The Best Herbs for Anxiety

By Stephen Jablonski

Herbs have been known to man for thousands of years. They were the first medicines ever used. And they provided the blueprint for the development of all of our modern drugs and drug therapies. Though they've been around for a long time, they're still useful and effective today, especially for the treatment of stress and anxiety.

Herbal treatments are less expensive than prescription medications and offer a cost effective alternative to drugs. Herbs for anxiety treatment also have fewer side effects and the side effects they do have are usually much less severe than their drug counterparts. That's because herbs are milder. Of course, this also means they work more slowly and take more time to be effective.

Keep in mind that any anxiety herbs definitely do have side effects. For that reason, you should be careful when introducing any new herb or supplement into your body. Take the time to speak with your doctor or pharmacist before you begin any new regimen.

Valerian

Valerian has long been known as primarily an aid to deep, restful sleep. However it's calming effects can be used during the day as well. Small doses during the day can help control the nervous, anxious feelings you can get when faced with today's stressors.

Kava

Kava was first used in the South Pacific islands where it grows easily and abundantly. There it was cultivated into a relaxing beverage used in nearly every household. From there, it made its way to Europe and the West where it is used as an effective treatment for anxiety and insomnia.

St. John's Wort

St. John's Wort is a medicinal herb that dates back over 2000 years to the days of Hippocrates. He used it to first treat depression but in today's world, it has been found to be an effective treatment against the effects of moderate levels of anxiety. It comes with certain side effects though as it may increase your sensitivity to sunlight and also interfere with the effectiveness of other drugs you may be taking.

Passion Flower

Passion Flower is a plant native to the Southeastern United States, parts of Argentina, and Brazil. It has been typically used as both an aid to digestion and as a natural tranquilizer. A small dose taken just before bedtime has been known to promote a restful sleep.

A Final Word

All of these herbs are useful in the treatment of anxiety disorders and you can find them in most health food stores. They come in different forms, capsules, liquid extracts, and teas. And while they all produce much the same effects generally, you may find that they each work a little differently on you. Which one works best will probably take a little trial and error.

I personally find the teas to be the easiest to use. They're easy to make and I enjoy a cup of tea after dinner; it's part of a little pre-sleep routine I use to ease away the stress of the day. But you may find capsules or extracts more convenient for you. In any case, if you're looking for some help managing your stress and anxiety, these best herbs for anxiety can give you some amazing results. - 20759

About the Author:

No comments:

Post a Comment