I attended a lecture by Dr. Low Dog , it was a tutorial for medical doctors who wanted to add herbal medications to their clinical practice. Dr. Low Dog was an herbalist who went to medical school, became faculty at the University of Arizona. Then appalled by the low standards for herbal safety in the United States (nonexistent) , she started the government committee that oversees safety and efficacy for herbal products.
Dr. Low Dog's recommendations for lemon balm was quite enthusiastic. It's inexpensive, safe, and tasty. Oh yes, it's an antianxiety medication. You need to drink at least 3 cups per day for it to work , and she recommends you drink it every day if you plan to obtain the antianxiety effect. Lemon balm is stronger than chamomile which has the same effect. Well I would dearly like to report that chamomile and lemon balm are very effective and have relieved my anxiety, I'm afraid other supplements got there way before these did and I can only report on the taste. But you know I'm drinking these teas, because way at the back of my mind I'm worried plus caffeine is no longer allowed.
I like it simply because other than an actual tea made with lemons, it's much smoother, and more natural tasting than other teas like lemon verbena.
Update: More adventures with anxiety, panic attacks and serotonin
I have my very own stalker (the O-Beast) now! She tries to break into my place via every available entryway and so much more. The O-Beast is the ding-dong that keeps on giving! She tried to break in Thanksgiving Day and I just know she's got a present for me this Christmas.
Naturally, my panic attacks returned. They are pretty mild. I just feel like I can't get enough air.
My doctor suggested I try Banana Tea. This is a recipe espoused by Dr. Oz (Yes, I'm a big fan).
1 organic banana, the ends chopped off
1/4 tsp of cinnamon or to taste
4 cups of boiling water
Stevia or other sweetener to taste
Put the banana in the hot water (do not heat this over the stove). Add the cinnamon. Let soak for 10-20 minutes.
Strain the tea and sweeten to taste.
Why this works: Bananas are totally loaded with serotonin but it's locked in the peel.
I've tried this chopping the peel into small bits, using a blender to pulverize the peel and drinking the whole thing. Conclusion: soaking for 20 minutes is the easiest way to get a strong extraction of the serotonin. Everything else is too much work and you don't get much extra serotonin.
How did the tea work? With a 20 minute infusion of one banana peel, one pot of banana peel tea was almost able to keep my panic attacks away for one day.
However... if I add 1/4 cup of lemon balm to the above recipe, the resulting pot of tea kept the panic attacks away EASILY.
Well thank goodness. The pile of naked bananas was becoming overwhelming....BTW, bananas have serotonin too but you have to eat quite a few bananas as the day goes by.
Product contains at least 95% organic material.
As certified by
USDA Organic
USDA Organic
USDA Organic is protected by law, inspected by experts, traced from farm to store, and shaped by public input. USDA develops and enforces the organic standards, which require products to be produced using farming practices that maintain and improve soil and water quality, minimize the use of synthetic materials, conserve biodiversity, and avoid genetic engineering, among other factors. Crops can be certified organic if they’re grown without prohibited substances such as most synthetic fertilizers and pesticides for three years prior to harvest. Livestock are raised on pasture and treated humanely without growth hormones or antibiotics. Organic products do not contain GMOs or artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Products that contain a minimum of 95 percent organic ingredients and use the USDA Organic seal are part of Climate Pledge Friendly.
