Susan's Top Ten Supplements For Trying Times Hi-potency sustained release multi-vitamin - take with food, preferably breakfast. Holy Basil - herb that helps neutralize cortisol, a stress hormone that leaves us feeling frazzled. Siberian ginseng & gotu kola - helps with circulating oxygen through the blood stream and supports physical and mental vitality. I like this combination very much. Calcium with magnesium - I use cal-mag like others use antacids. Calcium relaxes nerves and muscles, and magnesium stops spasms in our bodies, just the kind of physical stresses that we suffer at these times of life (i.e. headaches, backaches, muscle spasms, nervous twitching, palpitations, just to name a few.) I like to take small doses throughout the day and extra at bedtime. Chamomile - helps with relaxation, especially nervous stomachs. Avoid this herb if you are allergic to ragweed. Valerian - natural muscle relaxer, aids insomnia, lowers blood pressure. I like Nature's Way Valerian Nighttime with lemon balm, another of nature's soothing plants. St John's Wort - try it for 3 - 6 weeks and see if you don't feel slightly more happy than sad. A small flower can't solve life's problems, but many people think it helps and I'm one of them. Rescue Remedy - the most commonly used of the Bach Flower Remedies for balancing emotions. I use it when giving speaking engagements. It doesn't alter you, only strengthens your resolve. There are many flower remedies for more specific needs. Vitamin B-12 - helps with physical and emotional stress, helps rid the body of fats and toxins, and is vital for mental health. We offer B-12 shots in the store each Saturday from 4:00 to 5:30 pm. I try to get one twice a month. It helps with my mood and energy levels. Vitamin B Complex - I prefer a timed-released form. B vitamins give our bodies energy and help us cope with stress, but are water-soluble and refined out of many of the common foods. Consequently, B's are often deficient in the typical processed American diet. I take 50 mg. once or twice daily.