[venusss]

okay, I love this plant, but I get the photosensitivity side effects. I thought it was problem only if I am going to the south and seaside... but apparently, it makes me too sensitive even for the central european sun.

so I have to quit taking it for the season at least.

so what are the alternatives? Most of herbs I know have calming effect (lemon balm, mint, catnip, valerian), but I need more kick. Guarana, yerba mate are bit too strong, although I could maybe try taking a little... still they are pretty much classic stimulants.

is there something to the st john's wort effect?

[bipolarLady7]

It sounds like you know more about herbs than I do. If you find something, please let us know. I have bipolar and I was told by the psychiatric ARNP I see that I can't take St. John's Wort "because I have bipolar". That didn't make much sense to me, but whatever. (Personally I think she's just biased against herbs but I can't afford to see a naturopath.)

have you tried kava?

[BonnieJean]

yes. 'Brewed' in room temperature water on a empty stomach.

[HealingNSuffering]

Originally Posted by VenusHalley

okay, I love this plant, but I get the photosensitivity side effects. I thought it was problem only if I am going to the south and seaside... but apparently, it makes me too sensitive even for the central european sun.

so I have to quit taking it for the season at least.

so what are the alternatives? Most of herbs I know have calming effect (lemon balm, mint, catnip, valerian), but I need more kick. Guarana, yerba mate are bit too strong, although I could maybe try taking a little... still they are pretty much classic stimulants.

is there something to the st john's wort effect?

I've tried St. John's wort and didn't like it much, it worked for awhile but then I started getting headache and the photo-sensitivity was terrible. I recently switched to Rhodiola Rosea and its working really well. You don't have to take it every day for it to work either. Only side effect I can tell is slight dry mouth. Start off on the lowest dose and titrate up for maximum effect. It takes away my anxiety pretty good and makes me happy. I haven't had a nightmare since I started taking it. Tip: take it in the morning/afternoon because its initial effects are more of a stimulant than a chill pill.