Attn Everyone: Chamomile

[Matt_H]

If you suffer from anxiety then I HIGHLY recommend trying Chamomile tea if you haven't already. To me, it works just as effectively as xanax. It's also very useful if you have insomnia. It's 100% natural.

You can buy Chamomile tea in virtually any supermarket. Some brands market it under different names. For instance, Celestial Seasonings markets it as "Sleepytime" tea. It's a blend of Chamomile and spearmint (and some other stuff). It tastes pretty good, and its extremely relaxing.

Defiantly a great alternative to those who prefer not to take medication, or as a supplement to those who do. This stuff can produce some powerful sedative effects if you add a couple of extra teabags, or drink a few cups. Though it doesn't directly interact with drugs like Xanax (as far as I know), combining the two defiantly produces a synergistic effect.

[Aaron]

To spread a word of caution, chamomile interacts with a number of other drugs, including a host of SSRIs, so be sure to do deep research on drug interactions before taking on this treatment option. For example, I know that chamomile blocks metabolism on a particular cytosome(sp?) that just so happens to be one of the active cytosomes that metabolize Trazodone. The end result of chamomile treatment + trazodone could lead to blood toxicity and possibly death, depending on what dose of trazodone you're on and how much chamomile you're taking.

Granted, if I weren't on Trazodone, I'd definitely be up for the chamomile treatment! Anyone who's not already on blood thinners or certain SSRIs could likely benefit from the plant. :)

[stillhopeful]

Does chammomile work okay with Lexapro? I do drink chammomile tea as I have pretty much given up caffeine. Does anybody know if this is okay? :o

[ebony]

I definitely wouldn't put it up there with xanax.
I quit coffee and drink decaf (1 cup) and 2 cups of chamomile tea.
I notice the difference in less cafeine, but not the tea.
I read Kava was good also.
Anyone try that?

[intentus18]

I love chamomile...its great but i completely cut out caffeine out of my diet...no soda, no coffee, no chocolate :-( ....ok a little...like 1 oz every other week, and I drink a lot of water. That helped significantly.

[chrisz]

I definitely wouldn't put it up there with xanax.
I quit coffee and drink decaf (1 cup) and 2 cups of chamomile tea.
I notice the difference in less cafeine, but not the tea.
I read Kava was good also.
Anyone try that?

Ebony,

I have tried Kava and it helps. Its not as potent as Benzos, but it does help. Some have worried about the possible Liver damage. I discussed this with my Pdoc and he said that's because many people over-did it.

Chrisz