The Herbal Anxiety Remedy - A Descriptive List
Those suffering from dysfunctional anxiety have long used various herbs for their mild calming
, tranquilizing effects. Barring allergic reaction, such herbs are generally safe and effective when used in moderation. And generally, such herbs have milder and fewer side effects than drugs used to treat anxiety or depression.
Although taking herbal anti-anxiety remedies along with drugs for anxiety may be a popular idea, it is generally inadvisable to do so without first consulting your medical professional because some drugs, whether used for anxiety or depression or other ailment, should not be taken in combination with herbs treating the same symptoms.
Herbal supplements and products are typically available in the form of teas, tinctures, capsules or tablets, either alone as single herbs or together in a recipe of herbs used to treat anxiety and stress. As with any nutritious and live plant material, the following herbs may have additional effects on the body other than the sedating or calming one.
Kava Kava: Derived from a Polynesian plant, Kava (or Kava Kava) is as effective as some pharmaceutical drugs at relieving symptoms of anxiety and depression according to some studies. Kava also acts to relax muscles in spasm. It can cause drowsiness. Kava should not, however, be taken in conjunction with drugs taken for anxiety or depression, and should be avoided by pregnant or nursing mothers and when consuming alcohol. Not recommended for persons under the age of eighteen.
Valerian: This has been known to help relieve muscle spasm, stress, nervousness, pain, and irritable bowl syndrome. It may work best after taking it consistently for several weeks. It may serve both to bolster a fatigued nervous system and to calm a hyperactive nervous system. It is one of the stronger herbs for relaxing.
And it should be avoided when consuming alcohol.
Passionflower: It has a mild sedative effect. Helpful for anxiety, hyperactivity, and stress. Should not be used during pregnancy.
Chamomile: Chamomile is actually a number of closely related plant species generally used to reduce pain and inflammation in the gut and for antispasmodic purposes, for insomnia and nervousness.
Chamomile should be avoided when consuming alcohol or drugs used for their sedative effects. Chamomile should not be taken consistently for long periods (like some drugs) and used if at all only with caution by those allergic to rag weed.
Hops: Hops has long been used to brew beer. It is helpful in reducing hyperactivity and nervous tension and helpful for those feeling stressed or unable to sleep. It has been used inside pillow cases to help children relax at night.
Hops should be avoided when on drugs used for depression.
Lemon Balm: Named for the lemon scent of its leaves, the essential oil of lemon balm acts as a mild sedative and antispasmodic. Lemon Balm is also antibacterial and antiviral. It should not be taken by persons who have glaucoma or hypothyroidism.
Skullcap: This is helpful for alleviating muscle cramps, hyperactivity, and anxiety. It is one of the more helpful herbs for insomnia and fatigue.
Skullcap should be avoided by children under age six.
Lavender: Taken externally only via the air or on the skin, the essential oil of lavender has a calming effect on the central nervous system.
St. John's Wort: Actually, St. John's Wort is used for mild to moderate depression, which many anxiety sufferers a prone to experiencing. It increases in effectiveness over a period of consistent initial consumption.
Prolonged St. John's Wort may make a person overly sensitive to sunlight, so that some take it in winter and avoid it in summer, depending on the latitude where one lives. It should be avoided when taking antidepressant drugs or MAO inhibitors.
Other herbs may be indirectly helpful to those suffering from panic attacks and anxiety disorders such as Siberian Ginseng, which helps with endurance, and herbs like Fenugreek and Marshmallow Root, which calm the digestive tract and Peppermint or Ginger, which can soothe the stomach. Stress and pharmaceutical drugs generally tend to deplete the body of various vitamins and essential nutrients, so good diet is important as well.
Long term, panic attack and anxiety disorder sufferers should probably incorporate other health-related modalities in addition to herbal ones, such as exercise and therapy, or modalities that address accompanying problems, such as in the presence of alcohol abuse, relational, work, or economic distress, or reactions to food allergens or environmental toxins.
Copyright (c) 2010 Peter Rubel
by: Peter Rubel
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