(Part 3) Reddit mentions: The best herbal supplements

Yes it will help, but you want EGCG, the most important molecule in green tea. I like this one from Now Foods. Many people use more supplements like Yohimbine, MCT oil, EC stack, naringen, forskolin, synephrine, all kinds of stuff for cutting, but if you're making good progress already you don't really need all that, especially at 18. I think EGCG would be a good addition with basically zero side effects, other than positive things like more energy and focus. You could also add some caffeine if you want, which would help too.

Hi, I've helped many in your current situation.

My best advice is too firstly follow what u/tasweigan89 said.


To minimize withdraw symptoms, I recommend Kava Kava Root capsules. Helps relieve stress, it has a reverse tolerance, gives a very mellow warm feeling to the body, isn't addictive, and it has minimal risks but you should review them yourself independently and not take my word for it.

This has helped many people through addictions, including myself.

https://www.amazon.com/NOW-Kava-250-120-Capsules/dp/B0013OSNA6


I also take a supplement that is scientifically formulated with harmful things like herbs and B vitamins, it's purpose is to increase focus, clarity, memory retention, and restore motivation.
Majority of the ingredients have been proven to stimulant neuron growth and repair, which would help replenish your obstructed reward system from your addiction.
https://www.amazon.com/Premium-Supplement-Memory-Energy-Clarity/dp/B072FH9YDV

I totally feel your pain. It is even worse when you are taking so much medications and nothing seems to help. The thing about joint pains is that you need not only to rely on medications but to live a generally healthy life style. Like getting some light exercise, drinking lots of water. avoiding alcohol and drinking lots of water. Using herbs and herbal extracts such as Boswellia, ginger, turmeric curcumin. Getting lots of vitamin D. One of the highest reviewed and recommend supplements for joint health is called Primal by Eu Natural. https://www.amazon.com/PRIMAL-Joint-Support-Healthy-Inflammation/dp/B00LOX2SHA

Take a look into it. It contains all the ingredients I mentioned and made completely from natural extracts.

This is my recommendation to you, I hope it helps and remember no matter what you do, to get healed and fast, you need to manage your lifestyle and most importantly your diet. Stay blessed and healthy

I'm not a medical professional, but I'll help you as much as possible with what I know and my experiences. For insomnia, they'll ask you some questions and have you fill out questionnaires to eliminate sleep apnea and determine what is bothering you. It's usually extremely easy to identify the problem with the doctor (e.g., delayed sleep phase disorder, insomnia, restless leg syndrome, etc.) If it's insomnia, they'll recommend 1) melatonin (and if you've taken a high dose like 3-10 mg, they'll recommend lowering it to 300 mcg). Next, they'll recommend individual therapies for your disorder (i.e., bright light therapy for delayed sleep phase disorder, CBT-I for insomnia) and a referral to a sleep psychologist. CBT-I is cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia, and you can read about it here:

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/insomnia/in-depth/insomnia-treatment/art-20046677

Alongside a sleep psychologist, you'll keep a sleep journal, which records your wake and sleep times and possibly mood and other variables. Your sleep psychologist will tailor a cognitive therapy to you based on your issues, including, but not limited to: stimulus control therapy, sleep restriction, sleep hygiene, sleep environment improvement, relaxation training, biofeedback, etc. I went through all of this, and it wasn't very successful for me, but I hope it works for your fiancée.

Drugs work initially, however, you will quickly develop tolerance to them. Doxylamine succinate (it's what's in Unisom; an antihistamine) is available online (Amazon), and it is very effective. If you do use it (25 mg), break the pill in half. The full dose is way too strong. The drawback is that the half-life (time for your body to break down half of the drug) is very long, and you'll probably be groggy in the morning-afternoon. Over-the-counter, you could also try:

1. Kava kava (https://www.amazon.com/NOW-Kava-250-120-Capsules/dp/B0013OSNA6/ref=sr_1_4_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1538843584&sr=8-4&keywords=kava+kava)
   
2. Valerian extract (https://www.amazon.com/Natures-Answer-Alcohol-Free-Valerian-2-Fluid/dp/B0014ATL8W/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1538843559&sr=8-3&keywords=valerian+extract)
   
   Prescription-wise, I've tried hydroxyzine (antihistamine), suvoxerant (orexin blocker), low-dose trazadone (antidepressant; off-label), and gabapentin (calcium channel blocker). I discontinued all of them either due to side effects or the develop of tolerance.
   
   I hope this helps. Let me know if you have any other questions!

It's basically an aged ginseng. You would need close to 1000mg to really feel an effect, but it gives energy and boosts your immune system. It can give quite a boost to sex drive as well.

I'm not a doctor of course, but I don't believe there are any negative effects.

From a product description:

>Ginseng has been used as an herbal supplement for over 2000 years. It has been shown in clinical trials to increase energy & decrease fatigue, boost the immune system, reduce stress, enhance mood, and boost mental function.

>However, not all ginseng is created equal. The active ingredients in ginseng are substances known as ginsenosides, and ginseng low in ginsenosides may not be effective.

>It takes 6 years for a ginseng root to fully develop its ginsenoside content, and this also depends on other factors such as climate and soil conditions. Korea in particular is famous for the high-quality ginseng it produces. "Red" ginseng refers to a traditional process of repeat steaming and drying, which increases the number of ginsenosides further.

