Hello happy reader. I have been searching high and low for a supplement that might be able to help with my on and again off again depressive states and a racing mind that can never seem to calm down. I have been to a doctor and Rx medication is simply not the way to go; however, I do need something to assist me in taking the edge off- to turn the volume down a bit I guess you can say. The catch....I cannot take pills for the life of me. I have tried a chewable 5-htp in the past but after a good 2 months I did not notice any difference. Any suggestions will be exceedingly helpful and I will be forever in your debt!
G
Here's some things that may help, along with doses and potential benefits. I wouldn't recommend trying them all at once, but they all have merit and may be useful for you.
-ASHWAGANDHA (30mg withanolides per day; 600mg KSM-66 is a great option)
>>>Lots of research showing it can help reduce stress/anxiety/depression. It isn't sedating (although some people do say it makes them a little tired), is very affordable (~$5/month), and has many other benefits (improved performance and body compostion, cognitive benefits, etc)
-THEANINE (200mg)
>>>Calming without being sedating. Goes very well with caffeine to take the edge off.
-RHODIOLA
>>>Tends to be used to reduce fatigue and improve endurance, but higher doses have been shown to significantly reduce anxiety symptoms.
-KAVA (90-250mg kavalactones per day, not something you should use daily for more than a handful of weeks)
>>>Good for reducing anxiety and stress. Don't take too much, as it can cause intoxication, but 90-250mg doses have been shown to reduce anxiety, improve mood, and even improve reaction time.
-TONGKAT ALI (2mg eurycomanone)
>>>Commonly used to increase libido (for men and women), but has also been shown to improve hormone balance and mood (reduced tension, anger, and confusion). May also have body composition benefits.
-HOLY BASIL (300-1000mg extract per day)
>>>Has been shown in studies to reduce anxiety/stress/depression.
-AGMATINE (2-3g per day)
>>>Typically used pre-workout for a pump, but has a small but very promising study showing it can help reduce depression.
