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Herbal Wisdom:  Any herb suggestions for anxiety/lack of focus?  |
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clux64
True Blue Farmgirl
162 Posts
Celeste
Blair
NE
USA
162 Posts |
 Posted - Jul 04 2008 : 12:48:14 PM
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I have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder for which my doctor likes to prescribe Zoloft. I've tried it and it kind of zombifies me and I seem to have trouble remembering to take it---I'm pretty sure this is a subconcious adversion to 'drugs'. Most of the time the disorder just manifest itself as a pretty intense lack of focus (like I'm unloading the dishwasher and the buzzer on the dry goes off and I run over and unload the dryer and then I'm off to something else only to arrvie back in the kitchen and hour later and find the dishwasher door is hanging open). I am so unfocused these days I've toyed with the idea of taking the Zoloft again---UGGGH!. What can I try? Has anyone had any luck with herbal remedies for this?
Celeste
"No matter where you go, there you are" |
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StitchinWitch
True Blue Farmgirl
2304 Posts
Judith
Galt
CA
USA
2304 Posts |
Posted - Jul 04 2008 : 1:40:49 PM
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That sounds more like ADD (don't ask me how I know). For anxiety, valerian capsules may help. For ADD one thing that helps me is making lists of what needs to be done and checking them off as they are accomplished. Keep the list in one place or you'll spend half your time looking for it :-) Sounds simple but it's free and non-addictive.
Happiness is Homemade |
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Sitnalta
True Blue Farmgirl
4208 Posts
Jessica
NJ
USA
4208 Posts |
Posted - Jul 04 2008 : 4:04:19 PM
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Hi Celeste,
A natural herb that I have heard is helpful is St. Johns Wort. I find that an adequate amount of Vitamin B can help focus and curb many of my anxiety attacks. I was on Paxil for anxiety, and someone suggested I try Valerian. (Valerian Root) I would be cautious using that, as it affects everyone differently. For me, it make me sleep very hard..even during the day. My family had trouble waking me in the morning and I would nod off any and all places.
I know how crippling those anxiety attacks can be, and I wish you the best in finding just the right solution for you!
You're in my thoughts and prayers!
hugs!
Jess
Farmgirl Sister #235
http://crshelpmeet-heartssong.blogspot.com/
Children seldom misquote you. In fact, they usually repeat word for word what you shouldn't have said.
The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug. -- Mark Twain |
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ruralfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
4309 Posts
Rene'
Prosser
WA
USA
4309 Posts |
Posted - Jul 04 2008 : 8:48:38 PM
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Celeste,
I am so sorry to hear your having health issues. I for one think that herbs are as delicate as RX (all-be-it) better, no doubt- but should be taken with the assistance of an herbologist or naturpathic Doc.. I would suggest another route and that is detox. Sometimes the conditions you mentioned can be a sign of toxic over-load. Sometimes it is enough to just drink water ( 1/2 your body weight in OZ), and a raw fruit and veggie diet for a week or so.. and your body will heal itself.. other times you may want to add a clorophyll (which aids in detoxing) either barley green or blue-green algae...(I have found that by adding fresh carrot juice with apple and celery - my blood sugar levels also stay level..
I am not an expert by any means. I have however been able to help my body to heal from both lupus and cancer, by simply allowing it to heal by using whole foods. "healing with wholefoods"... (that is the name of a book by Paul Pitchard that I highly recommend).
If you google (Noni Shannon) you will find some really awesome raw salad recipes... Good luck to you....Hope you get feeling better really soon!
Rene~Prosser Farmgirl #185
" Plant goodness, harvest the fruit of loyalty, plow the new ground of knowledge. Hosea 10:12 |
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ruralfarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
4309 Posts
Rene'
Prosser
WA
USA
4309 Posts |
Posted - Jul 04 2008 : 8:51:26 PM
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One other quick thought is.. Have you been tested for allergies? Sometimes a food allergy can give these types of symptoms as well.. If you choose to do the detox.. keep a diary of what you eat.. and as you add thngs back.. see if something triggers the lack of focus.. like corn syrup, or wheat, nuts or dairy... just a thought.
Rene~Prosser Farmgirl #185
" Plant goodness, harvest the fruit of loyalty, plow the new ground of knowledge. Hosea 10:12 |
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clux64
True Blue Farmgirl
162 Posts
Celeste
Blair
NE
USA
162 Posts |
Posted - Jul 05 2008 : 09:11:59 AM
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Thank you, thank you all. This is one of my first posts and I already have new things to try. Judith, you are so right about the ADD. I did have myself tested for that because I thought for sure that was it, but apparently anxiety, ADD, OCD, and depression are the same type of disorder and are treated simularly. I already do the check list (in fact, I use a palm pilot ALL the time to help keep my on track, but still am easily de-railed). Jess, thanks for the herbal recommendations, I think I have some ST. Johns Wart around here. The Valerian helps me to sleep, and my anxiety manifest itself as sleep disorder so this has been helpful in this way in the past. Rene', I really do need to stop messing around and find a good, Naturopathic doctor. I know I don't follow a healthy eating plan (even though I'm an organic farmer!) and so much of this could be what and how I'm eating or even a food allergy--something I really hadn't considered before you mentioned it. I really appreciate all this insite...I knew my 'farmgirl' sisters would have the right answers!
