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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
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Posted by morganator on June 23, 2010, at 11:08:47
In reply to Re: Holy Basil Rocks! » morganator, posted by janejane on June 23, 2010, at 6:49:19
It's my pleasure to share my experience with holy basil.
Yeah I wonder if growing it and eating it would work just as good or better. Maybe we would have to eat a lot of it to get the right concentration of beneficial compounds in the holy basil? Who knows.
Maybe my next day off on Friday I will not take it and see if I notice a difference. I'm afraid by then that Synthroid will really be kicking in and I may be feeling much better from it alone. We will see. I may have to wait till next week and not take it for a few days when I have a few days off.
I think that girl was VERY horny when she took ashwagandha. It sounded like she had to keep satisfying herself in order to be content. That was stressing her out more than she was before taking ashwaghanda.
I remember there being a very nice synergy between rhodiola and holy basil. I think holy basil made the rhodiola buzz much smoother. I am not working for New Chapter's, I promise, I just believe that they have one of the best rhodiola and holy basil products on the market. Which rhodiola brand were you using? I believe the best brands are Mind Body and Spirit by Verde Botanica, New Chapter's, and GAIA. I wish I knew of some other equally good rhodiola brands. Maybe GAIA? Everyone reacts differently to different brands believe it or not. I liked New Chapter's Rhodiola more than GAIA while my co-worker liked GAIA more.
Maybe try holy basil first for a few weeks then add rhodiola to the mix? I feel like they both work very well taken together. I think it is possible that taking them both together may feel much better than taking either of them alone.
The AD response with rhodiola and holy basil are very different, even though both can give you energy and lift your mood. I feel like if you are bipolar, holy basil would be less likely to agitate you in any way. Holy basil is a more peaceful, spiritual, calming type mood enhancement. I think rhodiola can be this way for some people also, but it is more likely to make you feel stimulated like a powerful ginseng can.
Posted by janejane on June 24, 2010, at 11:31:03
In reply to Re: Holy Basil Rocks!, posted by morganator on June 23, 2010, at 11:08:47
Thanks, Morgan! By the way, I sent you a babblemail yesterday about another rhodiola source. Let me know if you didn't get it.
Posted by morganator on June 25, 2010, at 4:39:37
In reply to Re: Holy Basil Rocks! » morganator, posted by janejane on June 24, 2010, at 11:31:03
Babblemail is not sent to our email is it? I will look for it here and at my personal email. Thanks!
Posted by morganator on June 25, 2010, at 4:42:08
In reply to Re: Holy Basil Rocks! » morganator, posted by janejane on June 24, 2010, at 11:31:03
Hmm, don't think I got it. Unless I'm looking in the wrong places.
Posted by janejane on June 25, 2010, at 6:36:22
In reply to Re: Holy Basil Rocks! » janejane, posted by morganator on June 25, 2010, at 4:42:08
Babblemail should go to whatever you email you gave when you signed up here. Have you checked your spam folder? (I'll send another "test" message after I send this one off so you can check.) If for some reason, your email address has changed since you signed up, you should be able to update it here (scroll down to "Update registration" button):
https://dr-bob.securesites.com/cgi-bin/pb/signup.pl
By the way, if you ever want to send someone a babblemail, just click on their username under the subject line of one of their posts. (Some people aren't set up to receive them, but the system told me could.)
Posted by Lao Tzu on June 25, 2010, at 9:42:00
In reply to Holy Basil Rocks!, posted by morganator on June 22, 2010, at 15:05:07
Thanks for relating your experiences with Holy Basil. Since I'm researching herbs for mood enhancement, will definitely look into Holy Basil. Thanks again.
Posted by morganator on June 25, 2010, at 12:36:48
In reply to Re: Holy Basil Rocks! » morganator, posted by janejane on June 25, 2010, at 6:36:22
Cool, I will check again. I have the same email so I should receive it. My babblemail should be turned on so it should not be a problem. Thanks again.
Posted by morganator on June 25, 2010, at 12:38:08
In reply to Re: Holy Basil Rocks!, posted by Lao Tzu on June 25, 2010, at 9:42:00
> Thanks for relating your experiences with Holy Basil. Since I'm researching herbs for mood enhancement, will definitely look into Holy Basil. Thanks again.
