Catholic Info

Traditional Catholic Faith => Health and Nutrition => Topic started by: Scotus on September 22, 2011, 03:05:20 PM

Title: Herbal Remedy for Anxiety?
Post by: Scotus on September 22, 2011, 03:05:20 PM

I suffer from anxiety. Most days, I am completely fine, but every now and then, I take panic attacks. I lose control of my breathing and hyperventilate. Being a hypochondriac, as well as an anxious person, during this spell, I am plagued by thoughts that I am going to take a heart attack/stroke and die.

This last couple of weeks, I have not smoked tobacco - or indeed anything! - as it puts my hypochondria through the roof. I am usually a lot less anxious when I am not sucking Cancer sticks.

This last while, I have been put under considerable pressure to go back on the SSRIs (selective seretonin re-uptake inhibitors). I tried it for a week, but gave up. I felt as though my mind was blunted; I woke up with a hung-over feeling in the morning; and began to develop an involuntary shake in my leg.

Now I am only  pretending to take them, and it seems to have the required effect on those pressuring me to take them. It is a placebo effect by proxy!

The point is this: are there any herbal alternatives to SSRIs?

If you are a medical doctor and wish to private-message me, go ahead.

Title: Herbal Remedy for Anxiety?
Post by: roscoe on September 22, 2011, 03:26:33 PM

How old are U? I would suggest a systematic aerobic/ anaerobic exercise program and a perusal of Gen 9:3  :smoke-pot:

And btw-- stay off tobacco for good.

Title: Herbal Remedy for Anxiety?
Post by: Penitent on September 22, 2011, 05:19:21 PM

I read that a mineral deficiency (particularly magnesium) can cause anxiety.  It can also cause twitches and tremors.  You might try taking a supplement.

Title: Herbal Remedy for Anxiety?
Post by: wallflower on September 22, 2011, 05:25:16 PM

Magnesium, magnesium, magnesium!

 http://www.vitacost.com/Peter-Gillham-Natural-Calm-Plus-Calcium-16-oz

 http://www.calmaxdirect.com/home.php?cat=12

A quick search on magnesium should convince you it's well docuмented and well worth trying.

Title: Herbal Remedy for Anxiety?
Post by: rowsofvoices9 on September 22, 2011, 08:47:23 PM

Years ago I suffered with a severe bout of anxiety I used a product called Rescue Remedy.  I can personally attest that it really helped me a lot.  I just did a search and discovered that it is still available for perchase.  I bought it at a health food store.  I'm sure you probably still can.

Title: Herbal Remedy for Anxiety?
Post by: ora pro me on September 22, 2011, 10:46:30 PM

Quote from: wallflower

Magnesium, magnesium, magnesium!

 http://www.vitacost.com/Peter-Gillham-Natural-Calm-Plus-Calcium-16-oz

 http://www.calmaxdirect.com/home.php?cat=12

A quick search on magnesium should convince you it's well docuмented and well worth trying.

Yes, most people are deficient in magnesium so it is wise to supplement but be patient and consistent since it can take a few months to get your level up to where it should be depending of course, on how deficient you are.  Also eat lots of vegetables and avoid caffeine and sugar.  Drink plenty of water.  

Also supplement with a good source of B vitamins.  I have also heard that zinc may be helpful but it doesn't take much zinc each day, maybe 15 or 30 mg., but it'd be best to consult with a holistic MD, a naturopath or an herbalist to determine your nutritional levels and needs.  

I have also heard that people have been helped with their anxiety during the day by helping their sleep at night.  A friend takes Inositol and 5HTP during the day to help with sleep and then magnesium, potassium and melatonin at bedtime.

Lastly don't forget good old excercise to help with anxiety, depression etc.

Best wishes to your health.  

Title: Herbal Remedy for Anxiety?
Post by: Iuvenalis on September 23, 2011, 02:46:38 AM

Kava kava tea

Title: Herbal Remedy for Anxiety?
Post by: Caius39 on September 23, 2011, 06:53:01 AM

Rescue remedy is very good and in England we can buy it in the large supermarkets. Also Magnesium as Penitent and wallflower have already mentioned.

It may be worth increasing your omega-3 fatty acids in your diet as well as exercise. St John's wort can help but can also interfere with other meds. Or take 60mg of ginkgo biloba daily which may help relieve symptoms.

Hope something on here is useful and that you are feeling better soon  :pray:

Title: Herbal Remedy for Anxiety?
Post by: Spork on September 23, 2011, 08:07:43 AM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZawrdYA0WXU

Title: Herbal Remedy for Anxiety?
Post by: herbert on September 24, 2011, 03:26:29 AM

you might try eft. tapping merdian points.  i think it okay for catholic use it.

Title: Herbal Remedy for Anxiety?
Post by: Elizabeth on September 24, 2011, 09:20:53 AM

Quote from: Penitent

I read that a mineral deficiency (particularly magnesium) can cause anxiety.  It can also cause twitches and tremors.  You might try taking a supplement.

Niacin and B-12 -clinically proven - it will work for you!!! :cheers:

Magnesium

Holy Basil tincture sublingual for on-the-spot relief.

May God's Holy Angels fly to help you Scotus.

Title: Herbal Remedy for Anxiety?
Post by: Graham on September 24, 2011, 01:48:03 PM

Milk is soothing as well.