Posted by JB (64.128.176.121) on July 07, 2001 at 14:19:20:
In Reply to: CH and Anxiety posted by Rebekah on July 06, 2001 at 20:37:17:
I started getting anxiety attacks a few years before the clusters started. One thing I have found effective is St. Johns Wort (SJW). Most people think of depression when they hear St. Johns Wort, but the herb is also loaded with a compound called amentoflavone. Amentoflavone relieves anxiety to the same degree as valium and related tranquilizers, but it does not cause drowsiness, memory loss, or impair coordination. Although the first approach to anxiety should be based on exercise/relaxation therapy and other lifestyle changes, St. Johns wort may be an effective tool in your arsenal - it sure helps me. It may be that the anti-depressant action of SJW is due to the anti-anxiety action. I know I get depressed when something happens to stress me out and encourage feelings of helplessness.
Amentoflavone also has anti-viral, anti-inflammitory, antihistamine, analgaesic, and anti-ulcer properties according to research on medline/PubMed.
I usually take two grams of herb per day (six tablets, two with each meal), which is twice what most bottles reccommend, but still at a level where side effects are rare. Good quality SJW has a very distinct odor - and some brands are obviously lacking. The most common side effect is sensitivity to sunlight, so I try to limit time spent outdoors in the peak UV times.
Others on this board have had mixed results with SJW and cluster headaches. This year is the first time I am headed towards the rocks of summer having been on SJW, so I can't say how or if it will affect the beast.