AboutDr. Candice Davis, ScD Expertise I specialize in answering questions about children's health and diseases. My answers are very empowering in that I teach home remedies and nutrition first. But also am an expert in pediatric herbal medicine. If you want a natural cure or natural mode of healing common to serious childhood diseases/illnesses--Ask Me!
Experience I have 5 children and have seen everything--if not in my own family, but in my clinic as well. With that said, I have tons of personal experience. On the academic side, I have years of clinical training and apprenticeship in herbal medicine, specifically Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine. And further education in pediatric herbal medicine. Plus I have been through it all with my own kids and my neices/nephews.
Organizations I am a member of the American Herbalist Guilde, East-West Herbal Guilde of Arizona, and National Association of Professional Women.
Publications URTV-Asheville, NC. I was a guest speaker on the Dale Joyner Show LIve on televison. I discussed healthly lifestyles for the Asheville community.
Education/Credentials I am a certified medical herbalist specializing in Ayurvedic and chinese medicine. From the Asian Botanical College. I have a doctorate from Ashewood University in Health Sciences. Good Manufacturing Procedures (GMP) for health supplements Certified.
Awards and Honors International Who's Who Award in Medicine--November 2008.
Past/Present Clients many. one famous one Matt. www.mattannecharico.com
Question HI I SUFFER FROM BAD ANXIETY CAN YOU TELL ME WHAT ARE THE BEST HERBS FOR SOCIAL ANXIETY. I HAVE BOUGHT VALERIAN, SKULLCAP, LTHEANINE, NIACINAMIDE AND 5HTP. IVE FOUNF THE THEANINE ALONE DOESNT WORK. MY QUESTION IS WHAT COMBO OF THE ABOVE SHOULD I TAKE AND WHAT DOSES? I AM OVER 18 AND HAVE NO ILLNESSES/PROBLEMS. THANK YOU.
Answer Hello,
There are lots of different causes of anxiety. In Chinese medicine, a social-type anxiety where there is fear of groups, new faces, or new experiences and a sense of with-drawl, is usually caused by what we call Kidney Yin/Yang deficiency. This is type of deficiency begins in the womb and can take some time with herbs to help replenish. Another kind of anxiety where there is more anger, defensiveness, or a feeling of unworthiness, and mood swings is caused by Liver and Heart Qi (chi) deficiency and/or stagnation. This type can be treated with herbs usually more quickly. Of course, there is a whole spectrum of anxiety and depending on how severe, how long you've felt this way, and how you are presenting the anxiety can really determine the exact combination of herbs that would be most helpful.
So in general, I can offer some advise. But I would have to ask you a few more questions to truly give you a detailed answer as to what specific herbs and ratios would be benefitial to you.
In Chinese medicine, we usually always treat the Liver when there is depression or anxiety. Drinking a Dandelion Root tea or herbal tincture would be a good place to start. I see that you are taking Skullcap and Valerian--these herbs work best with digestive herbs, such as acidopholis (not really an herb, but healthy bacteria)and the Indian herb Triphala (3-fruits). Plus ad the following for a good combination: Ashwagandha, Rosemary, hops, catnip, wood betony, peppermint, celery seed, and cinnamon. These herbs combine nervines such as valerian with digestive herbs, including catnip, celery seed, and Triphala, along with those that break apart stuck/stagnation Qi (chi), such as cinnamon. Rosemary builds and balances Qi (chi) of the Kidney and Heart. Ashwagandha normalizes energy and helps replenish Kidney Yin/Yang.
I know that 5HTP is best taken 30 min before a high enxiety moment (such as befor a party or school) or after 2pm (later afternoon). It isn't for long term use. It is used more for spur of the moment anger, frustration, or anxiety.
These are all very good herbs for anxiety. The one question I ask all of my clients who have anxiety is When did it begin? And what was going on in your life at that time? Even if someone is genetically more likely to suffer from anxiety, there is always an emotional trigger that starts the cycle. Figuring that out, and being in a place of emotional safety to work through that is always better than just using herbs/or drugs alone to heal from anxiety.