It's definitely worth looking into. I also believe it is important to use a quality brand like New Chapter.
Posted by Lao Tzu on June 26, 2010, at 10:23:06
In reply to Re: Holy Basil Rocks!, posted by morganator on June 25, 2010, at 12:38:08
Do you think Holy basil would help me with my social anxiety or social withdrawal? Do experience increased socialization when you take it? Just curious because I have this problem related to my schizophrenia. Thanks for your posts.
Posted by morganator on June 27, 2010, at 2:24:29
In reply to Re: Holy Basil Rocks!, posted by Lao Tzu on June 26, 2010, at 10:23:06
I think it may help just because it can make you feel at ease. It's worth a try and I don't see why it would hurt you or agitate you in anyway.
Do you mind me asking what medications you take, if any? And, do you experience or negative or positive symptoms?
Have you ever tried a product by Bach called Rescue Remedy? Everyone at my work raves about it. I think it's effects are only for a few hours though. I have not tried it yet myself.
Posted by Lao Tzu on June 27, 2010, at 20:21:30
In reply to Re: Holy Basil Rocks! » Lao Tzu, posted by morganator on June 27, 2010, at 2:24:29
Bach's Rescue Remedy doesn't work for me anymore. It did a few years ago before my psychosis, but not anymore. Have you tried Bach's Rock Rose flower essence? That one worked very well for my anxiety. I had almost instant relief from it. Unfortunately, the flower essences just aren't effective for me anymore. I have mostly lingering negative symptoms of schizophrenia, such as low motivation and social withdrawal. The medications I take are Risperdal, Zoloft, and Lamictal. That's it. I know of no herbs that actually help with negative symptoms, or they would be publicized, I imagine. Interested in Holy Basil, perhaps for a state of enlightenment. That would be nice. The best herb I ever took was Kava Kava for my anxiety. I can't take it now, but I do like ginger for its effects on circulation. I am sort of just dabbling in certain herbs, mainly for digestive problems, but I noticed ginger also had an effect on my mood. Anyway, I ordered the New Chapter Holy Basil that you mentioned and am looking forward to trying it soon. I figure it can't hurt to try it. It's expensive, though, $18.00 for 90Vcaps, but I've spent a lot of money on vitamins to date, and a lot of wasted funds on supplements that did nothing productive for me. Herbs are interesting, though. They truly are medicine in my opinion. Thanks for replying.
Posted by morganator on June 27, 2010, at 22:39:02
In reply to Re: Holy Basil Rocks!, posted by Lao Tzu on June 27, 2010, at 20:21:30
You actually got it for a decent price. Mine I believe cost about the same for 60 capsules. If you respond well to just one a day that will last you 3 months, and 2 a day will last 45 days, not bad. Maybe you can use one a day sometimes and 2 on other days when you feel you are going to be more stressed.
Yeah the effect may be subtle but hopefully it helps some. Good luck!
Morgan
Posted by Hombre on June 27, 2010, at 22:54:38
In reply to Re: Holy Basil Rocks! » Lao Tzu, posted by morganator on June 27, 2010, at 22:39:02
There are some Ayurvedic medicine shops in town. I wonder if I can find Holy Basil and it what form it will be in.
Thanks again for sharing your experience, morganator. It opened my mind to Ayurvedic herbal medicine.
Posted by Lao Tzu on June 28, 2010, at 10:03:47
In reply to Re: Holy Basil Rocks!, posted by Hombre on June 27, 2010, at 22:54:38
Thanks for your support, morgan. I hope it works too! I find that sometimes experimenting and perseverence pays off when working with various supplements and vitamins.
Posted by morganator on June 28, 2010, at 11:17:02
In reply to Re: Holy Basil Rocks!, posted by Lao Tzu on June 28, 2010, at 10:03:47
It sounds like you try so many good alternative treatments and try to take good care of yourself. I was just curious to know if you exercised regularly? Also, have you tried different types of yoga? I would recommend Bikram yoga but it is quite expensive.
Anyway, I guess all we can do is keep trying different things and hope that we find the right treatments that help us out consistently for a long time.
