Does anyone have any experience with Kava Kava or Valerian root?

I've never taken either. Is your doctor an herbalist? If not, with herbal remedies, I'd seek the advice of an herbalist if it were me...

With that said, pretty much anything for nerves can make you feel high if A) You take too much. B) It isn't the correct medication for you.

I've actually seen a forum dedicated to using OTC medications to feel high - people talking about hallucinating on some of the most benign stuff, because they took too much. I have had hallucinations from a low dose of a drug that MANY members here find very helpful.

The important thing is to take it as directed by your doctor. If you're worried, try it first in the company of someone you trust who loves you. They can help you seek medical attention if it becomes necessary.

As far as allergies, I guess you can be allergic to anything. I have a fear of that, as well, because I have a lot of allergies. One of my more severe allergies is honey. A lot of people will tell you that's impossible but my body and my doctors disagree. lol That causes me a lot of anxiety because honey is in SO many products these days.

I would suggest talking to your doctor about possible allergic reactions and how to handle them. Being prepared and properly handling an allergic reactions usually ensures that they're no big deal. I know that horror stories about peanut allergies are all over the media right now, but most reactions are not that severe.

I have had well over 100 allergic reactions in my life that other people would freak out over. (Honey isn't my only allergy.) Still, here I am talking to you - well, typing to you.

So - as far as your anxiety, I would recommend

Talk to your doctor again. Get exact instructions on the use of these herbs. Ask for information about handling an allergic reaction (it's a good thing to know anyway). Then, if you decide to take it, take it for the first time or two in the company of someone who can drive you or call for you should you need medical attention. Try taking it at a time when medical help will be easily accessible.

I think that's as prepared as you can be for those fears... I also think it's relatively safe if your doctor has recommended it. :)

Hugs and encouragement!

Hi BlueJay
I actually found a great Kava Stress Relief Tea by Yogi Teas years ago at my neighborhood grocery store. I found it very relaxing and would use it at work and before bed. It did have a nice calming effect and using just a tea bag or two, or four, a day would not be enough to make you hallucinate or get you high.

If anything, a friend of mine said, who visited a Kava bar while traveling, Kava gets people in a drunken state. Just sleepy and tipsy and relaxed. He said that they drank a TON of Kava to get that way though.