By Christine Cheng, R.Ph. and Fred Cheng, R.Ph.
Stress, anxiety and sleep…these types of issues come up every day as we counsel our patients. Many a time, they have been put onto prescription medications because they are so frustrated with their symptoms and ask if there are natural options that can be considered. For as long as we have practiced, there have been options that we have been happy to discuss. Recently, we became aware of a new line of supplements from a Canadian company called, “Veeva™” who produce only three supplements: one each to target stress, anxiety and sleep. They are the only Canadian company to have a product licensed by Health Canada with anxiety listed as an indication.
Their products are named very aptly for the conditions they are designed to help. “Stress” contains lemon balm, rhodiola, l-theanine, choline, inositol, 5-HTP, black pepper, allspice, cloves, cinnamon. The first six ingredients aim to calm the mind, ease tension, and balance mood. Black pepper is included to enhance absorption of the herbal ingredients. The phenols found in the spice blend of allspice, cloves, and cinnamon have been shown to reduce the formation of advanced glycation endproducts (AGEs). This is significant as stress has the potential to increase AGEs, which have been found to contribute to different diseases including diabetes, cancer, and dementia. The novel idea with this product is to protect the vasculature and the brain from any potential damage of being exposed to stress over long periods of time.
“Anxiety” contains ashwagandha, American ginseng, holy basil, passionflower and l-theanine. Together, these ingredients help to relieve anxiety, nervousness, improve relaxation, promote mental focus and strengthen resistance to stress.
“Sleep” contains valerian, skullcap, lemon balm, california poppy, magnesium. This formula was designed to help relax the body and mind to reduce the amount of time it takes to fall asleep, improve the quality of sleep as well as to help us stay asleep.
These products were designed to give options to those who want to avoid some of the side effects of medications which would normally be prescribed to treat stress, anxiety, and/or sleep issues. However, it is always prudent to discuss with your Healthcare Practitioner prior to starting any supplement. Come talk to one our Integrative Health Pharmacists to see if these products are right for you to help manage your stress, reduce your anxiety, and improve your sleep so that you can have a more peaceful life!
Christine and Fred Cheng are a passionate, charismatic sister-brother pharmacist team at their unique, family-owned and operated Pharmasave stores in Cloverdale and Steveston, B.C. They specialize in natural remedies and compounding for both human and veterinarian use. Everything mentioned in their article is available InStore.
***All information posted and shared by Cloverdale Pharmasave is offered to provide information and choices regarding nutritional support for various health concerns, none of which is intended to be a treatment protocol for any disease state. The information does not replace seeking professional advice from your physician. Consult your health care practitioner before taking dietary supplements.
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