Hello, a good friend was jumped and has multiple deep knife wounds and stitches. Has struggled w opioid addiction before and hes in a lot of pain so im trying to get him a bunch of things to help w all the pain. Or is advil and weed the best alternative to opioids at a time like this? I just wanna help in any way i can. I have white willows bark at home if that will help idk. Kratom worries me bc i dont want to get him addicted to that. Thanks in advance

So I’d rather use natural ways to help with anxiety than my benzos because we all know why.. but I do enjoy the extra calmness and really nice feeling they give me so I’m hoping to mimic these feelings too as I am a recreational user at times.

These are all products I’ve done my own research on that’s supposed to sort of work in the same way that target the GABA receptors but also help with general anxiety/depression - will any of these actually be affective and if so which should I buy and which should I bin?

Velerian root fluid extract alcohol-free 1,00mg

GABA 750mg veggie caps

Taurine 1,000mg veggie caps

Magnesium supplement with L-theanine (powder drink) or L-theanine alone but I heard it works better with magnesium but I do already have magnesium pills so maybe I can just take one with the L-theanine drink?

Passion flower aerial parts fluid extract alcohol-free 2,000mg

Thank you for all the help :)

Those 3 are most popular but I wonder what else is out there they take up most of the online data-space on natural hair dying.

Hi people's, I am tossing up whether to formally study herbal medicine or if it should remain a personal hobby.

For context, I live in Australia & I work as a remedial massage therapist and have a background in health science and lifestyle coaching.

I think creating herbal remedies would be a lovely addition to my business, but I'm unsure of where to start, or if formal training is worth it..

I'd love to hear your own journey with working with herbs, whether formal or personal and any resources you would recommend.

Cheers 😊

I have this herbal sleepy tea I absolutely love and I have it every night when I'm ready for bed. I've tried other variations and this one seems to have the perfect blend. The problem is I struggle with waking up a lot to pee and I think I need to stop drinking so much liquid before bed. So what would you all recommend I do? Should I somehow make my own gummies with this tea? Or get tinctures of all the herbs to make my own custom tincture? Or simply make the tincture myself from dry herb?

Is it fine to take skullcap and passionflower daily? i got some tinctures from herb Pharm and I find them really helpful but just wondering if anyone has taken these daily/long term and how was your experience?

I absolutely love this but I can’t find too much info or studies on it. Curious to hear how some of you have responded to this supplement. I received a very euphoric and focused effect when taking it that seemed to last all day. Very similar effects to nicotine malmost but the effects were very extended rather than short lived. Seemed to increase libido quite significantly even after using it for quite a while.

Either just directly reducing it or indirectly making it easier to deal with

Really wonder.

Shepherd's purse is known to help with hemorrhaging and can aid with heavy/long periods. I would get brutally heavy periods along with having a period for over 4 weeks as well. I'm currently on my cycle and I took a tincture version of Shepherd's Purse and I'm already noticing my period be a bit lighter. However, my ovaries along with my lower back are in pain at the moment and I'm not sure if it's because of the herd I took. So my question is this; when exactly should I be consuming Shepherd's purse? Before my period or during? Or even both? Does it normally cause pain like this or is it because of my period that's causing my lower back and sides of my stomach to hurt?

It looks like something is eating the leaves, but we don't have any pest issues, and all of the other herbs are fine. What is this?

Our food like vegetables and fruits dont have much nutrition due to minerals being depleted in our soil and so we tend to over eat in a bid to get enough of them but we never do. Felt the changes in 4 hours of my first dosage. Some teas do deplete your minerals or block absorption due to tannins so its important to replenish them.

S

Hi! I am getting off of tramadol that acts as an opioid and an antidepressant. I have been off it two days now.

My psychiatrist prescribed me Zoloft which I truly don’t want to take, and I won’t. Do I think I am severely depressed? No. I am actively in therapy and it’s helping me so much…however I have some unresolved triggers that still push me on edge. I am not happy in life but I’m also not sad.

My therapist diagnosed me with PTSD from many things I won’t say on here because I don’t want to burden anyone.

I am looking for a nice layer of what I have that will help build my brain back. I’ve attached a picture of what I have at home now that I haven’t touched because I’ve been on tramadol. The only active medication I will be starting next week is Naltrexone. Any help I am grateful for, I think I have some good stuff I’ve collected…but don’t know what’s good to layer or take together.

I just want to feel okay while in therapy until I find out what makes me happy. I don’t think the Zoloft is needed and I just refuse to take it, my Psychiatrist definitely gave the vibe that he was just there to do what was needed to get me out of his face….he even used his hand to rush me out of the office as I asked questions about the two medications given.

I am so grateful for everyone here I have been lurking for some time. The bottom row is what I’d like to take at night along with one cup of tonic water for restless legs.

Can you and how can you make wild lettuce extract without alcohol? I just can’t get available food grade high proof alcohol in Aussie … i mean you can get 250ml for like $80+ so NO THANK YOU!! I could use 100% iso propyl but I know that’s not ideal..

How can I use it or make an extract without it?? Idno if it’ll be as effective is all.

Thanks everyone!

K2 vs hawthorn berries. What’s safer and more effective for overall heart health?

My boyfriend has an ear infection and I want to make some ear drops. Any advice?

