A significant portion of today’s patient population is interested in all-natural alternatives to drugs when possible, and sedation is an area where some useful options exist, according to Daniel M. Siegel, MD.
“Sedation without drugs [is important] if you have new-age patients or, I guess, the California perspective [of] fruits, nuts, and flakes,” Dr. Siegel said.
The most potent options, he said, are kava (piper methysticum), valerian (valerian officinalis), and Delta 8 or Delta 9 THC.
“[Kava], long-term, has dermatologic side effects, but the short-term use is innocuous,” Dr. Siegel said. “Valerian, it smells like old socks. … Delta 8 and Delta 9 THC can both be sedative. Delta 8 can be good for pain control, [but] check your local state laws.”
Less potent options listed included passionflower, hops, chamomile, skullcap, hibiscus, catnip, and oat seed.
“There’s a whole world out there [of options] that aren’t pharma that are dirt cheap,” Dr. Siegel said.