Do Herbs for Anxiety Provide Relief?
Anxiety on any level can be challenging. For people who struggle with stress and anxiety, every aspect of life can be impacted to include work, school, family, financial responsibilities, intimate relationships, friendships, and so on. However, an extreme case of anxiety can be crippling, literally making it difficult for a person to function.
Any time stress and anxiety reaches this level, it would be imperative for a person to get appropriate medical care or for a friend or family member of the person struggling with anxiety to intervene. In some cases, intense anxiety can lead to deep depression, which is the start of all-new problems. While there are definitely instances in which conventional medical care would be the right approach, there are also times when herbs for anxiety work incredibly well.
Herbs have been used to treat a multitude of illnesses since the beginning of time but thanks to modern research and technology, herbs from around the world have been discovered, healing properties analyzed and understood, and supplements manufactured that are highly effective but also safe. Because of this, there are actually many traditional medical doctors that suggest herbs for anxiety to patients.
Benefits of Herbs
The exact benefit or benefits a person would experience depends on the herbs for anxiety being taken but overall, several changes would be expected. Below are some of the specific things that herbs for anxiety can reduce but only when the right herbs are taken and in an appropriate dose.
- Occasional anxiety and panic attacks
- Mood swings that result from daily stress
- Physical and mental fatigue associated with chronic stress
- Irritability and/or nervous tension
An important note is that while many people get relief from using different herbal remedies or supplements, this is not an appropriate treatment option for someone with an actual anxiety or panic disorder. When anxiety is connected with a disorder or disease, the problem has become far more serious and therefore, the services of a highly qualified medical professional would be required.
Herbs that Work
There are many different herbs that work great for anxiety, some better than others. We also wanted to point out that while herbs are not the same as prescription medication, unpleasant or even harmful side effects could occur. Additionally, negative interaction could be a problem in some instances of herbs being mixed with other herbs or prescription medication. This is why becoming educated through in-depth research is so critical when considering any herbs for anxiety.
Some of the specific herbs for anxiety highly recommended have been provided below to get a person started in the right direction when interested in getting help in this manner.
- 5-HTP – Formally known as 5-Hydroxytryptophan, this plant-based herb works as a precursor to a neurotransmitter found in the brain known as Serotonin. This chemical plays a key role in regulating mood.
- Passion Flower – Another one of the top herbs for anxiety, the passion flower offers a number of benefits to include fewer bouts of nervousness, reduced number of anxiety and panic attacks, and improved sleep. While passion flower is a type of natural sedative, it does not cause drowsiness.
- Rhodiola Rosea – Of all herbs for anxiety, this one is known for offering the broadest range of benefits
- St. Johns Wort – This herb has been used for a long time and unlike other herbs for anxiety. St. Johns Wort has undergone clinical testing and deemed a natural reuptake inhibitor. While there remains slight question to the effectiveness of this herb specific to stress and anxiety, most experts believe it balances Serotonin within the brain.
- Valerian Root – This herb is typically used for people with mild to moderate cases of anxiety or those who experience emotional stress reactions occasionally but also encourage relaxation for everyday stressors.
- Winter Cherry – The primary benefit of this herb is relief from anxiety but also emotional stress responses that occur occasionally
In many cases, people will combine one of the best herbs for anxiety with vitamins to get optimal results. The best vitamins include the B vitamin complex and vitamin C. However, it would also be essential for anyone living with anxiety to adopt a healthy lifestyle. In other words, along with a well-balanced diet, daily exercise, no smoking or illicit drugs, and reduced consumption of alcohol, the combination of herbs and vitamins would prove highly beneficial.
