PTSD

Why it works: Clinical finding (summary): A randomized, observer-blinded, controlled trial in survivors of the 2011 Great East Japan earthquake / tsunami reported that SKK significantly reduced...

Instructions: Dose & schedule used in the randomized trial: Participants in the trial received 7.5 g per day of SKK (total daily extract) given as 2.5 g three times daily (TID) for 2 weeks; outc...

Warnings: Licorice (Glycyrrhiza) — pseudoaldosteronism / hypokalemia / hypertension: Many Kampo formulas (incl...

Studies: Randomized controlled trial (main clinical evidence):Numata...

Why it works: Xiao-Tan-Jie-Yu-Fang (XTJYF) is a modified granulated form of the classic formula Xiao-Yao-San (with additions from Er-Chen-Tang) that was tested in a randomized, double-blind, pla...

Instructions: The best source for protocol/dosing is the randomized trial (Meng et al., 2012). Key practical details from that trial:. • Formulation: XTJYF as a granulated/prepared herbal packag...

Warnings: a. What the trial observed. • The Meng et al. RCT reported no serious adverse events and considered...

Studies: Primary randomized controlled trialMeng X-Z et al., A Chines...

Why it works: Ginkgo’s plausibility for PTSD comes from several biological actions that map onto processes believed to underlie PTSD (neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, dysregulated monoamines...

Instructions: Key clinical-trial dosing (PTSD study):. • A double-blind, placebo-controlled 12-week add-on study in PTSD used Ginko-TD (fixed dose 200 mg/day) as an add-on to existing treatment...

Warnings: Increased bleeding risk / interactions with anticoagulants & antiplatelets.. • Ginkgo has mild antip...

Studies: PTSD-specific clinical trial (most directly relevant):Shams...

Why it works: Rhodiola rosea has plausible biochemical effects (stress-axis modulation, neurotransmitter effects, antioxidant/neuroprotective actions) and several clinical trials showing benefit...

Instructions: Typical extracts and standardization: Most clinical trials used standardized root extracts (commonly the SHR-5 or similar), standardized to a combination of rosavins (typically ~3%...

Warnings: Drug interactions — especially antidepressants and warfarin: Rhodiola can interact with psychiatric...

Studies: Phytomedicine randomized trial (Mao et al., 2015) — proof-of...

Why it works: Valerian root is not an evidence-backed, first-line treatment for PTSD itself. It has plausible mechanisms and reasonable clinical support for sleep problems and mild anxiety — sym...

Instructions: Usual clinical extract dose (adults): 300–600 mg of a standardized valerian extract (commonly standardized to ~0.8–2% valerenic acids) taken 30–60 minutes before bedtime for sleep....

Warnings: NOT a standalone PTSD treatment. Valerian may relieve insomnia/anxiety but is not an evidence-based...

Studies: Systematic reviews / meta-analyses (sleep): reviews and umbr...

Why it works: There’s biological plausibility and moderate-quality evidence that passionflower can reduce anxiety and help sleep, but direct evidence specifically for PTSD is very limited. Most...

Instructions: Typical dosing ranges reported in clinical references:. • Dried herb / tea: ~0.25–2 g (dried) per dose; one commonly used regimen is 1 cup (150 mL) of tea 2–3 times daily or 30 min...

Warnings: Main safety concerns. • Sedation / CNS depression: causes drowsiness, dizziness, slowed reaction tim...

Studies: Systematic reviews & high-level evidenceCochrane review...

Why it works: Anxiolytic / GABAergic effects (apigenin): Chamomile contains the flavonoid apigenin, which has been shown in preclinical work to interact with GABA-A / benzodiazepine receptor sit...

Instructions: Forms used in clinical research. • Oral standardized extract (capsules): The best-controlled clinical trials used pharmaceutical-grade chamomile extract in capsules. Doses in trial...

Warnings: Allergy / cross-reactivity (Asteraceae family): People allergic to ragweed, chrysanthemums, marigold...

Studies: Amsterdam JD et al., 2009 — Journal of Clinical Psychopharma...

Why it works: Aleozen® is a multi-herbal supplement whose publicly listed components (in vendor/product descriptions and patent listings) typically include Eschscholzia (California poppy), Melis...

Instructions: In the main randomized trial (the PHYTéS / Aleozen studies) patients received Aleozen® for 10 days as an early intervention after a traumatic event (emergency department setting),...

Warnings: Major drug-interaction concern — 5-HTP (Griffonia) + serotonergic drugs: 5-HTP raises serotonin prec...

Studies: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial (PHYTéS /...

Why it works: Ashwagandha has good clinical evidence for reducing stress/anxiety and lowering cortisol, and plausible neurobiological mechanisms that could help PTSD symptoms, but human clinical...

Instructions: Formulation & extracts. • Most modern clinical trials use standardized root extract formulations (often standardized for withanolides). Common brands in trials include KSM-66 and o...

Warnings: Major warnings (who should avoid or use caution):. • Pregnancy and breastfeeding: avoid — some sourc...

Studies: Key randomized controlled trials (human — stress/anxiety):Ch...

Why it works: EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) is based on the Adaptive Information Processing (AIP) model: traumatic memories remain poorly processed and are stored with str...

Instructions: Standard 8 phases (high-level):. • History & treatment planning — identify target memories, current triggers, and safety needs. EMDR International Association. • Preparation — buil...

Warnings: Key safety points (short):. • Not a “do it without training” method. EMDR should be delivered only b...

Studies: Systematic reviews & meta-analyses (broad summaries):A 2...