It's not particularly cheap, but you can find lower dosages for cheaper, or Chinese red ginseng which may be as effective.

http://www.amazon.com/Authentic-Korean-Red-Ginseng-Ginsenosides/dp/B00JVA8RO6/ref=cm_cr_pr_product_top

Maybe research it a bit to see how you feel about it. Bring it up to your doctor too to see what he says about it being a good idea or not.

I appreciate the reply. I looked through your posts and I noticed you have knowledge on different curcumin formulations. I have some additional questions if you would be so kind.

Do you recommend Longvida or Theracumin for cognitive benefits (improved mood & memory)?

The most recent study I found in regards to improved memory and mood is https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1064748117305110?via%3Dihub

Subjects were given 90mg/day. However, your suggested dosage for Curcubrain works out to be 320mg/day. The cost of 4 doses of Curcubrain works out to be approx the cost of 2 doses of Theracumin Double Strength
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00TJ4OD8S/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=discount008-20&camp=1789&creative=9325&linkCode=as2&creativeASIN=B00GHC2FL2&linkId=43652e4561e4780daecb8738ebf33ff8&sa-no-redirect=1&th=1

In light of the above, which would you recommend? I would appreciate any additional info on where I could find dosage recommendations or is it based on personal experience?

Much thanks!

EDIT: In addition to my own personal use, I am also looking into curcumin for my ageing parents (late 70's) to slow/prevent cognitive decline and improve overall brain functions.

Grey Street Herbals has caps for around $15/ounce (50 caps) and Free Shipping on all orders.

• he is /u/MetalFusionDude here on reddit
  
  Krabot has 60x1g caps for $25.99 (approx $12.13/ounce) and 180x1g caps for $71.99 (approx $11.20/ounce). Those are huge. They have 600mg caps but they are all sold out so I can't tell how much they cost.
  
  
• code NEWYEARS2017 gets you a 10% discount
  
  
• he is /u/Krabot_ here on reddit
  
  *****
  
  If you change your mind on capping your own -
  
  

  Capsules
  

  
  

• ebay: 1000 empty gelatin capsules size 00 for $8.99 with free shipping
  
  
• Amazon: 1000 empty gelatin capsules size 00 for $11.99 with free shipping from Amazon Prime
  
  

  Gizmos
  

  
  I have The Capsule Machine and I like it. You can get pretty fast at capping them by hand once you do a bunch.
  
  

• "The Capsule Machine" with youtube video tutorial. Another place to purchase The Capsule Machine
  
  
  
• EZ Cap Filler with tutorial from /u/JKreese and youtube video demo
  
  
• Cap-M-Quik with youtube video tutorial
  

Ever thought about a potentiator? Lemon is an easy one but Turmeric is a two-fold helper.

Turmeric with piperine (black pepper) to help lower your dose and it has a ton of anti-inflammatory properties. I used to have good results with the GAIA brand capsules. Unrelated to the kratom seller GAIA. There are cheaper versions but make sure it has the pepper. It can thin your blood if you have other health issues just FYI. I hope you find relief.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F1J8K4I/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_A1XIAbQXK0WQ6

Your mom needs first of all to watch her diet. Preferably, boost her diet on fatty fish like salmon and tuna, eat a lot of berries, green leafy vegetables, garlic and beans. These are rich in vitamins and nutrients that support joints and provide overall well-being. If you are looking specifically into herbs and minerals:

1. Boswellia
   
   
2. Turmeric Curcumin,
   
   
3. Vitamin D and B
   
   
4. Boron
   
   
5. Ginger
   
   These are some key vitamins, minerals and herbs that are being used to make various medications and supplements for conditions such as arthritis or other joint pains. I will recommend you check out Primal by Eu Natural ( https://www.amazon.com/PRIMAL-Joint-Support-Healthy-Inflammation/dp/B00LOX2SHA). This is highly recommended by a reliable producer and contains the ingredients I mentioned.
   
   If you can, also encourage your mom to increase her intake of water and exercise lightly if possible. Believe me it will go a long way to help her

Trader Joe's is cheaper than Amazon for me. Amazon's probably among the cheapest, though.

The recipe below is very versatile and can cover both sweet and savory snacks. You can make it into muffins or you can make it into a bread shape. My wife and I like to use it to make grilled cheese.

Recipe:

Melt 1 tablespoon butter (or other fat — sometimes I use coconut oil and my wife likes cream cheese) in a microwave safe container that is the shape that you want your bread/muffin to be in. (We like to use square Tupperware if we're using it for sandwich bread or a coffee mug to make it more of a muffin shape.)

Always Add:

• 1 Tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese
  
• 5 or 6 grinds of salt
  
• 1/4 cup ground flax seed
  
• Pinch of baking powder
  
  Optionally, also add (alone or in combination):
  
  
• Garlic powder
  
• Dill
  
• Cinnamon
  
• Sweetener (we like ezSweetz liquid sucralose because it doesn't contain filler like granular sucralose; filler = carbs)
  
• Shredded cheddar
  
• Pepper powder (chili, cayenne, etc.)
  
  Mix ingredients very well.
  
  Add one large egg and mix very, very well.
  
  Microwave approximately 1 minute or until the middle is firm.
  
  Serve with cheese, cream cheese, peanut butter, butter, or other keto-friendly toppings.
  
  My favorite combos are garlic/dill and cinnamon/liquid sucralose.

I started the same way as you, exactly. After messing about for a few weeks, here is where I've ended up which is miles beyond what I thought possible at first.

