Herbs for Anxiety: Are they Really Effective?
If you’re suffering from anxiety problems and you’ve exhausted your time, health, and money trying out prescription medications, you might as well try using herbs for anxiety.
Anxiety disorder is the most common form of mental illness in America which is experienced by over 19 million people. While it is much less serious than the other kinds of mental and behavioral disorders, it can be very debilitating and depressing. Anxiety alone is normal – being a natural response mechanism of our brain and our body. But when it starts to affect your daily life, it becomes a disorder. Fortunately, this is a kind of health condition that can be treated in several means.
The use of herbs for anxiety may be new to you but don’t ever underestimate the power of natural treatments. Many times, anxiety disorder can be treated with psychotherapy or with the help of support groups. It can also be treated using relaxation techniques such as hypnotherapy and meditation. But most of the time, sufferers choose prescription meds like xanax, beta blockers, and benzodiazepines. But if you want to experience risk-free treatment, these herbs may be the best treatment for you!
It is not just because they’re safer to use, but also because herbs for anxiety are proven to be effective. So what are these herbs? You must be very excited by now. Without further a due, here they are:
Lavender – An aromatic plant that relaxes your body and your mind
If you are fond of undergoing aromatherapy, you must have been delighted of the fragrant smell of lavender. It works by relaxing your body through its aroma. Though there were no precise evidences as to the effect of lavender in the anxiety level of a person, it has been widely used by many in alleviating stress and anxiety symptoms. Lavender, which is a natural relaxant, is one of the most popular herbs for anxiety that are also used for various health problems including depression and panic attacks. Lavender can be taken orally or it can be applied in a massage therapy. For people with bleeding disorder, they should not take lavender by the mouth as this herbal medicine promotes bleeding.
Passionflower – have a passionate sleep and anxiety relief
If your anxiety makes it hard for you to sleep, you can try making use of passionflower. This is also a natural relaxant that works by decreasing muscle tension as well as the spasms which are the usual body reactions towards anxiety. Passionflower is one of the most popular herbs for anxiety because it gives the sufferer instant relief from the majority of anxiety symptoms including agitation, headaches, hot flashes, mood swings, and insomnia.
Valerian – a potent natural tranquilizer for a calmer you
This herb for anxiety is usually used by people suffering from insomnia. They usually take valerian before bedtime. The results can be expected for quite some time though (2 to 3 weeks). Valerian makes you fall asleep because of its ability to create a feeling of drowsiness in your mind. Aside from this, valerian treats some other symptoms of anxiety such as uterine cramps and bronchial spasms. But, this potent natural sedative should not be given to children below 12 years old and to pregnant women who are taking prescription meds.
Kava – The anticonvulsant
Kava is a natural sedative that is used to treat insomnia, stress, and other symptoms of anxiety. Kava herbs for anxiety relax the muscles and are known to be anticonvulsant. However, this herbal treatment should be taken under the supervision of a health professional because it can adversely react with the body if taken excessively. Too much intake of Kava may cause headache, nausea, and allergic reactions. This therapeutic herb is not also recommended to people suffering from liver diseases.
Guidelines before Using Herbal Treatments for Anxiety
The herbs for anxiety featured here are the most popular but there are many more herbs that can be used to address this common problem. However, proper caution should be observed all through the time. If you wish to try herbal medications to experience relief from anxiety disorder, here are some guidelines that you need to take note of when using herbs for anxiety:
· Herbs for anxiety are medicine too.
Therefore, they must be used with the same precautions just like the prescription medications. Some people have allergic reactions to some herbal medications. You should consult your doctor before you start taking one. You also need to be aware of the proper dosage and precautions when taking them. You don’t just take them anytime you want to and in any amount that you desire. Don’t abuse the use of herbs. Proper storage is also necessary. Herbs for anxiety should be kept in cool, dry, and secured place. Furthermore, it should also be noted that these herbs may also produce side effects to your body. Not because they’re natural doesn’t mean that they are 100% safe.
· Not all herbs for anxiety can be taken with prescription drugs.
If you’re taking medications and you wish to try herbal products at the same time, don’t do it without the recommendation of your doctor. There are natural medications for anxiety that are not safe to use when taken with prescription drugs. Furthermore, if you wish to resort to herbal treatments alone, don’t immediately discontinue taking your meds unless you have already talked to your doctor. Some herbs for anxiety act the same way like the artificial medicines and therefore, taking them simultaneously may overdose you.
· Some herbs for anxiety may not be suitable for people with some health problems.
You should also understand that not all the herbs for anxiety may be suitable for everyone. You might be allergic to a certain herb and before you know it, you have just suffered from extreme allergic conditions. Aside from allergies, there are certain health problems that may hinder people from taking herbal medicines. For example, if you’re taking prescription drugs with MAO inhibitor class, you should not take passionflower at the same time. You need to check with your doctor if the herbs for anxiety you will take do not aggravate the ‘other’ health condition you’re suffering from.
· Herbal medications should be taken under well-researched health program.
For the herbal medicine to take effect positively and quickly, you need to follow the right dosage and treatment plan that you can get out of researching about it or consulting your physician. The treatment program is not centered on the dosage but also to some other things you need to do to lessen your anxiety such as managing your stress, giving your time to rest, etc. If you’re taking herbs for anxiety supplements, you need to carefully follow the instructions given by the manufacturer. You see, not all supplements have all-natural ingredients. Most of them have active ingredients that can cause severe side effects to your health.
Herbs for anxiety are indeed great solutions for people suffering from anxiety disorders. Aside from being generally safe to use, they have less if no side effects at all. But then again, they should be used just like prescription drugs. Herbal medicine can be the most effective treatment if you take it right and with the guidance of a health expert as well.