Posted by nolvas on April 11, 2007, at 16:49:57
In reply to Re: For how long can I take valerian?, posted by Franz on April 11, 2007, at 6:38:11
Some people build up a tolerance to Valerian. I think it's wise not to use it on a continuous daily basis but to have a break from using it.
The precise mechanism for Valerian is not known, but it seems to act on the Gabergenic system in the brain. It does contain a fair quantity of the amino acid Gaba although this doesn't transfer through the blood brain barrier that easily if at all. Any drugs or herbs that act on Gaba receptors seem to be prone to tolerance and rebound anxiety.
I'm usually taking some supplement to try and calm my anxiety. I'll take Valerian for maybe a week then I'll change to Magnesium Citrate or Kava root. The next experiments I will be trying are Glycine on it's own and also a mix of Lysine and Arginine 3 grams each per day. I also take Taurine sometimes, Vitamin C time release and Niacinamide. Although maybe it's just me but I find I get rebound anxiety from the last 3 supplements I've mentioned.
There's lots of things you can try, however they usually aren't as powerful in effect as prescription drugs.
poster:nolvas
thread:748896
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20070410/msgs/749107.html