vitamins ?

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Jul 31, 2003

Whatever you do, stay away from ephedra......if you haven't heard already, that stuff is risky as hell! If you don't have trouble with your blood pressure or any other cardiovascular issues, then I think you'd be OK trying some ginseng for energy (it's good for memory too). Chamomile and kava kava are good for calming nerves and improving sleep (I sometimes drink an herb tea called Sleepytime about an hour before going to bed, rather than take s because I've read that kava kava may be harmful in concentrated doses). And of course, I believe strongly in taking a good multivitamin/mineral supplement every day to fill in the gaps in my diet and keep my immune system functioning well.

Fox · Jul 31, 2003

I just starting using adult multivitamin and it has ginseng and ginko. It is target brand, working pretty good for me.

Rnin' · Jul 31, 2003

Thanks for the help !!!! :)

renerian, BSN, RN · Jul 31, 2003

Multivitamin with antioxidants is good. Yes stay away from ephedra.

renerian

Shamrock, BSN, RN · Jul 31, 2003

Valerian root is used for calming. Also, Rexall has a herbal product

called Calmplex that is very good.

Carolanne · Jul 31, 2003

I'm a big fan of echinacea. Even if I'm feeling stressed or worn out, I'll pop a few, not just when I feel like I'm getting sick. Seems like I always catch a bug when I'm stressed, worn out and tired, which is not good if you're working in the hospital setting!

nurse2be in ny · Aug 1, 2003

I take a multivitamin, and also take extra B12. It's supposed to be good for your energy level.

nurse2be in ny · Aug 1, 2003

No, not B12, a B-complex (includes B12).

renerian, BSN, RN · Aug 1, 2003

Yep B complex will boost your ability to make health red cells and B6 will give you energy.

renerian

marilynmom, LPN, NP · Aug 1, 2003

Get ye to the health food store and buy some Rescue Remedy by Bach.

Marilyn

zacarias, ASN, RN · Aug 1, 2003

Hi all,

I just wanted to say a few things about herbs and supplements. Yes ephedra is risky (outright bad) but there are others too that carry risk.

Kava is commonly used for reduction of anxiety but has now recently been associated with causing liver disease/liver failure and is being discontinued in some of the European markets where it was popular.

Echinacea is one that can suppress the immune system. It should absolutely NOT be used by people with autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or HIV/AIDS.

I know that herbs/supplements are all the rage right now but the potential harm that they can cause is enough for the public and healthcare workers to be concerned. These supplements are over-the-counter and available for anyone to consume however they wish.

I know that adults are free to choose what they buy and the manner in which they self-medicate. I just want to encourage people to be informed about supplements before they take them.

A good resource is at http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/herbalmedicine.html