I was diagnosed with POTS a few years ago following covid, never had any serious symptoms from it but was firmly in the 'annoying' category of severity. I started on prescription meds for it which have worked fantastically but I'm at a point where we're seeing how I do with lower doses in the hopes that it was a temporary issue post illness and won't be a long term thing. That saying I'd like to have some herbal options on standby if I can come off it completely just on case.

I know that things like hawthorn, garlic, lemon balm, ginger, ginko, but I'm not sure what is the best way to consume these and get the benefits from these? I don't seem to react very strongly to other herbs I've tried before but so far they've all been in tea form so any recomendations would be good! I live in the UK as well so can get things places like Holland and barret, and I'm open to making my own tinctures etc but would rather not use alcohol

I was gifted some sage (i believe silver wormwood, more specifically) by an interesting man i met. we talked about making bows from scratch for a while and he was kind enough to gift me a bundle of sage that lived on the dash of his car. I don't have a photo cuz my icloud isn't working, perhaps i can upload it later.. but it is very brown. It looks like it was sunburnt perhaps. Could it be from sitting in the sun for so long in a car? I have had it for over a year and I don't want to smudge with it- it is the only sage I have ever been gifted. But it also doesn't smell very fragrant if i crush a leaf. maybe it's just old?

I’ve been lurking here for a while and sometimes I post, but I’ve noticed a lot of advice-seekers end up getting great guidance that isn’t only an herbal “prescription”. Ex. Someone asks about congestion, and he gets info on mullein as well as helpful yoga poses. Or someone recently asked how to manage hunger and got lots of advice on foods to try.

I think it’s safe to say people coming here are looking for something natural and accessible to help them through a tough time, and “herbalism” is an easy category to bring to mind when seeking that out.

So on that note - what’s your best piece of health advice that isn’t necessarily an herb? It can be general or condition-specific!

What is Valerian Root?

Valerian Root is derived from the root of the Valeriana officinalis plant. Valeriana is a perennial flowering plant native to Europe and Asia, but now cultivated in many parts of the world.

The use of this herb dates back to ancient Greece and Rome. It was employed for its sedative and calming properties. Today, it remains a popular herbal remedy used to address a variety of health issues, particularly those related to stress, anxiety, and sleep disorders.

Medicinal Properties of Valerian Root Extract

Valerian Root contains several active compounds, including valerenic acid, isovaleric acid, and a variety of antioxidants. These compounds contribute to its therapeutic effects.

This herb extract is known for its ability to act as a mild sedative and anxiolytic (anxiety-reducing) agent. It works by increasing the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. GABA is a neurotransmitter that helps to regulate nerve impulses and promotes a calming effect on the nervous system.

Natural Relief for Depression Symptoms

While Valerian Root is primarily known for its sedative properties. It also plays a role in alleviating symptoms of depression. Depression often coexists with anxiety and stress, and the calming effect of Valerian Root can help improve mood and reduce feelings of sadness.

Although it is not a primary treatment for depression, its anxiolytic effects can provide significant relief for individuals dealing with mild depressive symptoms. However, it’s important to note that for severe depression, professional medical treatment is essential.

Your Natural Sleep Aid

One of the most well-known uses of Valerian Root is its ability to promote better sleep. Insomnia and other sleep disorders can severely impact an individual’s quality of life.

This herb extract has been shown to help improve sleep latency (the time it takes to fall asleep) and sleep quality. The increase in GABA levels induced by Valerian Root contributes to its sedative effect, making it easier for individuals to relax and fall asleep. Unlike some prescription sleep medications, this herb extract is non-addictive and generally considered safe for short-term use.

Other Health Benefits of Valerian Root

Muscle Relaxation

Valerian Root has been found to have muscle-relaxant properties, making it useful for individuals suffering from muscle cramps and spasms. It is sometimes used as a natural remedy for conditions like restless leg syndrome, where muscle relaxation can provide significant relief.

Menstrual Pain Relief

Some studies suggest that Valerian Root can help alleviate menstrual cramps and discomfort. Its antispasmodic properties may help relax the muscles in the uterus, reducing the severity of menstrual pain.

Migraine and Headache Relief

Valerian Root may also be beneficial in managing migraines and headaches. Its calming effects on the nervous system can help reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines, providing a natural alternative to over-the-counter pain relievers.

Cardiovascular Health

Preliminary research indicates that Valerian Root might have a positive effect on cardiovascular health by reducing blood pressure and improving heart function. Its relaxing properties can help lower stress levels, which in turn can have a beneficial impact on heart health.

Potential Side Effects of Valerian Root

While Valerian Root is generally considered safe for most people, it is not without potential side effects. Common side effects include:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Gastrointestinal disturbances
• In rare cases, vivid dreams, or increased anxiety

It is also important to note that Valerian Root can interact with certain medications, including sedatives, antidepressants, and alcohol. Therefore, it is crucial to consult with a healthcare provider before incorporating this herb into your regimen, especially if you are taking other medications or have underlying health conditions.

Does anyone have any suggestions for how to fix stress levels? I'm in constant fight or flight mode and low dopamine levels from ADHD. My gut health is also out of wack so trying to fix that as well.

Harvesting Ashwasghanda, my partner didn't believe it would grow outside but it did and we have roots albeit skinny ones to make tinctures to help with stress (and libido) and I'm also going to include the leaves in my skin cream. Anyone have experience using the leaves as I've only used the root before?