1. Ditch the Alluball.
   
2. Get a bag
   
3. I have used plenty of the Wakacon kava, but have found it not so great. If you are set on using amazon, try this instead.
   
   
   Preparation for ONE Cup (8oz.) of Kava: ^(multiply accordingly for more, I usually make 6 cups per batch and put it in a pitcher in the fridge)
   
   
4. 2-3 tablespoons of kava into the bag. Place bag in a container or bowl large enough to hold the water + bag.
   
5. Pour one cup of very hot (not boiling, but hotter than you would want to keep your hand in for more than 1-2 seconds) water directly into the bag. Close / tie up bag.
   
6. Let sit for 5-10 minutes.
   
7. For at least 10 minutes, knead the crap out of that bag! Pull it out of the water, squeeze all the water out of the bag. Mash it with your hands. Dunk it back in and soak it and mash it. Really work that shit. Hard!
   
   Enjoy your buzz.
   
   
   Edity: As far as drinking it goes, a "shell" is roughly 4-5 ounces. Drink one every 10-20 minutes until you feel sufficiently relaxed.
   
   Edity2: I know that the alluball seems great. I was pretty stuck on it at first. Let me just say that it in no way will provide what you will get out of "rubbing it out". It really isn't that much more effort, and completely 100% worth it in every way. Also, your Kava should look like coffee with cream added (not see-through at all).

Glad to hear you're also feeling less anxious! The friend who recommended it to me (via her psychologist) had very similar experience to you - she pairs it worth some sort of antidepressant and thinks it's having some sort of affect but not is complete game changer.

I've been taking 400mg once a day with food - I ordered this kind from amazon: [NOW Curcubrain](NOW CurcuBrain 400https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00K31PXSU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_Out9ybWBY8142)

Thanks! It really is such a relief. My biggest fear is that my body will at some point become immune to it and the feelings will come back. But learning to try and take life one day at a time. :)

I like to use liquid sucralose (brand name EZ-Sweetz, Amazon (USA) link): https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003LECIDE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_aGTTDbG5P0S2M

These are the little bottles that fit nicely in a pocket or purse. For me, one drop is sufficient to sweeten a 12-ounce cup of coffee. I carry a bottle everywhere I go and put it in all my unsweetened beverage. Best part, it’s carb-free cause it’s just sucralose without the fillers that come in those little powder packets (Splenda, the yellow packet, is the sweetener packet with sucralose). Score! 😊

It sounds idiotic but go buy him some of this. The stuff works better than you can believe. They will help him to relax and not get so worked up. I promise, you won't be sorry.

So...ladies, it works. They actually really work! I am taking both pills right now, every morning, one estrogen and one evening primrose oil pill.

Day 1: No change

Day 2: I got a real period (unusual for me) which consisted of bad back pains, cramps, fresh red blood, bloating (my definition of a real period). I do not usually get a real period, I just always bleed brown blood and do not have any cramps or symptoms of a period.

Day 3: By this day my evening primrose oil came in so I took both an estrogen and epo pill. Still on my real period.

Day 4: Period has lessened.

Day 5: Period is down to just very a minuscule amount.

Day 6: There is no bleeding of any sort, discharge is still colored, but there's no brown blood or fresh blood or any blood at all

Since then I've just waited for my discharge to regain its normal white color since it isn't being mixed with blood anymore, which IT HAS!!!
The period that I've had for 6 months is now gone since taking one pill of each daily.
I'm absolutely stunned and extremely grateful to have come across these products. These pills now make my 3 year Nexplanon implant worthwhile again with 2 and a half more years to go.

Evening Primrose Oil:
NOW Super Primrose 1300 mg,120 Softgels https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0018O8IQA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_GelUCb52D06KY

Estrogen:
ProEstro Estrogen Pills for Women | Female Hormone Balance Supplement https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01HFDWHIW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_fflUCb9FGSDEH

It's quite pricey, but absolutely worth the chunk of change.

Best bet is amazon.de I had no real luck finding them any where other than here. Yes a little pricy for all of them, but better safe than sorry.

http://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B0016687K2/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

http://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B00151G8L8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o05_s01?ie=UTF8&psc=1

http://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B000BD2KBI/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

http://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B001DNV5CA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

http://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B0019GW38G/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

http://www.amazon.de/gp/product/B000NRYTPM/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Kalm With Kava is a popular high-end brand.

​

They do make medium grind powder, which you would need to strain. Squeezed or strained medium grind is what most people would refer to as traditional kava. In my experience, this is the more affordable way to go, and I end up feeling a cleaner and "fuller" experience. That being said, traditional prep requires a bunch of squeezing and kneading, and 5-15 minutes of your time.

​

However, the Kalm With Kava product that you screenshotted is micronized kava.

​

Micronized kava is generally more potent, it is an incredibly fine powder, and all you have to do is mix one or two tablespoons into whichever drink you prefer. I like preparing traditional kava with whole milk and I have done it with chocolate milk too, so it should definitely work fine with micronized.

​

If convenience is a priority for you, then I would give what you posted a shot.

​

If you want to try traditional filtered kava instead, there are quite a few good choices on Amazon, and a muslin strainer bag can be bought from there too.

