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OTC/herbal anti-anxiety?

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Posted 8/11/2011 7:59 PM (GMT 0)
All-

Next step is prescription-strength, but wondering what any of you may take as an herbal/OTC anti-anxiety? As my flare comes back down a bit, things like diet and stress are causing larger swings, and outside of breathing exercises, etc., want to know if any of you might be having luck here.

Thanks!
Posted 8/11/2011 11:35 PM (GMT 0)
texasmax,

I just started taking Kanna via capsules to combat depression and anxiety. It's hard to tell if it's working, as I've only been taking it now for 3 days, but I do think I feel a difference. I'll keep you posted.

Kanna (sceletium tortuosum) is a very effective natural treatment for depression, stress, frustration, and emotional pressures. This is an organic, traditionally fermented Kanna.

Posted 8/15/2011 2:48 AM (GMT 0)
Appreciate it- thanks!
Posted 8/18/2011 1:49 AM (GMT 0)
I read that chamomile tea is "nature's valium." I think this can also be soothing to the gut. The ritual of drinking tea is also calming. I haven't been drinking it lately as I fear hot beverage stimulate the bowels and it has been really hot this summer, but I guess one could also make it iced.
Posted 8/30/2011 5:56 PM (GMT 0)
Just wanted to post this on here, if anyone is still interested.

I just got home from a week long vacation which involved airplanes and such... things that have always caused a certain amount of anxiety for me.
The day before we were to leave I was starting to feel pretty panicky and decided to research and get some herbal anxiety things. I tried a couple that day and then a different one that night (because the anxiety was affecting my ability to get to sleep).

Holy basil (I used capsules)
Rhodiola (I used a liquid tincture)
Passion Flower (liquid tincture)

The passion flower may cause drowsiness, though I didn't feel super sleepy with it. The passion flower was supposed to specifically help with "bowel issues related to stress" but I used it sparingly because I didn't want to chance getting too sleepy. I really only used that one the nights before the travel day.

The Rhodiola tincture definitely had a floral taste that was kind of like drinking perfumed water. I'm sure it would be fine in juice or something. It also really dried out my mouth. So if that kind of thing would not be good for you, look for some capsules.

I used the Holy basil and Rhodiola the morning of travel and then again the day we flew back home. I did find them to be effective for me and was able to get out of the house (with DH and 2 kids), drive 30 minutes, return the rental car, check in at airport etc without any problems at all. Not even a nervous tummy.

Stress always makes me have more BMs but when there is no stress, my UC is currently doing really well.

I did only take about half a dose of each since I am only 94lbs and meds usually affect me pretty strongly, especially since I don't eat much in the morning.
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