Posted by morganator on June 28, 2010, at 11:22:48
In reply to Re: Holy Basil Rocks!, posted by Lao Tzu on June 27, 2010, at 20:21:30
Risperdal, Zoloft, and Lamictal are all pretty good meds and they must be doing something positive for you without any bad side effects if you are sticking with them. I haven't tried Risperdal and I was not crazy about Lamictal, but that is just me.
Man I miss the days when I was on 100 mg of Zolft, took some fish oil, worked out 5 to 6 days a week, and felt really really good much of the time. I realize now I was a bit on the manic side, but heck, I will take being on the manic side and sleeping great always over what I have been dealing with the last 2 years.
I empathize with what you and all of us babblers are going through. I really hope we all find the peace and happiness we strive for at some point, sooner than later of course.
Posted by Lao Tzu on July 1, 2010, at 15:37:45
In reply to Re: Holy Basil Rocks!, posted by morganator on June 28, 2010, at 11:22:48
I don't exercise much. I'm becoming a little overweight from lack of exercise and also the Risperdal. I'm not fat, though. Just a few extra pounds. Yes, the medication I'm taking works very well. It controls my worst symptoms, but I'm taking the supplements to address my energy levels. The vitamins do seem to give me more energy. I used to take Provigil for energy, and it worked great for a few years, but ever since my psychosis and being placed on Risperdal, the Provigil has been a let down, so I decided instead of paying for it every month, I'd give it up and just take the vitamins instead for energy. It worked!! I'm not a dynamo, but I do feel a lot better than I did as far as energy. Bipolars tend to have much difficulty maintaining balanced energy levels, and this is important because it can affect how manic or depressive you are. The medication alone didn't address my energy levels very well, but one amazing thing I noticed since being on the Risperdal is that I no longer get severe depression and anxiety after sex. It might not sound like a big deal, but sex for me was painful because of this, and it shouldn't be. Now, I no longer have that problem thanks to Risperdal, and I feel sooo much better about that. Also, my hallucinations are so much improved as well as my paranoia and delusions, although I still have a little of each, but it's not that bothersome and it no longer gives me much anxiety. I've been this way for about five and a half years. Before the psychosis, I just had depression and social anxiety. I didn't realize then that I was bipolar, and I think I've been bipolar since oh, 1989-90 since my last year in high school into my college years. The illness got progressively worse over time, and I didn't start taking medication for it until 1999. I figure that if I had taken medication and the supplements from the beginning, I might have avoided the psychosis, but who knows? I don't like to look back, but I am curious what I'd be like today if I had gotten proper treatment years ago. My mother thinks that possibly the medication itself brought out the bipolar to its worst. Unfortunately, you probably won't find a doctor who would subscribe to this theory. Usually, schizophrenia manifests in the early 20's, but in my case I didn't start experiencing psychotic symptoms until I was 33 years old. I started communing with "spirits" in 2004. That was the beginning. The thing that is interesting to me is that I believe I have some real photos of ghosts, one in particular that is strikingly human in form. No one believes me, but I always thought there was something else beyond our own physical plane. Anyway, I don't talk about "spirits" that much anymore because quite frankly, most people aren't interested in the subject. I see that what is important is living your life to the fullest and when you die, you may experience something extraordinary from that point on. So that's my story. What is your story, morgan? I enjoy reading the posts. Oh, by the way, my holy basil should be here soon. I'm really interested to discover how it works on me. I also read something about certain types of mushrooms that can help one achieve a higher spiritual plane. Not sure I'd want to experiment with any mushrooms other than Reishi.
Posted by Lao Tzu on July 4, 2010, at 9:33:03
In reply to Re: Holy Basil Rocks!, posted by Lao Tzu on July 1, 2010, at 15:37:45
I find I have a little more energy with Holy Basil, but still no spiritual experience or feeling of inner peace. I guess it works different for different people, or perhaps, I haven't taken it long enough or at a high enough dosage. I took one 400mg capsule yesterday and one this morning. Just noticed a little more energy and felt a little more spunky than usual. Perhaps it's all the medication I take or just the illness itself that prevents me from feeling the benefits of Holy Basil. Will post my continuing experience with it in the days ahead.