​

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0752Y9NFP/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o05_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 - strainer

​

https://www.amazon.com/Wakacon-KAVA-Fijian-WAKA-powder/dp/B00A80163M/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=kava&qid=1557633453&s=gateway&sr=8-3

https://www.amazon.com/Dua-Na-Bilo-Premium-Fijian/dp/B01MSS0ATH/ref=sr_1_7?keywords=kava&qid=1557633691&s=gateway&sr=8-7

\^ affordable medium grinds

​

https://www.amazon.com/Kava-Root-Farm-Fresh-Noble/dp/B011Z1PFB6/ref=sr_1_11?keywords=kava&qid=1557633715&s=gateway&sr=8-11

\^ medium grind Kalm With Kava

Oh, one more idea: there have been numerous recent studies linking depression with inflammation, and the most frequently identified supplement to treat this is Turmeric, ideally encapsulated together with black pepper as it potentiates the effects. I use this as a daily supplement (but never in place of my regular medications). Below is the link to the specific kind I use in case you want to be spared all the research that myself and my mother have done into which product is the BEST 😆


Dr. Tobias Turmeric Curcumin - 15x Strength: 750 mg per Capsule of 95% Curcuminoids Plus Bioperine - 120 Capsules https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Y4VIHKG?ref=yo_pop_ma_swf

These are great. And they are natural with stevia and you only need one little squirt. More than one squirt and it’s too sweet. I use a very big mug too. But they are easy to carry around. I keep them in my work bag.

I'm 3 months into my treatment on Absorbica and i've been lifting consistently throughout my cycle 6-7 times per week with cardio in the morning. I started to feel some joint pain that isn't typical for me, so I upped my Turmeric game. Turmeric is one of the greatest anti-inflammatories, and I highly reccomend it if you're feeling any joint/tendon discomfort. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00Y4VIHKG/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1 - This is the best Turmeric product out there in my opinion because it contains 750mg of the 95% extract, whereas other supplements will only have 500mg-1g of regular Turmeric. Best of luck to you on your journey!

I have normal/oily skin, so I've been using it as my main daytime moisturizer this summer, and as my first layer after Curology at night. Totally in love. I can't compare to drug store aloe because i haven't tried any yet, but I'm going to try this Aloe Farms Organic Aloe Vera Gel from Amazon to make DIY sheet masks, because it is cheaper by volume. if i like it better I'll probably still decant it into the Holika Holika bottle because it's so damn cute!

I take two of these per day. I can't remember why I chose this one specifically but I did a bunch of research via Amazon reviews with some preexisting info going into it and felt pretty good about it. Not the most expensive product but solid, AFAIK.

I got http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HK6FGIS/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Only because the pictures were better than some of the other ones (I don't give a rat's ass about Dr. Danielle and only a cursory concern about it being organic). I was hoping to find a version that has more piperine (examine.com recommended 20mg) but 5mg seems to be the best I could get.

I want to do some more reading on the other options (non-piperine) that examine.com mentions, once I've seen if this helps.

Detergent:
I used to make laundry detergent, but don't recommend it any more. Before starting cloth diapers, I did a ton of laundry detergent research and DIY just doesn't have the ingredients to clean clothes properly, long-term.

Hand soap: Dr. Bronner's is a great concentrate for foaming dispensers. I find it too drying for shampoo/ body wash. I add a bit of aloe gel in the winter.

De-greaser: 50/50 Dawn + white vinegar cleans anything greasy (and bathroom soapscum!) amazingly. Keep in a spray bottle; wipe up with hot water and cloth.

Floor cleaner: White vinegar spritz + steam mop deep cleans just about anything. Vinegar won't smell once evaporated, but you can toss lemon rinds in a big jar with the vinegar (soak a few weeks) to help with the smell.

Deodorizer: Cheap vodka (add essential oils if you'd like to add scent). I mist it all over furniture until a bit damp, same for rugs (after spot test)—basically anything that can't be laundered and gets a funky smell over time. Alcohol kills the stench-causing bacteria and evaporates quickly.

This one is pretty expensive, but I really feel like it's been helpful for me. https://smile.amazon.com/Natural-Factors-CurcuminRich-Theracurmin-Inflammation/dp/B00TJ4OD8S

Source Naturals Serene Science Theanine Serene with Relora

Gaia Tumeric Supreme

*Valerian Root Extract

Also you might want to try another strain. That source naturals stuff is stronger than the benzos I am prescribed.

Youtheory turmeric is good and Curcumin with Meriva is good. Youtheory is just a good complex, contains bioperine, and is enteric coated. Meriva is equally good, but different - it's a liposomal encapsulation, so the breakdown happens in the gut and enters your blood stream easily because it's encapsulated in a liposome.

Instead of coffee mate, try organic heavy whipping cream. That powder stuff has 2g carbs per tsp and that’ll add up quick if you need to use a lot. I just bought these stevia liquid sweeteners for the 4th time for my coffee: SweetLeaf Sweet Drops Liquid Stevia (3 Variety Pack) (Original Version) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XR6P8BQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_rWpVCbC4SGVPH. Out if all the flavors, those three are the best!

building muscle alone is good enough IMO... i have no issue not doing cardio... esp. if trying to build muscle. if one needs to do cardio, if u dont have contraindicated health/injury issues, a type of HIIT training works well, like running on an incline treadmill as fast as possible for 90seconds, rest 45 seconds, repeat times 5 (you may have to build up to that), three times a week.

chronic low level inflammation is different than the inflammation associated with weight training/resistance training.

