suggestions for anxiety relief since so hard to xanex

  guess subject line really says it all.. from reading I see many of us have problems with anxiety.  Doctor is fuuny about giving me any.  So looking for a natural way. 

Post Edited By Moderator (borderlyme) : 7/25/2012 9:16:20 AM (GMT-6)

HI boderlyme.. did know I goofed.. will reread the forum rules.
thanks for suggestions

I have posted this before, doctor told me to try Holy Basil, I use Solaray. Definitely works

If you've got a spot to grow a plant - even indoors - Lemon Balm tea works well for immediate relief. Just take a few leaves and pour boiling water over them. Let them steep a few minutes and then strain out the leaves. Add Stevia to taste. Drink hot or cold. Makes a rather yummy ice tea.

Hmmm. Thinking I might brew some up right now.

STAY AWAY FROM CAFFEINE AND ESPECIALLY ALCOHOL. STOP DRINKING. Anxiety and Panic attacks have been my main symptom the past few years, so I have a lot of experience dealing with this. I would also stay away from xanax, klonopin, etc, as these drugs typically are extremely powerful and tend to make you depressed afterwards. Spending time in nature is honestly one of the best solutions. Go to a park, go for a walk, spend time around trees and wildlife. It will help and the effects of nature and healing are well documented. From an herbal standpoint I highly recommend valerian root extract (as needed). Try a liquid extract and start with a low dose, maybe 250mg (7 drops), and see how that works for you. If its not enough go up to 500mg, then 1000mg (28 drops). The bottle will say to take 1ml (28 drops) three times daily - this is not necessary; Use it as you need it, you'll figure it out. Aside from valerian, try passion flower, l-theanine (highly recommended - try 100mg or 200mg once or twice a day - a tolerance might develop quickly. When/if this happens I suggest skipping a day or two), chamomile, and rhodiola rosea. Try these herbs one at a time to see how they work for you without the results influencing each other. When you know what you like and what helps you, try rotating them to blend the effects and prevent a tolerance buildup. I highly recommend you buy good quality herbs. It's worth the extra money for better quality herbs, it will save you time and money in the end. As for a source, try swanson vitamins. They have a great selection and the best prices around (check for interactions, some sources will say certain herbs interact, although with in-depth research I've found most herbs seem to be fine at proper doses. Also, make sure to exercise daily (try yoga), and when you're feeling more comfortable inside your own body, try some breathing exercises and meditation (zen meditation is simple and straightforward) Remember, close your mouth and always breath through your nose! Look into buteyko breathing exercises. Unintentional hyperventilation is a huge factor of anxiety. Good luck, email me or private message me if you need any help.

The only time I would personally reccommend benzodiazepines (xanax, klonopin, etc) is if the anxiety is extremely bad for a long period of time and you just need something to give you a little temporary mercy and break the cycle. I usually carry one of my prescription klonopin pills with my where ever I go strictly as an emergency pill, and I will only take a fraction of the pill once ever few months if I really feel I need it. Valerian root extract works in a similar way, and I highly recommend, although I can't say much on the effects of long term consistent use. I usually try to cycle different herbs to find the perfect combination for myself. One last thing: try to be positive on a daily basis. Specifically point out things throughout your day that you find interesting, things that are attractive, things that are amazing. If you see a cool tree or plant, point it out and try to appreciate it. I've found that if you can incorporate certain positive tactics into your daily basis, you can eventually develop a methodology for healing yourself. Or at least that interesting building might take your mind of your breathing for a few minutes.