Posted by Ame Sans Vie on April 1, 2004, at 22:22:57
In reply to Re: Stim suppliments with Benzo's??? » NotAddicted, posted by simus on April 1, 2004, at 15:42:24
Ginseng and other adaptogens are definitely a good place to start. Chinese/Korean ginseng is (as far as OTCs go) very stimulating; American ginseng is moderately stimulating; Siberian ginseng (now known as "eleuthero root", as it's not truly related to ginseng) is mildly stimulating. Just be sure to get a good quality product that is standardized to contain a certain percentage of ginsenosides in the case of the ginsengs (4% is standard) or eleutherosides in the case of eleuthero root (about 0.6%).
Schizandra, fo-ti, gotu kola, and Rhodiola rosea have all provided me with some benefit. These aren't stimulating by nature, but (like ginseng/eleuthero) are efficient adaptogens, meaning they have the ability to act as sort of a "cure-all" -- i.e. if you're lethargic, they can provide a good pick up; if you're overstimulated/overstressed, they can calm you down.
Yerba mate is not adaptogenic, but it is a very good stimulant and many are finding it to be a superior alternative to coffee (myself included). The "tea" tastes very good and contains xanthines (chemicals related to caffeine) that are stimulating without being anxiety-provoking like caffeine can be. The effect also lasts about twice as long as caffeine.
Though it may not be a good idea if you're very susceptible to anxiety caused by stimulants, yohimbe bark is another very effective OTC stimulant. The product you buy should state the amount of yohimbine (the active alkaloid, which is also a prescription drug) contained in each capsule. Start with a lower dose (around 5mg yohimbine) and go from there.
poster:Ame Sans Vie
thread:331371
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20040225/msgs/331595.html