Celeste
"No matter where you go, there you are" |
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levisgrammy
True Blue Farmgirl
9382 Posts
Denise
Beavercreek
Ohio
USA
9382 Posts |
Posted - Jul 05 2008 : 1:52:06 PM
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If you were old enough I'd say menopause because this sounds like my life as I'm going through it. I guess there are things that are the same so it is hard to diagnose sometimes. Lack of focus on one thing, not sleeping.
Denise
farmgirl sister #43
"Take a lesson from the teakettle, though up to its
neck in hot water...it sings!"
www.torismimi.blogspot.com
www.torisgram.etsy.com |
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JudyBlueEyes
True Blue Farmgirl
657 Posts
Judith
Spokane
Washington
USA
657 Posts |
Posted - Jul 05 2008 : 8:07:05 PM
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Just a couple thoughts here. Peppermint essential oil can help you to stay alert. But if you are looking to stay focussed, try lemon verbena. I've never found lemon verbena essential oil, but have made a tincture and used the dried leaves in a sachet to sniff. Also, basil oil can help you stay alert and focussed. A calming tea is dried catnip and dried lemon balm ... tastes good too. You could also use fresh if you have it. The non-prescription things to mellow you out would be lavender, of course, and at bedtime, a dream pillow with lavender, chamomile, hops and a bit of catnip. Good luck!
We come from the earth, we go back to the earth, and in between, we garden! |
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EnchantedWoodsGirl
True Blue Farmgirl
959 Posts
Kathy
New Jersey
USA
959 Posts |
Posted - Jul 11 2008 : 07:54:28 AM
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Oh Celeste, I know what you are going through. I have such a hard time concentrating that it annoys me. Last week I forgot two buckets filling with water and came out to the goat's water overflowing and a bucket at the spigot. LOL -
Zoloft made me feel better and more energetic but it killed my sex drive so I opted for Wellbutrin. I am taking 300 mgs a day and it helps me feel much more energetic.
Herb-wise, lemon balm is calming and you can take as a tea or tincture - I make my own tincture and put about 7-10 drops on a sugar cube if I am in a hurry - it tastes yummy.
Be careful that you are not taking an antidepressant and St. John's wort at the same time. I have heard people have good results on the product called Sam-E - not sure I have that spelled correctly. I personally have not tried it but will be.
I hate when I can't focus and when I know I have to have something done, it only makes it worse - Yikes
Hope you find something to work for you. Anxiety is no fun. Make sure you are getting enough sleep as not enough will make you even more anxious, it is a viscious cycle.
Kathy of the Enchanted Wood
Farmgirl Sister #59
http://enchantedwoodmusings.blogspot.com/
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Hideaway Farmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
1553 Posts
Jo
Virginia
USA
1553 Posts |
Posted - Jul 15 2008 : 12:07:37 PM
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Celeste, I had another thought to add to all the good ideas here...do you take in much caffiene or nicotine? These stimulants might be adding to your symptoms, so backing off or switching to caffeine-free products or using lesser amounts might also help. The Lemon Balm is great; I have been making Kathy's recipe of that tincture for almost three years.
Also, chamomile tea or green tea (especially in lieu of coffee or caffeinated tea)can help calm you down some. And of course, making lists is my saving grace, if I can hang onto the list! My latest efforts have been to keep a small list; small paper means you can't add more To-Do items on the page than can actually be done in a single day! This actually works for me.
Good luck with this; and at least find comfort that you are not alone! A lot of us are experiencing the same things!
Jo
"Wish I had time to work with herbs all day!" |
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Aunt T
True Blue Farmgirl
73 Posts
Tricia
Robinson
Illinois
USA
73 Posts |
Posted - Jul 16 2008 : 7:43:36 PM
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How about 5 htp? This is what my doctor has me on because of anxiety and my body does not make enough amino acid along with serotonin. I have my thyroid checked every 6-7 weeks which can also throw your anxiety off!!! My thyroid will not stay stable yet, and so that is why I am getting it checked frequently. Also, how about your adrenal glands? Have you ever had these checked?
