anxiety and herbs??

[boubou1960]

has anyone tried using herbs for anxiety??I am on 2 meds and will stay on them but still have anxiety so need to look for something else besides percription medications??thanks

[Paxiled]

I recommend a book called Natural Highs by Hyla Cass, a psychiatrist at UCLA.  It will give you an idea of the field.  The cipralex would make any herb affecting serotonin theoretically off limits.  I'm not sure what the buspar would contraindicate, because by itself it's not considered to do much of anything but combined with an ssri some think it helpful a bit.  Good luck.  

[boubou1960]

I am on buspar and ciprolex. As I thought it was a good idea at the time , according to interent its is not wise to mix them with perscription drugs. So will wait to see what doctor says ..I will post it when i have amy appointment at end of month in case anyone  else is interested in trying something else too...thanks

[Paxiled]

Which meds are you on?  Meds reduce significantly what herbs and natural remedies are available to you without expertise on how to time them.  You could try homeopathy, but you'd probably have to see a homeopathic physician to do it.  One category of herb that doesn't conflict with medication are the adaptogens, such as eleuthero, ashwagandha, and holy basil.  They help to balance the adrenals and cortisol release.

[RubyWitch]

There are many people who use herbal remedies for their anxiety with good results. But you must be very careful when mixing herbal preperations with pharmaceuticals. Some interactions can be lethal. I would recommend speaking with a naturopathic doctor before adding anything to your current meds.
You might want to check out our Complementary Medicine Forum. The folks there are extremely knowledgable about all things herbal and the interactions I spoke of. Look for Laura or Paxiled.....................
Peace
Greenlydia