The invention provides preparations, formulations, kits and other products of manufacture (e.g., blister packs) comprising combinations of beneficial ingredients that are serviceable as therapies for improving states and disease symptoms such as involving inflammation, excessive sympathoneural drive, cachexia, anorexia, and anorexia-cachexia, as well as stress or anxiety related thereto, and methods of making and using them. The invention provides compositions and therapies comprising use of a beta adrenergic antagonist (also called "beta blockers", e.g., propranolol) in combination with an anti-inflammatory agent, e.g., a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID), an angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, an angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB), an anabolic steroid, a natural oil or fatty acid or any combination thereof.