Using Natural Herbs for Anxiety Treatment 

Anxiety can be described as the terrible stressed feeling a person gets when confronted with a situation that they are uncomfortable with.  It can be giving a public speech, going in for a job interview or worrying about how you are going to pay your bills.  Instead of taking prescription medication, many people are using natural herbs for anxiety issues quite successfully.  They are not addictive nor do they have many of the serious side effects often associated with the drugs currently being used.

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Herbs have been used for centuries as a form of medication; it has only been within the last century or so that modern drugs have become used on a widespread basis.  Because anxiety can assume many faces such as anxiety attacks, phobias, OCD issues and can even go as far as causing all out panic attacks, many sufferers are finding that the use of herbs can help offer relief from these symptoms and actually help the brain to restore its chemical balance.

Since many of the symptoms of anxiety are very similar to those of depression, one of the more common herbs being used is St. John’s Wort. Recorded history shows that St. John’s Wort was used in ancient Greece for the treatment of depression, pain and even anxiety. Today many naturopaths and holistic medicine practitioners recommend St. John’s Wort as a first herbal remedy for depression as it is readily available at all health food stores and many department stores.

St John’s Wort has been found to be successful enough in treating patients who suffer from depression and anxiety in Germany that is now listed as a prescription medication for insurance purposes. These results have been supported by several clinical studies conducted over the last few years and prove that St. John’s can be successfully used to help with anxiety problems. For the average patient St. John’s Wort has far fewer side effects than prescription medications and is considered safe for daily use. The only side effects of consequence are some instances of sensitivity to light and photosensitivity.  It is important thought to check with your doctor for any interactions or contracindications with with any other medicine that you may be taking.

Another popular herb being recommended for anxiety sufferers is Kava Kava; this herb comes from the islands of the South Pacific and has been used as a beverage for centuries by natives. Kava Kava has been proven to reduce anxiety while inducing a state of relaxation in many people. Recent studies have shown that Kava Kava has a mildly narcotic effect and creates a feeling of euphoria is most patients that can be characterized by lively speech, an increase in sense of hearing and elevated mood.

While Kava Kava can indeed be used on a short term basis to relieve the symptoms of anxiety such as depression, nervousness and overall feeling of stress it should only be used on a short term basis as overuse can lead to hypertension , vision problems and dizziness. Extreme long term use has been shown to cause liver damage and blood cell abnormalities, so only use Kava Kava for a short term and if you notice any of these symptoms seek medical advice.

Many naturopaths recommend the use of valerian for those patients who suffer from mild anxiety attacks. Valerian in highly modified and refined version is the basis of the prescription medication Valium which has been prescribed for years as an anti-anxiety medication.   However unlike Valium, valerian is not as habit forming and has very few side effects.  Valerian is commonly used as a sleep aid for those who suffer from insomnia, however with its mild sedative effects it can also be used to help patients deal with anxiety attacks in small doses but should not be used if you are taking prescription medications for anxiety or insomnia. Side effects are mild and can include headaches, drowsiness and upset stomach.

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If you suffer from anxiety attacks and would prefer not to have to use prescription medications, there are natural alternative that you should explore. While they may not work for everybody, unlike many of the medications they offer far less in the way of side effects and do offer the possibility of relief from your symptoms naturally.