avoiding processed foods as much as possible, flour/chips, products made of corn, lowering cane sugar/honey (any substance that abruptly raises blood sugar) helps.... and eating more whole foods helps (1 cup frozen organic blueberries a day, red bell peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach leaves (only lightly steam veggies, ie 6 minutes, set a timer)... limiting high temperature fried foods (ie less than 350 degrees)....

one could consider adding perluxan or apresflex may help

https://www.amazon.com/Source-Naturals-Standardized-Alpha-Acids-Perluxan/dp/B01HYJ4R7G/?th=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006N3NXYS/?th=1

as for curcumin, curcubrain passes blood brain barrier for brain effects, so i would use that

https://www.amazon.com/Now-Foods-Curcubrain-Longvida-Count/dp/B00K31PXSU/

curcubrain has other benefits other than affecting mildly low level inflammation (when taken once a day, mild effect)

to reduce low level inflammation, i wouldnt think one would need all three products....

as for omega's, i think it is better to get that thru white tuna or a quality can of sardines in water that doesnt have bpa... sardines are loaded and balanced IMO and a better source than a pill

While costing slightly more per oz, Dua Na Bilo is a much better product.

Wakacon is regarded as quality, but weak in potency. Dua Na Bilo is constantly reviewed as one of the strongest kava's available at any price. If you'd like to read more about it, there are certainly posts here if you search and there's a lot on www.kavaforums.com

It's actually sold out very often so I was surprised Amazon even had any in stock right now. There is a limited supply because it all comes from one farm.

Sorry to jump in on an old conversation, but does this product look similar to what you are taking?

This is what it lists for the dosages: -500mg Organic Turmeric (Curcuma longa) - 5mg Black Pepper (Bioperine®)

Thanks for any help you can provide, I am trying to slowly understand tumeric/curcumin as a supplement.

Well the subgroup analysis only looked at <500 mg/day and >500 mg/day and the benefits were definitely stronger in the >500 mg/day as per Table 3. You can see in Table 1 the various dosing's that were used. Many of them were 1,000 mg/day with 5 mg/day piperine but some were 1,500 mg without piperine. There are few products like that on the market, Doctor's Best is one.

So, while the marscarpone balls were chilling in the fridge, I decided to make use of the leftover coating chocolate to cover some truffles.

Ingredients (and amazingly simple instructions):

1. 3 Tbls cocoa powder
   
2. 1 Tbls Coconut Oil
   
3. 2 Tbls Peanut Butter (I use Skippy Natural cause it tastes the best)
   
4. A few drops of no carb liquid sucralose (honestly, buy it) or powdered equivalent.
   
   Mix the cocoa and coconut oil with a fork until it is smooth and lump free. This takes a few minutes, but keep at it. When combined, add a big lump of peanut butter and the sweetener and mix like the devil. As long as the peanut butter is not cold, it will blend right in.
   
   Put in the freezer to harden a little (about 15 minutes), then take out, shape into balls and let harden in the fridge for about a half an hour. When hardened, simply roll around in the same chocolate coating as in the other recipe and refrigerate.
   
   I swear, they melt in your mouth and taste like amazing chocolate-peanut butter truffles.

Now is an acceptable brand, generally does its job but is not at the top of the supplement companies.

This is good , this is Longvida formulation :

- https://www.amazon.com/Supplements-CurcuBrainTM-Longvida%C2%AE-Optimized-Curcumin/dp/B00K31PXSU

Now (only) Curcumin , I don't know ... If you read a little more about curcumin you'ill see that it cannot be absorbed optimally by itself.

In the end it depends on what you wish to get from curcumin

Personally I would not take a medication with those side effects. Would trying something different be doable? If so, I highly suggest Turmeric! I started taking it (prior to keto) for bursitis/tendonitis/arthritis in my shoulder. I was able to avoid eventual surgery (bone scraping) because of it! It also resolved an SI joint injury and mild arthritis in my right hand. It takes at least a month and sometimes more to notice any difference, but it truly is amazing. I take the one below, but any quality brand will work.

https://www.amazon.com/Dr-Tobias-Turmeric-Curcumin-Curcuminoids/dp/B00Y4VIHKG

And here is just one article of many you can find on the web:

https://www.arthritis.org/living-with-arthritis/treatments/natural/supplements-herbs/guide/turmeric.php

ETA: I was taking 800mg of naproxen per day for my shoulder and quit when it caused some pretty severe swelling in my ankles. It was also only taking away about 70% of the pain I was having.

I've had lots of issues with hormonal acne on my chin for the past several years. It was painful and never ending. It's not AB, but it finally cleared up after I added the following to my routine:

• Prescription adapalene 0.1% at night (topical)
  
• Evening Primrose Oil supplements
  
• Switching to a ketogenic diet (r/keto)
  
  I'm honestly not sure if one or a combination of these things helped the most, I started them all around the same time. Just wanted to offer these suggestions in case they help you!

I've been following Dr. Ely's supplements on my own for about 3 weeks now. I haven't been able to get the antibiotics yet. So just this part:

pro-biotics:

• Saccharomyces boulardii
  
• Lactobacillus rhamnosus
  
  Bile:
  
  
• Ox bile from Allergy Research Group
  
  Bioflavonoids:
  
  
• Quercetin 500mg
  
• Curcumin Phytosome with Meriva
  
  Healing the liver:
  
  
• Thisilyn 140mg
  
  ​
  
  The calming has been pretty dramatic, though I still had something of a mini flareup after first week. Likely attributable to be away from home for 4 days and not eating carefully, and/or not taking the pro-biotics since I had no way to keep them cool.

