Dear Bob Liebert,

I was diagnosed with acid reflux and given Nexium to take. That was about 18 months ago. The doctor has talked about taking me off of it, and even with it I still get nausea, and indigestion. I have also been diagnosed with IBS (irritable bowel syndrome) and I have had a long battle with anxiety and panic attacks. Over the past few months I have been getting sick more often, and just don't feel like my old self. I have had blood work done, and other tests, and they check out fine. Can you recommend some herbs that I can take to help me with my problems, and make me feel better. I am tired of being sick all the time, I am only 19.

Nathan

 

Dear Friend,

It seems that stress/anxiety has set off a whole pattern of disharmony; and stress can do many things to the body. Of the formulas I've created I would suggest the DIGESTAID Formula as addressing nervous stomach and acid balance both. HOPS extract can be added, as it can aid both nervous stomach from anxiety and IBS. WILD YAM extract can be used if cramping is common. These can be taken as needed for digestive symptoms. The NERVAID Formula can be taken as needed for anxiety; after a time some people do good longer term with one of its ingredients, PASSION FLOWER extract. This would be a good start at calming things down. Further things to consider are the adrenals and nerve tonics like OAT/AVENA extract, and a mild liver stimulant, like DANDELION ROOT, taken in courses. A demulcent, tissue-soothing herb like powdered Slippery Elm bark and/or Marshmallow root tea is very good for acid irritation of lining.

Yours in healing,
Bob Liebert, herbalist

You can buy these herbs and many more in the Formula and Single Herb sections of the Teeter Creek Herb website. Herbs that don't appear in the Formula or Single Herb lists can usually be requested in the "Message" section at the bottom of the order page.

The information expressed is the personal observations of Herbalist Bob Liebert based on his personal experience and his studies of folk and traditional herbalism. These observations are not meant to be a substitute for qualified medical diagnosis and treatment. Uses of many of the herbs have not been scientifically verified.