Herbs for Anxiety

Filed under: Mental Health » Anxiety,

Important: The information provided through this website should not be used for diagnosing or treating a health problem or a disease. It is not a substitute for professional care. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, you should consult your health care provider.

Herbs for Anxiety

Pharmaceutical drugs are popular remedies for anxiety because they hone in on the brain's receptors that cause you to suffer the symptoms of anxiety. Pharmaceutical drugs literally change your brain's chemistry. Pharmaceutical drugs are both powerful and effective. The problem, however, is that such synthetic drugs also have negative side effects.

Natural herbs however, can also change the brain's chemical makeup without all the negative side effects. In fact, one of the biggest side effects of natural herbs used to cure anxiety is a positive one - namely that it becomes easier to make positive changes in your lifestyle as well.

Below is a brief list of natural herbs most commonly used to treat anxiety.

List of Herbs Used to Treat Anxiety

Herbs Used to Treat Anxiety

Flaxseed oil: Flaxseed supports specific areas in the brain to reduce toxicity. It also serves to reduce low blood sugar which may be one component that triggers anxiety.

Passionflower: This herb has been found in clinical studies to have effects comparable to benzodiazepines, the most common pharmaceutical drug used to treat anxiety. Passionflower works to calm and soothe the nerves. It also serves to lower high blood pressure.

Valerian: This herb is effective in treating mild anxiety and should not be used long term, but rather as a means to reset the brain's chemistry.

Amino acids: Amino acids are the precursors to neurotransmitters that affect the part of the brain that trigger anxiety. Vitamins, minerals, and other dietary supplements that are high in amino acids are beneficial in treating these mental disorders. In particular, the acai berry is loaded with amino acids and is therefore one of the most effective supplements you can take to battle both anxiety and depression. In addition, acai berry extract will boost your overall health.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids: This natural remedy works very well as a supplement to other remedies for anxiety. You can get omega 3 fatty acids as a tablet or in dietary changes that include fresh fish, nuts, avocados and even dark chocolate.

Suffering from Anxiety? Don't Wait, Get Help

Anxiety is a serious mental disorder that has a powerful impact on the daily functions of your life, eventually affecting you long term. Therefore, it is essential that if you are suffering from the symptoms of anxiety, that you get help immediately. You can treat anxiety with natural cures including lifestyle changes that last forever, and natural herbs, vitamins and minerals. The best natural cure for anxiety, however, is a combination of both.

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Do Not Combine Herbs and Prescription Medications

Submitted by amyb on January 30, 2012 - 1:06am.

It is also worth noting that you should never combine herbal supplements with prescription medications without first consulting your doctor or pharmacist. Many times herbal medications can interact with prescription medications and have a very negative outcome. If you are currently taking a prescription medication for any condition (not just anxiety) make sure to ask professional help in selecting the right herbal remedy to help ease your anxiety without interacting with your prescription medications or other health conditions.

Use Herbs Carefully. They are Powerful

Submitted by eury on December 4, 2011 - 3:01am.

I am really into herbs and find them to be absolutely amazing things that God gave us. I use herbs in my health and beauty routine, and for many of my health needs. One thing I want to caution people about is that you should not take some herbs that help with anxiety over a long period of time because they can cause liver toxicity. You see, if it helps your mood, that makes it a psychoactive. In addition, even though it is an herb, that does not mean it is a mild psychoactive. Police are actually arresting people in California for driving around under the influence of Kava, so keep that in mind. I know that skullcap and valerian both have the ability to cause liver toxicity, so you should consult with your doctor to make sure you can take them over a long period of time.

Healing anxiety with herbs

Submitted by a seeker of happiness on August 22, 2011 - 5:38am.

Natural herbs can work to help with your anxiety issues, but you have to know which ones to use, and how to use them. In addition, they should only be used in combination with a health/ wellness plan. The right herbs can address social anxiety as well as panic attacks. Traditional Chinese medicine, Ayurveda, and other CAM (Complementary and Alternative) medical systems have been using herbal remedies for thousands of years, but the Western world seems stuck on popping pills and making big pharma rich and richer. Natural herbs for anxiety can help reduce feelings of nervousness and social anxieties. While the herbs don't directly heal your anxiety, they can help reduce the stress, help you relax, and thereby help you deal with your anxieties in the long term.

Awesome article!

Submitted by a seeker of happiness on November 10, 2010 - 12:09pm.

Awesome article! I wish people would realize that natural remedies can have a determinant role in anxiety / depression management, without the damaging side effects that are normally associated with pharmaceutics aimed at treating those conditions. There are a few other natural remedies I know of, that work like a charm in alleviating anxiousness and depressive moods: chocolate is a very noteworthy example, and having a small portion each day can make a powerful improvement in your well-being. When it comes to herbal infusions, kava kava and chamomile are two plants that will likely benefit people suffering from those conditions.

Depression and dementia

Submitted by a seeker of happiness on October 27, 2010 - 12:08pm.

Depression and dementia are two of the most common conditions that affect the health of our minds. We all felt depressed like misunderstanding to events of our lifes sometimes we also feel down and alone for no reason.

Herbs vs Antibiotics

Submitted by a seeker of happiness on October 26, 2010 - 12:07pm.

I'm a fan of herbs, but mostly just in tea. I'm not courageous enough to step away from Western medicine quiet yet! I had an ear infection on my last trip to Europe and the doctor said no antibiotics, he would prescripe an herbal inhalation (drop herbs in a steaming pot and inhale). While I eventually got better, I was in pain for several days! This past year I got another ear infection, but thankfully in the U.S. so I could get antibiotics. Took care of the problem in a matter of hours! Go meds! Lol

Herbs for Anxiety

Submitted by a seeker of happiness on October 18, 2010 - 12:06pm.

An herb, as you point out, can be used for more than just cooking. It can also be used for medicinal and spiritual purposes. In this case, helping to reduce anxiety. Herbs have been valued for years for qualities beyond their unique flavor and scent.

Valerian Root

Submitted by a seeker of happiness on October 14, 2010 - 12:02pm.

I have found that Valerian root is very helpful with anxiety.