The anecdotes we find the most convincing are our own. What you have probably experienced is a combination of the post hoc ergo propter hoc logical fallacy and confirmation bias.

If you want to do a fun experiment on yourself, get some empty pill capsules and fill them some of them with sugar. Get some multivitamins you can crush and put in the rest of the pill capsules. Get a friend to give you a few days of one, a few days of the other, repeatedly, but not tell you what you're getting. Record your energy levels each day. Compare notes after and see if there's any correlation (hint: there probably won't be).

both of you seem very knowledgeable about this subject, thanks for sharing (calling /u/ReflectHeatIntoSpace). question: im looking into this Auragin product as i currently have good experience with this Vitaminshoppe brand, am trying to figure out equivalent dosage based on assumption of different ginsenoside content? any guesses along those lines?

the Auragin looks great but the recommended 3 per day for one month supply is kind of pricey, which i understand is understandable for true quality ginseng. trying to see if just 1 or 2 per day would be sufficient, plus from experience too much causes unpleasant side effects of overheating and chest palpitations.

There's Nowfoods Longvida which is quite cheap, but dunno if it's as good. There is also this with bioperine, and apparently it's recommended for brain fogginess.

What differences have you noticed between the various BDNF methods? Curcumin vs fasting vs exercise vs Semax/Selank.

Pedia is so important haha and has def saved me a bunch. I would also totally recommend hangover pills- these things are not miracle pills but really do reduce the hangover which is crucial for the absolute MARATHON that is EF haha

In that case I'd stack it with a caffeine source and EGCg since he also mentioned being healthier. EGCg will help fight free radicals and improve your overall health.

Here is some good priced options (and good quality):

Curcumin C3 Complex with Black Pepper: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00C0UKA62/ref=mp_s_a_1_10_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1468164239&sr=8-10&keywords=Viva+Labs

Meriva Curcumin: https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003C59JES/ref=mp_s_a_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1468164317&sr=8-3&keywords=meriva&pi=SY200_QL40&dpPl=1&dpID=41NYc0RWxVL&ref=plSrch

This might be of interest to you:

https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/prickly-pear-may-be-hango/

This seems to have good reviews and a fair number of them (1,800+):

https://www.amazon.com/Hangovers-Vegetarian-Electrolyte-Money-Back-Guarantee/dp/B001EM7T34/ref=cm_cr_othr_d_product_top?ie=UTF8

I'm guessing that the Nalover is mainly due to the blocking of endorphins the next morning, so they're not there to cushion the blow.

That curcumin product doesn't say it's an extract. It just says "Turmeric curcumin". Are you sure it's legit? Doesn't look legit to me. I notice a lot of products do this misleading thing, since turmeric only contains 2-3% curcumin, they can technically still write curcumin on the label while increasing their profit margin.

What you really want (per the Examine.com entry) is a 95% curcumin extract + piperine.

For example:

http://www.vitacost.com/vitacost-turmeric-extract-curcumin-c3-complex-with-bioperine-1160-mg-per-serving-120-capsules-10

http://www.amazon.com/Doctors-Best-Curcumin-BioPerine-120-Count/dp/B000BD0RQS

I've never seen it in my local stores. I had to order on Amazon. I got this one:


NOW Super Primrose 1300 mg,120 Softgels https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0018O8IQA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_9NwZzbHHBG2XX

I've been using Auragin (a 6-year korean Panax Ginseng product) with really impressive results. Things ive noticed are: increased aerobic capacity, increased muscular endurance (rep range in workouts), lesser hangovers, cognitive enhancement/increased concentration, and a reduction in depression.
http://www.amazon.com/Auragin-Authentic-Ginsenosides-Additives-Ingredients/dp/B00JVA8RO6#

so far, Auragin has the highest ginsenoside content of any ginseng product i've came across. if anyone has found a more potent korean grown ginseng I would like to see it.

yep they sure do. but the aloe vera "gel" i have is more liquid than gel like.
This is the aloe gel i bought and these are the dehydrated face masks i bought. Works for me but, of course, YMMV.

It's too late for you to buy these for tomorrow but get some for next time. These save my life on occasion. https://www.amazon.com/PreToxx-Hangovers-Supplement-Electrolyte-Vegetarian/dp/B001EM7T34

They have the powder option, although the flavors would have to be semi-artificial on your part (like grab Mio or SweetDrops). Personally, I love the SweetDrops

yo i came here to make the same suggestion - i take this brand: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000BD0RQS/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o04_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

my dad recently had surgery on his hand and was having some residual pain, and this stuff was a huge help for him too.

http://www.amazon.com/Hangovers-Vegetarian-Capsules-Cysteine-Electrolyte/dp/B001EM7T34/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1404512823&sr=8-1&keywords=hangover+pills


this stuff is amazing

You should look at Passionflower extract. It has been shown to be effective when coming off of opiates to reduce withdrawal symptoms, perhaps it can help in this instance as well. It also is pretty handy for anxiety in general and panic attacks.

When I came off antidepressants I went cold turkey and under my own direction....Wouldn't recommend it to my worst enemy.

Not trying to scare you, just saying how not to do it. You're doing it the right way, finding something to fill the void. I recommend working with your doctor on tapering and ending the dosage. Good luck

Some info on passionflower: http://universityhealthnews.com/daily/depression/passionflower-benefits-anti-anxiety-and-insomnia-without-the-side-effects/

The extract I use: Herb Pharm Certified Organic Passionflower Extract for Mild and Occasional Anxiety - 1 Ounce https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0006O2KOO/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_uL2yybRM47Q64

The meriva form of curcumin is supposed to be really effective.

