Natural choices to take

[Jasmine205]

What are some good herbal things to take/drink to calm nervousness and anxiety? I just recently bought a juicer, so would love some ideas to try out. Is ginseng and ginger any good to use?

[Applecore]

I don't know about herbal things but my daughter always takes calcium when she is upset.  It works for her.  linda

[RubyWitch]

I think your best bet would be to make an appointment with a Naturopathic doc and let him/her check you out and together you can come up with some good things to try in that new juicer! There are about a million "herbal and natural" treatments for anxiety and nervousness, but even tho they are "natural," they can still be dangerous if used incorrectly or in conjunction with any meds you may be taking.
If you find anything that works, let the rest of know, eh?
Peace
Greenlydia

[LaCapitana]

I'm not sure about ginseng, but I do know ginger is very good for anxiety and headaches- I have used it myself.  Other herbs I have used are valerian, passionflower, lemon balm, skullcap, kava kava, chamomile, and lavender.  I generally drink teas, but the aroma from the lavender tends to do a lot on its own.  Check your local co-op or natural food store for tinctures and teas that are already prepared for you.  And check with your doc if you are on meds (I am not currently taking anything.)  Good luck!

[RubyWitch]

Just to give you a better understanding of how important it is to NOT mix some herbal remedies with certain meds, I looked up a very common anti-anxiety med, (lorazapam) in my nursing guide of "The Top 100 Drug and Herbal Interactions," listed under the herbs you should NEVER mix with this are:
black cohosh
catnip
chamomile
clary
cowslip
hops
kava kava
lavender
mistletoe
nettle
pokeweed
poppy
Queen Anne's lace
senega
skullcap
valerian

I applaud your desire to deal with your anxiety in a natural way, and I hope you DO find something that works for you, but if it should come about that you end up on a prescription anit-anxiety med, PLEASE make sure your doctor is aware of any and all herbal remedies you may have been on. I don't know how long some of this stuff may stay in your system.
Best of luck
Greenlydia

[Jasmine205]

Thank you, Applecore, greenlydia( two times), LaCapitana

I'll check out the calcium, applecore.. What dosage helps your daughter the most?
Calcium as in pills, chewables etc?

I was on Effexor for 6 months, just got off it last week. I am currently on no meds, greenlydia. Wow, on your list (thank you for) I never would have thought chamomile would cause interactions.

We have a few Natural food stores here, when I get paid I will go look around, LaCapitana. I love ginger root cut off and in hot water...and to grate off and cook with too.
Whats kava kava for? Never heard of it before.

[RubyWitch]

I was pretty sure the sight of such a wonderful and comforting herb like chamomile would make you sit up and take note! Everybody thinks of chamomile as this totally benign little plant that makes great tea and is always touted as being so soothing and calming.........but it is exactly those properties of the plant, mixed with (or ADDED to) prescription meds that can lead to very real problems. I personally think they need to start putting warning signs on boxes of herb teas......which even I see as being a bit "alarmist," but imagine someone on a heavy duty dose of an anti-anxiety med or sedative browsing the shelves in the grocery store, they see this nice yellow box of chamomile tea with a cute bear in jammies in front of a fire with promises of a nice restful, calming sleep. For some people, repeat, SOME PEOPLE, this soothing cup of tea could turn into a medical emergency.
I am going to repeat my warning that just because it's "natural" does NOT mean it's NOT dangerous. And I would strongly suggest that you speak with your doctor or pharmacist before adding anything to your regular meds. Be smart.........and safe.
Peace
Greenlydia