Kava for anxiety???

[Katmar]

Anyone have any sound info on Kava for anxiety? I have researched it. Used to be said it caused liver damage, but, turns out, that was not true. I know you need an extract from the root. I have had insomnia for 20 years. It has improved recently with the addition of Vit D3, which I was deficient in. However, I seem to have anxiety at night. This has been since I quit smoking. vaping has helped with depression, but not anxiety. It is not out of control, but I hate feeling it.
Hoping to hear from some of you who dabble in herbs.

 

[crashtestjeep]

Try Valarian root, IMO works much better than Kava w no ill side effects. If you wanna vape it and get a calming effect, try NHalers "Sleepy time green tea" Lung renewal juice. It really does make you calm n a lil sleepy ...tastes REALLY good too! Valarian root extract tastes kinda gross by itself but comes in liquid and capsule forms...

 

[Katmar]

Crashtestjeep,
I have tried the sleepytime, and I enjoy the vape, but it does not help with sleep or anxiety for me, unfortunately. I know it works for some.

 

[MacArthurBug]

also have some labwork done! A deficiency in iron can also lead to anxiety and sleep problems. I have all kinds of "fun" vitamin dificiency issues that lead to me having sleep/anxiety/ etc.

 

[Katmar]

I am fine in the iron department. Have had all the blood tests done., Thanks for mentioning that, though.

 

[redgirl]

I have anxiety, but I take Lexapro. I used to get it really bad at night and sometimes i just can't sleep, so my psychiatrist recommended taking melatonin. It works very well to calm you down before bed and get a good night's sleep. I think they come in like, 3mg tablets.

 

[Katmar]

redgirl,
Been there, done that. But it HAS been a while. May try it again.Thanks for the tip.
ANYONE out there with good info on KAVA extract?

 

[Katmar]

Try Valarian root, IMO works much better than Kava w no ill side effects. If you wanna vape it and get a calming effect, try NHalers "Sleepy time green tea" Lung renewal Juice. It really does make you calm n a lil sleepy ...tastes REALLY good too! Valarian root extract tastes kinda gross by itself but comes in liquid and capsule forms...

Gotta say, I LOVE his pear juice. Feels great on the lungs!!

 

[Bekinder]

No info on the Kava...have you tried SAM-e? It's natural.

 

[Katmar]

Too many ifs with sam-e. Lots to watch out for. And not enough info to make a decision. Natural isn't always good, unless you are really informed. Have you used it?

 

[Bekinder]

Yes I have used it. My brother recommended several years ago and it worked well for anxiety for me...can't address the sleeping problems with this though.
I would have stuck to it, but the expense was too great to keep it up on a regular regime. I studied a lot on nutrition, Adelle Davis type things. Never
studied the herbs and what they do however. Hope you find your answers.

 

[ted26]

Yep used the stuff here too for sleep problems and found it to be very strong leaving me too tired for work on a morning but it sure did the trick zzzzz !

 

[kcr]

Kava works but it does give me a slight hangover.

So does 5-HTP.

Valerian Root works well, with no hangover, to help with sleep.

For generalized anxiety that needs help without making you sleepy (don't know if that is an issue), try GABA with some inositol and niacinimide (probably cheaper to by it all together in one bottle rather than 3 separate bottles).

I had anxiety and insomnia for *years*. You have my sympathy.

 

[WitchWay]

I use Kava everytime I sleep with no side effects. Kava is a natural muscle relaxer is why it helps some people sleep. I actually use it for restless leg syndrom. For anxiety I take St Johns Wort. It doesn't stop an anxiety attack if I'm having one, but if taken daily it keeps me from having as many. Valerian helps me during an attack. Keep in mind what helps me, may not help you, but it's worth a try.

May peace and joy fill your life, today and everyday!

 

[Katmar]

Thank you all for your good advice.

 

[catlvr]

I suffer from anxiety and trouble sleeping also. Since quitting cigarettes it has become worse. I have tried St Johns Wort, it didn't help. My doctor has me on 30mgs of Buspar a day. It seems to be working. I don't want to have to take pills the rest of my life to feel sane. I'm going to look into this Kava now maybe it will help. Yes Katmar you have my sympathy also. This sucks. Going to keep my eyes on this thread. Thanks all.

 

[CatVTTV]

Kava and St John's Wart are good for people with a mild depressive/anxiety condition, but I personally would not recommend either for sleep disruption caused by de toxing from cigarettes.

Camomile tea, will help for this, as it relaxes and calms without causing a chemical imbalance in the brain. If you dont like the taste of camomile, then add an equal amount of orange juice heated in a microwave.

That one does work fairly well, and its a good starting point.

I have used Kava and St John's in the past, and as short term solutions they have their place, but I wouldnt use either for this.

Good Luck and let us know how you get on.

 

[Katmar]

My sleep disruption isn't from detoxing from cigs. I have a chronic condition, MS, to be precise, that gives me sleep problems. I have tried pretty much everything. Am doing better since on a higher dose of D3, but I still take lunesta. My anxiety, however, is caused by quitting cigs. That is what I am trying to deal with. Sort of a one, two combo!

 

[CatVTTV]

Sorry to hear that Katmar, however I would still advise you to try the Camomile, I too have another condition and this way I know its not counteracting my other medications.

Worth a try Katmar..

I suffer from Insomnia at the best of times, but Insomnia combined with that sitting on a timebomb feeling isnt good.. the Camomile has helped me with that, allowing me to relax a bit more..

Also, try a bit of visualisation, there are lots of websites out there who specialise in visuals. That works for me when Im really feeling Anxious.

And by visuals I mean, something like this..

Relaxation and Visualization Exercise | How To Cope With Pain

 

[Katmar]

Sorry to hear that Katmar, however I would still advise you to try the Camomile, I too have another condition and this way I know its not counteracting my other medications.

Worth a try Katmar..

I suffer from Insomnia at the best of times, but Insomnia combined with that sitting on a timebomb feeling isnt good.. the Camomile has helped me with that, allowing me to relax a bit more..


Also, try a bit of visualisation, there are lots of websites out there who specialise in visuals. That works for me when Im really feeling Anxious.

And by visuals I mean, something like this..

Relaxation and Visualization Exercise | How To Cope With Pain

Thanks for the web site, Christena. I do practice relaxation, but am always open to newer techniques.
I will have to find a way to alter the taste of the tea. Orange Juice is out. Allergic.
I really appreciate your advice.