Is it noble?

EDIT: Just checked. It is. Here's a link. I'm going to give it a shot.

EGCG works fine for me. From what I understand, EGCG will help prevent the 5-htp from being converted into serotonin before it reaches the blood brain barrier.

I use this one: http://www.amazon.com/Foods-Green-Extract-400mg-Vcaps/dp/B001DNV5CA

My go to rn is https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01MSS0ATH/ref=ya_aw_oh_bia_dp?ie=UTF8&psc=1,lot of ppl on /r/kava were recommending. Definitely been meaning to buy from Bula. Loved GHK's moi but it's just to expensive for me

https://www.amazon.com/Herb-Pharm-Certified-Passionflower-Occasional/dp/B0006O2KOO

Wonder how it would be taking this after ~300mcg? Would it lesson the trip or make it better you think?

http://amzn.com/B0006O2KOO - passion flower extract

CurcuminRich Double Strength... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00TJ4OD8S?ref=ppx_pop_mob_ap_share

This is the strongest I’ve found

Liquid Sucralose like EZ-Sweets

Completely 0 carb/0 calorie.

http://www.amazon.com/EZ-Sweetz-2oz-Liquid-Sweetener-Servings/dp/B002MO765O/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1312422076&sr=8-1

http://www.amazon.com/Packs-0-5-Liquid-Sweetener-Servings/dp/B003LECIDE/ref=acc_glance_gro_ai_ps_t2_t_1

Any recommended brands of Kava? I was thinking about ordering this one https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MSS0ATH/ref=ox_sc_sfl_title_3?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1DNAGLAPU6JWC

We use this, I take it too! First we made sure they were okay with it by just adding a weight-appropriate amount to their food once a day, then twice a day (the recommended amount is for a 150lb person so we just did 1/5th a capsule for 30lb dog). We do our own raw and I do a veggie mix with leafy greens, carrots, beets, pumpkin/sweet potato, yogurt, raw honey, seasonal herbal and seaweed mixes (prepared by our local raw feeding co-op), some fruit, ginger, and red palm oil, so once I knew they were okay with it I just ground up a month's worth of turmeric capsules for two dogs with a month's worth of the veggie mix and added it to the meat grind.

Oh, and FWIW, we also tried switching to a "cooling" protein (traditional chinese medicine thing), since we had been feeding chicken before, and I am not sure that made a difference, other than being a pain in the ass to grind (duck has a TON more fat and it kept clogging the grinder).

1,000 of them for $12.99. Size 00

PurecapsUSA - Clear Empty Gelatin Capsules - Size 00 (1,000 Joined Capsules) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00I2C7EEI/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_l-qwDbHWGGGXA

Taste is subjective, but I personally like sucralose and erythritol best--stevia in any form has a very distinctive taste that I dislike, and xylitol somehow manages to mimic a non-minty minty cool taste that I find weird.

You can get liquid sucralose super-cheap on Amazon in convenient little dropper bottles, and erythritol is available online and sometimes at Whole Foods and similar markets under the brands Swerve and Zero--both zero carb.

It's legal and safe, helps with anxiety. Severely helped getting over weed, but downvote away people.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B011Z1PFB6/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o02_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Eu Natural, specifically their joint anti inflammatory -- Amazon

Helped me with a sprain few months back and now I take it daily to stay on point.

http://www.amazon.com/Packs-0-5-Liquid-Sweetener-Servings/dp/B003LECIDE/ref=sr_1_2?s=grocery&ie=UTF8&qid=1398003349&sr=1-2&keywords=ez+sweetz

Here’s the link: https://www.amazon.com/NOW-Kava-250-120-Capsules/dp/B0013OSNA6/ref=mp_s_a_1_5?keywords=kava+kava+capsules&qid=1558892680&s=gateway&sprefix=kava+&sr=8-5
Btw it says 250 mg but that means 250 mg of the kava extract which is composed of 30% kavalactones. And 30% of 250 is 75, so there is 75 mg of kavalactones per capsule.

This stuff. It's liquid sucralose. Splenda in drops instead of granular.

http://www.amazon.com/Packs-0-5-Liquid-Sweetener-Servings/dp/B003LECIDE

I was going to buy curcumin 500mg for my grandpa. But what do you think about it ? Is it sufficient or something else to replace/ go with it ?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00HK6FGIS/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1CFD107N4CDGO

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001DNV5CA/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Nac-Acetyl Cysteine for nail-biting

http://www.amazon.com/Foods-Nac-Acetyl-Cysteine-600mg-Vcaps/dp/B0013OUQ3S

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23651231

*

Rhodiola for anxiety/stress

http://www.amazon.com/Foods-Rhodiola-Rosea-Capsules-500mg/dp/B005P0U7TY/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1412359579&sr=1-1&keywords=rhodiola

*****

Kava also works for anxiety, but made me feel slight dizzy/drunk

http://www.amazon.com/Foods-Extract-Stress-Support-Capsules/dp/B0013OSNA6/ref=sr_1_2?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1412359615&sr=1-2&keywords=kava

dude I've felt like that before. try what I did: start taking this Turmeric stuff twice a day. It's good for your liver and an antidepressant. Also if you're not getting enough sunlight and nutrition, you're probably vitamin D deficient, which also contributes to depression. Grab some D.
Last but not least, take these liver pills before drinking. It will help minimize the damage to your liver.

