teaching facility and I get a new intern every 3 years) who refuses to renew my prescription. I tried explaining to him that I may take 3 tablets a week, I may take 3 a month---it all depends on what's going on in my life. For some reason, he wants me to be on a daily anti-depressant.. I told him I'm not depressed, I don't want to take something everyday, I just need something to take the edge off for those days when I feel as if my head is going to explode from all the stuff life throws at me. He also wants me to see a therapist. Hello, I'm not depressed, I have the occasional anxiety. To make him happy, I tried an anti-depressant for a month; I didn't notice any difference in the way I feel. I guess I wouldn't, since depression isn't the problem.

So, I've done just a bit of research and am thinking about St. John's Wort or valerian. I know there are other herbs that are said to help with anxiety, but don't really know much about them.

If anyone here uses an herbal remedy, could you please tell me what you use, the strength, do you use it on a daily basis or only when life gets to you?

-_aj_- · Oct 6, 2011

Not herbs per se but i know a few people who use k/calms when they have days like that, i havent (I kinda self medicate with red wine which i know is a big no no) but they say they are good but im not sure if they are an english thing or not

MoochNNoodles · Oct 6, 2011

I use St John's Wort to help me with anxiety and stressful times!! I swear by it! But be aware it counter-effects birth control!

After I had my DD I didn't feel like I necessarily had enough postpartum depression to need meds for it; but there have been several periods where I just felt so overwhelmed. I've taken it during those and it does help. I used it before having her when I was working too.

One job I had I worked with people with disabilities. I had one woman who had pretty severe bi-polar disorder with a nice side of depression/anxiety. Her doctor had her on it as a compliment to her other medication. She also swore it had a significant effect on her. She was in a panic this one day because the store was out of it and she didn't have her own transportation to go shopping around to find some before she ran out.

crazyforinfo · Oct 6, 2011

Valerian came recommended by my OB last night. We were discussing PMDD and he mentioned that works for anxiety.

catmom2wires · Oct 6, 2011

I use Rescue Remedy!

calico2222 · Oct 6, 2011

I took St. John's Wort when I was my mom's caregiver 24/7 and it helped a lot with stress. I didn't realize how much until I ran out and didn't have a chance to get any more for a few days. I could really tell the difference.

I don't know if it would help if your taking Xanax for panic attacks (like my husband), but if it's just to maintain every day stress it worked for me. I know it does counteract BC pills, but you may want to check and see if it reacts to anything else you're taking as well.

libby74 · Oct 6, 2011

Luckily, I don't need to worry about St. John's Wort affecting my bc pills; I hit full-blown menopause 5 years ago

The xanax wasn't for panic attacks, just the occasional "I feel totally over-whelmed by it all!" kind of day; as I said, I might take 3 a week, I might take 3 a month. It truly annoys me that the dr. doesn't seem to be hearing what I'm telling him.

For those taking St. John's Wort---did you only use it in times of stress, or did you use it on a daily basis?

kittehtime · Oct 6, 2011

interesting thread. i'm interested to see if there are any more responses...

feralvr · Oct 6, 2011

AW Libby

to you sweetie

. I have not tried any herbs for anxiety. I have been dealing with panic disorder/phobias for many, many years. In fact was just discussing with Larry about the Zoloft I have taken for over fifteen years and I feel that it is just not working for me anymore. I am dealing so much in my life right now too and also feel that I need some other options to help me through this difficult time. I have not tried Valerian or St. John's Wort yet. I used to take Klonopin (Clonozapam) at night on an as needed basis. It can become addicting so you have to be careful with taking it. Klonopin is used for anxiety too and might be something you could ask your doctor about but I think it is probably pretty similar to Xanax. As for the herbs, I just don't know enough about them, but will be interested in seeing what other's have to say in this thread.

Loads of Sunshine

to you, my friend

MoochNNoodles · Oct 6, 2011

Mostly I use it for a few weeks at a time. It seems to build up a little. But I've taken it on more of an "as needed" basis too. I'm a terrible druggie. I forget to take my vitamins let alonee remember a medication. When I took BC pills I had an alarm set on my phone to go off every night to remind me!

badkelpie · Oct 6, 2011

I use valerian root for occasional anxiety. It works great for me. Replaces the anxiety with a nice calm, world isn't gonna implode today, type of feeling. I just take one, only when I need it.

kluchetta · Oct 6, 2011

I've used St. John's Wort as well, for depression, I have used it every day, and it does seem to work.

I've also used Valerian root as a muscle relaxant when I hurt my back pretty bad. (just muscles) THAT helped a LOT, along with aspirin.

thembcat · Oct 6, 2011

I know this doesn't count but I always take out my box of tea and just hold it under my nose while laying on the couch. I LOVE the smell of a lot of teas. I may not like the taste of a lot of teas but the smell really just relaxes me and puts me at ease. Whenever I either don't feel good or if I'm feeling stressed or anxious I always just lay down with my tea for a spell.

resqchick · Oct 7, 2011

Originally Posted by TheMBCat

I know this doesn't count but I always take out my box of tea and just hold it under my nose while laying on the couch. I LOVE the smell of a lot of teas. I may not like the taste of a lot of teas but the smell really just relaxes me and puts me at ease. Whenever I either don't feel good or if I'm feeling stressed or anxious I always just lay down with my tea for a spell.