Posted by morgan miller on July 4, 2010, at 13:24:28
In reply to Re: Holy Basil Rocks!, posted by Lao Tzu on July 1, 2010, at 15:37:45
Hey Lao, Thanks for sharing some of your story. I've just dealt with the hellish depths of my disorder in the last few years. Before I did not know that I was bipolar, though I am a few other people in my life(specifically my therapist who has a Phd. in clinical psychology and has done forensic work for the local police) should have suspected that I was a long time ago. Actually, a few of my friends did suspect it but never told me so. Anyway, I'm sorry I didn't get back to you sooner, my computer was not working. I would love to share my story a bit later, busy today. Hope you are able to enjoy the holiday!
Morgan
Posted by morgan miller on July 4, 2010, at 13:29:57
In reply to Re: Holy Basil Rocks!, posted by Lao Tzu on July 4, 2010, at 9:33:03
Well hopefully you begin to notice even more of a positive energy boost. Maybe with time you will notice more of the peaceful calming effects. Even if you don't, would holy basil still be worth the investment with the added energy boost and spunk?
Posted by Dr. Bob on July 5, 2010, at 0:05:49
In reply to Re: Holy Basil Rocks! » Lao Tzu, posted by morgan miller on July 4, 2010, at 13:24:28
> Anyway, I'm sorry I didn't get back to you sooner, my computer was not working.
Just a reminder not to change your posting name without following these steps:
http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#names
Thanks,
Bob
Posted by Hombre on July 5, 2010, at 4:17:21
In reply to Re: posting name » morgan miller, posted by Dr. Bob on July 5, 2010, at 0:05:49
Speaking of ayurvedic herbs, has anyone tried Ashwagandha?
Posted by Lao Tzu on July 6, 2010, at 10:38:57
In reply to Re: posting name, posted by Hombre on July 5, 2010, at 4:17:21
Indeed, I have noticed more of an energy boost with holy basil. Another strange thing, I have been having some very vivid dreams lately. I don't know if they are caused by the Holy Basil or something else. I have also been taking Taurine lately. So it's one of these causing the vivid dreams. Have you experienced vivid dreams from Holy Basil, Morgan? They are not nightmares. I just seem to remember them very well in detail. Maybe, it's nothing. I do tend to dream a lot and I remember some of them. Most people in my family don't remember their dreams, but I like remembering them. Some of them are quite fascinating and inspire my poetry at times. Might increase my dosage of holy basil later, but for now I'm just taking 400mg per day. You say you are bipolar. Bipolar I or Bipolar II? Do you have mood swings everyday? My bipolar is mainly the depressive type. I've only been manic one time in my life, and I doubt I'll ever be manic again. At that time, I could stay up all night and smoke cigarettes, while all the while imagining this strange delusion that I was a god on a mission. It played into my interest of spirits and the life beyond this one. It wasn't usually scary, more creative and sometimes inspiring, but it was very weird. I am no longer in delusion or paranoid, and I am thankful for that because it was an obsession. I wasn't living my life in a realistic manner. I invented all kinds of scenarios and made up fantastical stories that to me seemed real, and even though they were odd, they fascinated me like nothing else. I can't say it was wisdom, kind of a distorted wisdom with no basis in this reality. I'm over it, though. I just want to live my life normally.
Posted by Lao Tzu on July 6, 2010, at 10:56:14
In reply to Re: Holy Basil Rocks! » Lao Tzu, posted by morgan miller on July 4, 2010, at 13:29:57
Do you take high dose fish oil for your bipolar disorder, and if so, does it help you? I can't seem to tolerate high dose fish oil. It tends to make me feel too energized. It's annoying. The supplements I do well on include, Borage oil (omega-6s), B1, B2, B6, B12, zinc and manganese, calcium and magnesium, selenium, Vitamins C and E. Sometimes, I need a little folic acid to raise my histamine levels slightly, but I don't take it everyday. What supplements help you the most? Do you exercise for your bipolar? That's supposed to be great for bipolar. I always feel really good after a round of tennis with my brother. I like the endorphin high.
Posted by morgan miller on July 6, 2010, at 12:52:23
In reply to Re: posting name » morgan miller, posted by Dr. Bob on July 5, 2010, at 0:05:49
> > Anyway, I'm sorry I didn't get back to you sooner, my computer was not working.
>
> Just a reminder not to change your posting name without following these steps:
>
> http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/faq.html#names
>
> Thanks,
>
> BobYeah I wasn't sure what to do. Sorry bout that. I meant to make a post to you concerning that.
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