Wish It, Dream It, Do It! |
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EnchantedWoodsGirl
True Blue Farmgirl
959 Posts
Kathy
New Jersey
USA
959 Posts |
Posted - Jul 16 2008 : 9:33:06 PM
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Celeste I almost forgot but you can take milky oats - I order from Mountain Rose Herbs and make a nice infusion of it, put it in the fridge and drink with some sugar. Milky oats are great for your nerves as is the herb Motherwort which you can take in tincture form. Both are very safe.
Kathy of the Enchanted Wood
Farmgirl Sister #59
http://enchantedwoodmusings.blogspot.com/
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clux64
True Blue Farmgirl
162 Posts
Celeste
Blair
NE
USA
162 Posts |
Posted - Jul 17 2008 : 06:06:34 AM
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Thanks for all the responses! I'm still in 'lack of focus hell' and now my mood has gone sour so my poor kids are getting the brunt of it. I've returned to a more consistent regime of vitamins. In spite of all the good advice here, I'm still toying with the idea of using a prescription, but that just starts a slippery slope of one presciption leading to another. I just can't subject my family to any more of my disorder and 'moods' while I figure out what to do. I need to see a specialist, like the naturopath, but my financial resources at this time prevent me from doing that. In the wake of all this advice, I am curious. What is 5 htp and how to I make a tincture? Thanks for all the input, it means the world to me.
Celeste
"No matter where you go, there you are"
--Confucious
www.urbanprairiehome.blogspot.com
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Moonsanity
True Blue Farmgirl
107 Posts
Brenda
Michigan
USA
107 Posts |
Posted - Jul 24 2008 : 5:29:19 PM
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I know this page looks complicated but if you can read through to find your symptoms the supplements do help. I didn't buy their brands-- but I take the B12, magnesium, Evening Primrose Oil and some others. I think it helps. I just buy them from Rite-Aid or the pharmacy.
http://www.power-surge.com/recommend.htm
I take Effexor for anxiety and I have no side effects. It took awhile to work, and it's not a cure-all but it takes the "edge" off. You have to be really careful with the meds though-- going on and off them can give you worse side effects. Maybe you could ask your doctor about it?
~Brenda, Farmgirl Sister #207
http://grace-whimsy.blogspot.com/
http://inthetreetop.blogspot.com/ |
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LunaTheFarmLady
True Blue Farmgirl
448 Posts
Luna
Rineyville
KY
USA
448 Posts |
Posted - Jul 25 2008 : 07:03:21 AM
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Chessie
I really feel where you are right now with this. I have suffered similar symptoms at various times in my life. My two cents offering is this:
for me emotional turmoil and stress triggers the lack of focus and anxiety which leads to poor nutrition and imbalances in blood sugar and low blood pressure. What has worked for me is nutritional analysis by a naturapathic doc, specifically prescribed whole foods supplements with weekly monitoring and support from my loving partner, alan. For me, even when I know what I am doing wrong, it helps to have him right there with me, reminding me and helping to focus me gently when i get off track. It is expensive but worth it and I pay a little every week.
Be well
Luna The Farm Lady
http://blueballmountainspindleneedleworks.blogspot.com/
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neighsayer
True Blue Farmgirl
81 Posts
Shirley
Arabi
GA
USA
81 Posts |
Posted - Sep 30 2008 : 1:52:36 PM
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I have a son who suffers terribly from anxiety and feels he is ADD and then he gets depressed. He has no insurance so he doesn't want to take prescription drugs. I wonder if any of these suggestions works for young adult males?
Thank God I live in the country! |
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barnagainkristin
True Blue Farmgirl
465 Posts
Kristin
Utah
USA
465 Posts |
Posted - Nov 07 2008 : 8:52:16 PM
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Celeste,
I have also heard vitamin b complex may help anxiety. Some are better than others so I would go to a good herb store and purchase the type which are from plants and are taken 3 times daily with meals. Hope you feel better soon. I hate to take medication if I don't have to so best wishes in finding the best solution for you.
barnagainkristin
"Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves." John Muir |
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clux64
True Blue Farmgirl
162 Posts
Celeste
Blair
NE
USA
162 Posts |
Posted - Nov 08 2008 : 07:11:22 AM
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Thanks for the suggestion....I probably am neglected some of the essentials in my diet and I'm sure the multi-vitamins I take inconsistently don't have a healthy balance of B's I'm going to try what you suggest and find a good herb store. Oh, BTW, I LOVE your user name--very inspired!!