Fresh Rosemary and Fresh Basil can also be a mood elevator, when you inhale their fragrance. I believe in Aromatherapy for many parts of my life.

3catsn1dog · Oct 7, 2011

This is a really interesting thread.

snake_lady · Oct 7, 2011

Libby,

Please be very careful with St.Johns wort, there can be med interactions, etc.

I have severe panic disorder, and have talked about it many times on here before. I am on meds for it, and will be for the rest of my life type of deal.

But, if you are just talking once in a while, I would try things like calming teas, rescue remedy (yes the same stuff we use on our kitties, I have used it myself) or the like, and see if is enough to help your case before venturing into SJW or valerian.

Do you have a natural store near you? The staff in a store that just sells homeopathic and herbal items can be very educational (just watch for ones pushing the newest fad).

FB me if you want and we can chat, over the years I've picked up quite a bit of knowledge in this aspect (anxiety as well as treatments).

(PS: I would soooooooooooo NOT recommend an antidepressent for you. I despise doctors that push those on people. I am not anti-antidepressents, I am anti- "oh you must be depressed, here take this" without doing any depression questionaires or the like..... which another side note, I can give you a depression questionaire if you want)

libby74 · Oct 7, 2011

Originally Posted by Snake_Lady

(PS: I would soooooooooooo NOT recommend an antidepressent for you. I despise doctors that push those on people. I am not anti-antidepressents, I am anti- "oh you must be depressed, here take this" without doing any depression questionaires or the like..... which another side note, I can give you a depression questionaire if you want)

I think a depression questionaire would be fantastic! Is that something you could actually post here, Chris? Honestly, it seems to me as if drs are into the 'oh you feel sad, take a pill' routine and I refuse to jump on that particular band-wagon. DH takes an anti-depressant, and I completely understand why (and I do think it's helped him)

The only other prescription med I take on a semi-regular basis is Singulair for asthma/allergies. I take something for IBS as needed, migraines as needed, and a muscle relaxer (Skelaxin) as needed.

"I've also used Valerian root as a muscle relaxant when I hurt my back pretty bad. (just muscles) THAT helped a LOT, along with aspirin"

I didn't realize Valerian could be used as a muscle relaxant; I may need to try that; I could cut out the Skelaxin that way.

Lauren, you mentioned the Clonozopam; that's what the dr. put me on for a month, just to see what it would do. (the answer was 'nothing') And thank you, sweetie, for the kind words. My younger sister has had anxiety/panic attacks for close to 25 years, and been on anti-depressant for probably that long, too. I understand that sometimes people need help just to get thru the day, but that is not me.

There was a very good natural/health food store about half a mile from me, but they went out of business earlier this year. That's a real shame; the ladies that worked there really knew their stuff, and you could find just about anything there.

resqchick · Oct 7, 2011

Originally Posted by libby74

I think a depression questionaire would be fantastic! Is that something you could actually post here, Chris? Honestly, it seems to me as if drs are into the 'oh you feel sad, take a pill' routine and I refuse to jump on that particular band-wagon. DH takes an anti-depressant, and I completely understand why (and I do think it's helped him)

The only other prescription med I take on a semi-regular basis is Singulair for asthma/allergies. I take something for IBS as needed, migraines as needed, and a muscle relaxer (Skelaxin) as needed.

"I've also used Valerian root as a muscle relaxant when I hurt my back pretty bad. (just muscles) THAT helped a LOT, along with aspirin"

I didn't realize Valerian could be used as a muscle relaxant; I may need to try that; I could cut out the Skelaxin that way.

Lauren, you mentioned the Clonozopam; that's what the dr. put me on for a month, just to see what it would do. (the answer was 'nothing') And thank you, sweetie, for the kind words. My younger sister has had anxiety/panic attacks for close to 25 years, and been on anti-depressant for probably that long, too. I understand that sometimes people need help just to get thru the day, but that is not me.

There was a very good natural/health food store about half a mile from me, but they went out of business earlier this year. That's a real shame; the ladies that worked there really knew their stuff, and you could find just about anything there.

There are a few anti-depressants that include an anti anxiety drug in them. However, I think Chris is right-the Depression questions are important. If you don't need them, anti depressants can do more damage than good!

You can actually find the questionaire online!

http://www.mentalhelp.net/poc/view_d...ion08Unipolar9

This is just one of the many, but they are essentially the same.

feralvr · Oct 7, 2011

Originally Posted by resqchick

http://www.mentalhelp.net/poc/view_d...ion08Unipolar9

This is just one of the many, but they are essentially the same.

Thank you for this link

. I plan on taking it.

Libby, this thread is important to me in so many ways. I am taking NOTES

. And BIG

to you today from me

binkyhoo · Oct 7, 2011

I tried St John Wart a decade ago. It has a definate effect. I would describe it as an airy feeling. I am liking this thread. I might try herbal again. I went to a Dr. for anxiety and got anti-depressants. I discontinued. They made me anxious Dr Smartie Pants.

Anyone Use Herbs for Anxiety?

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