Posted by Hombre on June 22, 2010, at 20:00:50
In reply to Re: Chinese Medicine + Depression: Kidneys/Adrena, posted by Lao Tzu on June 22, 2010, at 15:56:14
I don't have a good enough reference to know whether or not gingko would interact with ADs.
This link:
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/ginkgo-biloba-000247.htm
suggests the possibility to serotonin syndrome if taken with SSRIs. Possible interactions with MAOIs as well. But a quick Google search seems to indicate that people use gingko to try to battle the sexual side effects of SSRIs.
"Chinese Medical Herbology & Pharmacology" seems to be a source for interactions between the Chinese materia medica (which includes gingko) and pharmaceuticals. Alas, it's currently beyond my budget and probably education level.
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Not to beat a dead horse, but I have been seeing some really good results with Jin Gui Shen Qi Wan/Ba Wei Di Huang Wan. It seems to combat some of the side effects of the SNRI and atypical-antipsychotic that I am currently taking. More libido. Better, uh, blood flow. Better thyroid function - more energy and less accumulation of fluids and fat. I think it also boosts testosterone. But I also see a difference in terms of confidence and concentration. Since starting the herbs I've been able to affect some changes in my life that have eluded me for a long time, even after getting decent results from the meds.
I've been able to mix and match several different formulas with no adverse effects. I am currently also taking Shi Quan Da Bu Wan as a general tonic. It tonifies blood and Qi. Qi deficiency manifests as fatigue. If you have fatigue as a symptom, that points to Qi deficiency. It is basically a combination of basic spleen tonifying herbs (spleen turns food and drink into blood, at least according to the TCM theory) and Qi and immune enhancing herbs. It is safe to take for long periods of time. It also contains cinnamon, noted for its ability to warm the kidneys and thus boost your overall energy, especially sexual energy. Your mojo, if you will.
poster:Hombre
thread:951212
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/alter/20100516/msgs/951904.html