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Herbal Alternatives for Anxiety, Depression and Insomnia

March 11th, 2010

Mirasol naturopathic physicianI was teaching my weekly health group at Mirasol and was feeling really excited about sharing information about herbal medicine with our clients. It was easy to pick-up on their enthusiasm about trying new things as a part of their recovery journey here. I also forget at times how special our program is and how fortunate I am to practice naturopathic medicine in such a unique environment.

One subject of great interest was the topic of nervine herbs. These are herbs that help nourish the nervous system. Many clients discover Kava Kava while in treatment at Mirasol. It’s an herb native to the South Pacific and is very effective in treatment of anxiety. It’s a nice alternative to the highly addictive anxiety medications like Valium and Xanax. You can take it as needed or throughout the day (up three times/day). However, if you’re going to take Kava Kava for more than a few months, it’s a good idea to have your liver enzymes checked.

I’m also a fan of herbal combinations that include passionflower, skullcap and milky oats. These can relieve anxiety and are may help us to better adapt to stress. I also like to include Valerian for clients who have trouble falling asleep or staying asleep.

I have found that there is no “one-size-fits-all” treatment for insomnia. I encourage clients to try different combinations and to practice good sleep hygiene. Cutting back on caffeine intake is a must also for those dealing with insomnia and/or anxiety.

For faster results, I suggest taking the herbs in a tincture form to ensure rapid absorption into the bloodstream. Otherwise, capsules and teas are fine too.

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Gut Reactions: Eating Disorders and Digestive Problems

July 30th, 2009

By Dr. Dawn Bantel, Medical Director, Mirasol Eating Disorder Recovery Centers

Dr. Dawn BantelI don’t think that I’ve ever met an eating disordered client that didn’t struggle with digestive issues. The digestive tract is directly affected by binging, purging and restricting. The discomfort from digestive problems is a common obstacle to recovery. It’s such a challenge for women to adhere to their meal plans when their bodies are rebelling.

Women with eating disorders often experience heartburn, indigestion, gas, bloating and constipation. Fortunately, naturopathic supplements are very effective in assisting efficient digestion. Using digestive enzymes with meals assists in the breakdown of foods. A probiotic supplement can reduce gas, bloating and constipation. Drinking aloe vera juice can calm heartburn. And I often prescribe a magnesium citrate supplement to ensure regularity.

The whole foods approach is healing in itself. Whole foods supply needed fiber. Many people have too little fiber in their diets. I may encourage the use of ground flax meal to increase one’s fiber intake. Water is important for regularity, especially in the desert environment. A minimum of half your weight in ounces should be ingested each day.

Finally, the most important “supplement” is reducing stress and anxiety. Our program emphases the creation of stress-management tools for each client. Yoga, bodywork and healthy exercise are encouraged as lifestyle changes. I also help women train their bodies by allowing regular bathroom time. These are all important and effective components of healthy digestion.

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