Another thing, see if you can get yourself into a detox for at least a weekend, try to get some help. sounds like you're on a rapid downward spiral. suicide ain't the answer man. PM me anytime.

Try the liquid sucralose drops (EZ-Sweetz) as the Splenda packets contain maltodextrin. I use these all the time with no triggering effect.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003LECIDE/ref=oh_aui_search_detailpage?ie=UTF8&psc=1

None, when I do want my tea sweet I use liquid splenda: http://www.amazon.com/Packs-0-5-Liquid-Sweetener-Servings/dp/B003LECIDE/ 1 drop = 1 pkt of sugar

I'm not comfortable eating sugar, I think that it's the single biggest problem in nutrition right now.

Truvia contains stevia w/ erythritol. I just dumped my splenda (which contains maltodextrin, a thickener that adds carbs) and bought some Truvia. Some people swear by EZ-Sweetz which is sucralose w/o the maltodextrin thickener: http://www.amazon.com/Packs-0-5-Liquid-Sweetener-Servings/dp/B003LECIDE/ref=pd_rhf_shvl_1

Glad to hear you're getting better and best of luck with your recovery. Life is always a challenge but god damn sometimes it just shits on you. It's cliche but the saying "the harder the life the sweeter the song" is true when you beat it.

Edit - For me, joint inflammation is the biggest bitch. I've found this supplement to help out a lot. http://amzn.com/B003C59JES

Everybody is reacts differently but curcumin greatly reduced my pain and actually elevated my mood. Each time I run out I notice more pain. It's cheap too and curcumin is an all around good supplement to take.

Hi! I have carpal tunnel as well and it affects my fingers and wrist when I grip. I take curcumin as a supplement and it keeps the inflammation and pain almost gone as long as I am consistently taking it. If I go 3-4 days without taking it then my pain immediately comes back. This is the one I am currently taking. It seriously makes me go from unable to grip anything without pain to 90% pain free.

I thought it’d be useful to post a nicely-formatted list of everything I was taken, with links to the products as well as the evidence-based papers and studies for each.

Methodology

I won’t take anything based on someone saying “this worked for me.” It needs to have real, scientific evidence. I have read hundreds of journal articles, seeking out quality evidence for things that have been shown to help with ulcerative colitis.

Of things with evidence, I tend to focus on things that have the fewest side effects possible.

Unfortunately, some of these things are only available as “natural supplements” which means that rather than the active ingredient being perfectly isolated, they contain a bunch of other random stuff from wherever that came from. I tried to choose companies for the natural supplements that seemed reputable, so at least I’d hopefully be getting what they claimed I would.

Background

I was having a flare—including abdominal pain and blood in my stool. I continued taking my oral mesalamine, then as I had for previous flares, added a mesalamine enema, used nicotine patches, and took wheat grass tablets. I added each one every two weeks. After eight weeks, the blood had long since stopped, but the pain didn’t.

I contacted my doctor. He added prednisone at 40 mg/day. That made things worse. After a week, he upped me to 60 mg/day. After one week of that, and no improvement, I added many other things, as outlined below.

After taking all of these things for a month, the pain hadn’t stopped.

I had a colonoscopy, which showed no inflammation. None. My doctor and I agree the pain is likely from something else; I will soon have a CT scan to help figure out what.

Do any of the things below work? In theory any, all, or none of them could have contributed to my colon being perfectly normal and healthy. There is no way to know which, if any of these, did anything.

Everything I was taking, dosages, and evidence

IMPORTANT: Almost all of the studies referenced below combine these things with mesalamine. So nothing is a substitute for that! These must be taken in conjunction with mesalamine.


|Drug|Dosage|Study|Quality of Evidence|
|--|--|--|--|
|Prednisone ℞|40-60 mg/daily, then taper|Many|Excellent
|Lialda (mesalamine) ℞|2.4 g/daily|Many|Excellent
|Apriso (mesalamine) ℞|1.5 g/day|Many|Excellent
|Mesalamine Enema ℞|Nightly|Many|Excellent
|Visbiome (was called VSL#3)|225 billion CFU/day|Meta-analysis|Good
|Nicotine Patch|14 mg/day|Meta-analysis; Placebo-controlled|Good
|DHA/EPA (also sold as “fish oil”; this one is vegetarian because I am)|1080 g DHA+540 mg EPA/day|Meta-analysis|Good
|Wheat grass tablets|21 tablets/day|Placebo-controlled|Good; small study
|Sunflower lecithin|10 g/day|Meta-analysis|Good to moderate
|Curcumin (from tumeric)|2.6 g/day|Meta-analysis|Moderate
|EGCg|400 mg/day|Rat study|Good in rats; poor in humans; WARNING: Dosages over 338 mg/day cause liver toxicity
|Bupropion immediate release ℞|100 mg three times/day|Rat study; TNFα only|Poor; only shown to lower TNFα; no studies on its effect on UC; study done in rats
|Rutin|1.8 g/day|Rat study|Poor

℞ indicates a prescription drug. Mesalamine and prednisone are commonly prescribed for ulcerative colitis. Bupropion is normally prescribed as an antidepressant so your gastroenterologist may be reluctant to prescribe it for this, especially since there are no studies of its effect on ulcerative colitis in humans.