Wednesday, February 25, 2009

The Best Herbs for Anxiety

By Stephen Jablonski

Herbs have been used for centuries in the treatment of anxiety and panic attacks. Even today's anxiety prescription medication often contains an herbal component. That's because these anxiety herbs have well known abilities to strengthen our body's response to stress and also to promote relaxation and calm.

Herbs for anxiety treatment offer an effective alternative to today's drugs. They're usually available without a prescription, they're less expensive, and they're nonaddictive. On the other hand, herbs for anxiety or any other affliction will work much slower than prescription drugs. Their effects are milder so you'll need to exercise more patience when taking them. But this is an acceptable trade-off for the minimal side effects.

Keep in mind that any anxiety herbs definitely do have side effects. For that reason, you should be careful when introducing any new herb or supplement into your body. Take the time to speak with your doctor or pharmacist before you begin any new regimen.

Valerian

Valerian has a strong reputation as a sleep aid. It can help you get to sleep faster and stay asleep for the whole night. It can also be used during the day as an aid in calming and controlling the effects of stress and anxiety.

Kava

Kava comes from the South Pacific but is now used throughout the world. In Europe it's used often as an anxiety treatment. It's also used effectively to combat insomnia. It's even used to improve concentration and focus.

St. John's Wort

One of the oldest anxiety herbs known to man, St. John's Wort has been used for over 2000 years. While it's quite effective at reducing small to moderate anxiety, it also comes with more pronounced side effects than other herbal remedies. In particular, it can interfere with other drugs that you might be taking, so you need to exercise more care when using this herb.

Passion Flower

This herb, native to the new world, was found to be both a useful aid to digestion as well as a strong sedative. The early pilgrims to America used it as a natural tranquilizer and today it works just as well.

Last Word

These herbs for anxiety have been around a long time. Their properties are well known and they're readily available in most health food stores. You can find them in liquid form, capsules, or as teas. So you have a lot of choices to pick from. Keep in mind that you may have to try more than one or two to find out what works best for you.

Capsules are convenient. Extracts are very flexible. And teas are the best tasting and most enjoyable. But in any case, these best herbs for anxiety can become a significant tool for you to use to help manage your anxiety. - 15255

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