Question: Current events and the ongoing pandemic has made me feeling stressed and anxious. Can you suggest some things to alleviate these awful feelings?
Answer: Never downplay “stress” or “anxiety”. A low level of stress and anxiety is normal and can actually be healthy in that it keeps us alert. However, if it becomes bothersome, be sure to seek the guidance of a trained professional such as a psychiatrist and counselor.
Appropriate sleep and diet lifestyle definitely plays a role, as well. Ensure you stay hydrated and have adequate electrolytes on a daily basis. If you cannot omit or eliminate the root cause of the stress and anxiety, then some self-remedies can be safe and effective to try, especially for short-term or milder cases.
The Rescue Remedy and Bach Flower Remedy line, with its various lozenges, gels, liquids, and sprays, has been around since the 1930’s and, being homeopathic, is very safe to try without fear of side-effects or interactions; there are even formulations safe for kids, and some specific to sleeping.
A passion-flower-based supplement called Pascoflair by Pascoe is effective at curbing mild anxiety episodes, as well as preventing future attacks.
Zen-Theanine by AOR is an amino-acid that could inhibit production as well as block the action of excitatory neurotransmitters.
For more chronic cases, synergistic combinations containing ashwagandha, GABA, ginseng, vitamin B5 and B6’s, such as Adrenal-Pro by CanPrev or Endo Calm by Emerald Health Naturals provide longer-lasting effects via adaptogenic action.
Talk to Fred Cheng, R.Ph, and his integrative pharmacy team at Pharmasave Steveston Village for insight on safe use, dosing, and duration of use.
