Herbal stuff?

[torque]

Ok, I have decided, because my next doc appt isnt until July, that I might try something herbal. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas or have tried anything like this before. I have been looking stuff up and have found a few different ones- St. John's Wart, Passiflora, Melissa, and Lavender. Anyone have any luck with this? I am going to go to the health food store tom. and see. Any ideas would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!!

[Ouroboric]

I have used St. John's Wort periodically.  I find it helps with mild depression (particularly PMS-related mood swings), but not so much with anxiety.  Your experience may be different, however.

I recently began using a nootropic supplement called Picamilon that's supposed to work well for anxiety.  I haven't noticed much difference, though.

Kava kava helps with anxiety, although I know there were some concerns about possible liver damage.

I've found that 5-HTP (which is a precursor to serotonin) helps as well.

I haven't tried the other herbs you mentioned, although I've heard good things about passionflower.

Good luck!

-- Nicole

[suzi-q]

I don't remember if you said if you are on any types of meds...I think that you aren't....but just in case you are, do not mix herbal supplements with meds...it can have bad side effects...also make sure you read side effects of all the supplements that you are considering...sometimes the side effects can include anxiety...this happened to a friend of mine.  She started taking something (can't remember the name) that was suppose to help with anxiety and general wellness...well it through her back into terrible panic attacks and back on medication (which she has been off of for 6 months now)...best to you.

[torque]

Thanks for the suggestions. The only med I am on right now is birth control pill. When I found out my dog was sick, I went to my health food store and noticed they sold NOW products. I called NOW and talked with their nutritionist. They suggested using their product called "True Calm". They said it has a very relaxing effect. The man told me there are no side effects and I can take it any time of the day. I am combatting sinus problems right now, so I want to clear that up first. So, I think I will wait until next week to try this.  I dont want to think that the sinus problems and this med could effect each other somehow. One thing at a time, so I know what helps and what doesnt help. Thanks again for your advice.

[suzi-q]

How is your dog doing these days?  Just found out that my dogs heart disease has progressed quite a bit...I am not taking it well either...she is on new meds and we are taking it day by day....I know how hard it is...hang in there.

[torque]

well, my dog is ok. She was diagnosed last Wednesday, so it has been just over a week. We have no idea how long she has had it for, or how long she has left. Some days, she eats pretty good, and then will go a couple of days without anything. she still doesnt seem to be in any pain. I bought Esiack for her to mix with food, but she wont eat the food I mix it with, so, she hasnt really gotten any. My husband and I have decided once she looks like she is in pain, and cant handle everyday life, we might put her down. We dont want to see her suffer. I havent actually said this before, but I would be really suprised if she lasts another month.

I hope your dog is doing ok. It is so heart wrenching to see them in pain. Isnt there any kind of meds they can be put on for heart disease? My friend's dog- who was 11yrs old, was a diabetic, had heart disease, and something else. The meds for the dog was over $500 per month. That is almost as much as my mortgage. It is so hard to decide how much is to much. Unfortunately, for my dog, we dont have to make that decision- there is no medication for her. I have accepted this and am trying to deal with it. I am in school full time- online, so I dont work right now. I just try and concentrate on my homework and not think about it. I know it is coming and I accept that. I wish you and your dog the best of luck. Thanks again for your thoughts!!

[suzi-q]

Thank you...my dog is 11 and is on and has been on medication for about 4 years now...I also just ordered medication from europe that cost $200 for 300 pills that she has to take 2 times a day.  The vet recommended it to me and from what I read it seems to have good results...so I simply say, one day at a time....my best to your dog,too.  I know how hard it is and you will be in my prayers.

[jaimeo]

I am Suziq's friend who tried an herbal supplement.  It was recommended in Dr. Oz's book "You on a Diet".  It is 5-HTP.  His recommended dosage was 300mg/day.
I had been feeling fine before starting on it - three weeks in I started having panic attacks.
I am now back on a very low dosage of Lexapro (5 mg) and slowly working my way up to 10mg.
Be careful of herbal supplements.