Monday, May 20, 2013

The Most Effective Herbs for Anxiety

Anxiety is a completely natural human feeling. However, some individuals suffer from constant and severe anxiety, which affects their personal and professional life. Persistent, overwhelming anxiety and constant irrational fears are some of the common symptoms of anxiety disorders.

There are many treatments available for anxiety sufferers, such as medical, therapeutic, and herbal. Among all the different types of anxiety remedies, herbal remedies for anxiety have shown the most promise and offer relief with fewer side effects. There are many natural herbs for anxiety available, such as chamomile, passionflower, and St. John’s wart that can help you effectively deal with anxiety.

Here’s a look at the top 5 most effective herbs for anxiety that can provide you with relief from your anxiety symptoms.

Chamomile sits at the top of the list of herbs for anxiety. You can consume chamomile as a tea or capsule. Chamomile tea is a sweet drink that provides reduces anxiety symptoms, soothes an upset stomach, and relaxes tense muscles.

Passionflower -- Another natural herb that is ranked high in the list of herbs for anxiety is passionflower. Passionflower, like other herbs, is available in extracts, dry herbs, tea, and tinctures. Passionflower not only relieves anxiety, but also has been found useful in the treatment of insomnia.

St. John’s Wart is recognized by herbalists as one of the most effective herbs for anxiety. Besides effectively treating anxiety, St. John’s wart can also provide relief from depression and menopausal problems.

Withania(Indian ginseng) has been used for years to relive anxiety, tension, improve memory, calm the nerves, and restore vitality. Boil a gram of Withania roots in a cup of water and drink the solution daily to enjoy the multiple health benefits that this natural herb offers.

Kava Kava -- The roots of the kava plant contain kavalactones, which in turn possess anti-anxiety properties. People in the Pacific Ocean region have been using kava roots for centuries as a sedative.

It is best to consume kava roots by soaking them in water or milk. When preparing a kava solution, do not use hot water, milk, or any other liquid, as heat kills kavalactones. Kava supplements are also available in the market, but you should avoid using them. Kava supplements are not as effective as a kava solution, and some studies suggest that extensive use of kava supplements may cause damage to the liver.

Things to keep in mind when using herbal remedies for anxiety
While all the herbs for anxiety mentioned above offer you relief from anxiety symptoms, there are certain things you need to keep in mind while using them:

  • Herbal remedies for anxiety should never be consumed with alcohol.
  • Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not use herbs for anxiety treatment without consulting their doctor.
  • People who are taking medication for another preexisting condition should use herbs only under medical supervision.
  • People with a weak liver or a history of liver disease should not use the above mentioned herbs for anxiety treatment without consulting their doctor.
  • Some of the above mentioned herbs may show some side effects in certain people. If you find that a herbal treatment is not suiting you, you must immediately stop using it.

We recommend that you keep the above points in mind when using herbs for anxiety treatment. Also, give yourself 3-4 weeks’ time, as some of the herbs discussed above may take some time to show results.

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