ExamineHealth

Semde is an herbal compound that is used in traditional Tibetan medicine.  The label states that it is “Often prescribed for stress, depression, and all types of anxiety related conditions.”  Semde is one of a number of Tibetan herbal compounds produced and distributed by Siddhi Energetics.  Their website states: “Used to manage stress and depression on a daily basis, many people find their overall quality of life increases.”

I always have trouble with this sort of claim.  I am of the opinion that culturally, we overmedicate.  We have come to believe that there is a pill for every ailment.  To be clear, I’m not some sort of masochist; when you have a headache, you should take an aspirin (or ibuprofen, or. . . ).  That said, I’ve meet far too many people who have more than a few headaches a week.  While I don’t get headaches often anymore, mine were always connected to dehydration and stress.  I believe our “daily pills” tend to mask problems, rather than address them.

I am particularly suspicious of psychiatric medications.  Early in my adulthood, I was prescribed Prozac for a short period.  It turned my brain off.  I couldn’t hold a thought, and was occasionally falling asleep mid-conversation.  Complaints to the doctor seemed to make him more insistent about the prescription; I stopped taking the pills and visiting his office soon thereafter.  My experience helped create my suspicion of these medications; the incredible increase in usage rates has added to my concerns.  In 2007, there were more than 100 million prescriptions for antidepressants written in the United States.

While I am a bit of a skeptic, I do my best to stay open-minded.  I have tried a number of supplements in my personal search for health and “quality of life.”  When a friend suggested I try Semde, I shared my suspicions about psychiatric medications.  He shared my concerns, and described how Semde had helped him.  He takes it for a week or two at a time, perhaps twice a year.  He raved about Semde, saying that it helped him through a few periods when life looked a little bleak.

My first experience with Semde was a pleasant surprise.  By the second day, I felt better.  It wasn’t as if I felt “badly” before – I started taking Semde as an experiment, at my friend’s suggestion.  I’m (thankfully) in good health and reasonably good shape.  Daily health aside, I felt better.  I felt clear, well-rested, and happy.  The effects are subtle – not speedy or giddy – just “better.” I continued to take the supplement for two weeks, and I really enjoyed the result.

Over the last year and a half, I have taken Semde for four short periods.  I feel that Semde gives me a little balance, especially in those times that things seem out of balance.  I’ll continue to take it, when I need a bit of support.  I still regard psychiatric medications with suspicion – but I do recognize that they can be helpful.

Semde can be found at: www.SiddhiEnergetics.com