Celeste
"No matter where you go, there you are"
--Confucious
www.urbanprairiehome.blogspot.com
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velvetcadi7
True Blue Farmgirl
54 Posts
Amy
Galva
IL
USA
54 Posts |
Posted - Nov 15 2008 : 4:36:05 PM
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| Another suggestion is Fish oil. The omega 3 help with both anxiety and focus. They are also good for your heart,cholesterol and arterties. I saw a study where several "up tight" cab drivers ate fish everyday for lunch and it helped to keep them calm. I can't eat that much fish so I take capsules and have noticed a difference. I also give chewable fish oil to my 7 year old son to help him focus at school. He has described it as "it used to be cloudy in my head and now it is sunny". |
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SDPogue
Farmgirl in Training
27 Posts
Sara
Pullman
Washington
USA
27 Posts |
Posted - Dec 04 2008 : 11:53:09 AM
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Our son has anxiety and focus issues and we have him on Lobelia, Gotu Kola and Melatonin (for sleep). He does really well with them. I have him take them at bedtime because they make him sleepy.
We also keep anxiety tea in the house. Celestial Seasonings has Tension Tamer and Herbal Medicinals (not sure if that's right) has a tea called Easy Now. They both work great.
Sara |
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ddmashayekhi
True Blue Farmgirl
4740 Posts
Dawn
Naperville
Illinois
USA
4740 Posts |
Posted - Dec 05 2008 : 7:50:31 PM
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I take Omega 3, woman's vitamins, and black cohosh and they have all done a lot for me. I noticed how bad my focus has been this fall, so I decided to give ginkgo biloba a shot. I noticed an immediate improvement with it. I am really amazed how much better my memory and focus is now. I so much more alert, it really helped. Good luck on finding what's right for you.
Dawn in IL |
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Wildcrafter
True Blue Farmgirl
340 Posts
Suzanne
Seattle
WA
USA
340 Posts |
Posted - Dec 17 2008 : 05:50:19 AM
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Celeste, as someone posted, please do not mix anti anxiety pharmaceuticals with St. John's Wort. It can make the pharmaceutical extra strong and cause very bad results.
I make a tea and a tincture called Bee Calm. It contains organic Bee Balm, Catnip, Chamomile, Borage, Motherwort, Oat Heads and wildcrafted Mugwort. It nips a panic attack in the bud, takes the edge off stress and anxiety. Perfect for work related stress as the calming effect does not impair thought processes.
I use it myself as I have been prone to panic attacks since I was a little girl. It really does work.
It's on my website: www.goodnaturedearthling.com
Roses are red, Violets are blue; But they don't get around Like the dandelions do.
Slim Acres
www.goodnaturedearthling.com |
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catscharm74
True Blue Farmgirl
4687 Posts
Heather
Texas
USA
4687 Posts |
Posted - Dec 17 2008 : 06:14:13 AM
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I agree with Vitamin B-12. Try it like every other day, and see if it helps. (((HUGS)))
Heather
Yee-Haw, I am a cowgirl!!!
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Wildcrafter
True Blue Farmgirl
340 Posts
Suzanne
Seattle
WA
USA
340 Posts |
Posted - Jan 01 2009 : 07:59:59 AM
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Have you tried anything? How are things going? I know that the holidays can be stressful and now that they are over, maybe things will settle down a bit??
I woke up on January 1st and it was 2009 and it's been that way ever since!
www.goodnaturedearthling.com
Cedar Mountain Herb School |
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corporatefarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
389 Posts
Tamara
Pikeville
TN
USA
389 Posts |
Posted - Jan 08 2009 : 12:16:56 PM
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I want to second the use of Bee Calm. My youngest daughter, who is now 22, can have really bad panic attacks. She takes bee calm it does help.
Daily she takes lecithin along with a sleep tea that I make from herbs. This helps her relax so she can sleep. Amanda ( my daughter) was on tons of meds that actually made her worse ( please note I am not advocating taking anyone off meds. Just be very aware of the side affects of some prescription meds.)
By the way Amand is fine now and just uses the stuff I mentioned above.
live well,
Tamara
www.thegoodearthfarm.com
"We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors, we borrow it from our children"
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prariehawk
True Blue Farmgirl
2914 Posts
Cindy
2914 Posts |
Posted - Jan 26 2009 : 8:14:34 PM
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Hope it's not too late to hop in...I take some prescription meds for depression, but I recently discovered something new and natural for the anxiety: it's called Skullcap and is an herbal remedy (extract) that is currently being tested for use with ADD and other nerve disorders. It has no known interactions with the other meds I take, and it doesn't fog up my mind like xanax 
I just put a drop or two under my tongue when I feel worried (which is happening less frequently these days) and it calms me down in no time flat. You can order it from lunaherbco@sbcglobal.net or go to www.lunaherbco.com.
I've also cut way back on the caffeine. I'm still too jittery to meditate, so I embroider instead--it has the same effect. Just keep searching till you find what works best for you. And you'll know when you find it!
Best wishes,
Prairiehawk
"We must be the change we wish to see in the world" Ghandi |
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Herbal Wisdom: Any herb suggestions for anxiety/lack of focus? |
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Any herb suggestions for anxiety/lack of focus?
