Showing posts with label herbs for anxiety. Show all posts
Showing posts with label herbs for anxiety. Show all posts

Wednesday, March 6, 2013

8 Most Effective Natural Anxiety Relief

None of us is a stranger to anxiety, which is a feeling we experience repeatedly, be it before a big exam, important presentation, or a blind date. Occasional anxiety is as normal as breathing. It is our body’s natural response to situations we perceive as stressful.

However, if anxiety is a constant companion and is affecting your work or relationship, then you need to take some corrective measures. The good news is that there are many natural anxiety relief remedies that provide you substantial relief from your anxiety symptoms.

Here’s a look at the 8 most effective natural anxiety relief remedies.

  1. Mind/Body Techniques: Mind/body breathing exercises, yoga, physical exercises, Tai Chi, and meditation are some of the most effective natural relief. We recommend you try different techniques and see which one benefits you and also suits your busy schedule.
  2. Balanced Diet: What you put in your mouth affects you in more ways than one. Diet plays a key role in anxiety management. If you are prone to anxiety attacks, say no to substances such as caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol. All of them are recognized as anxiety aggravators. Additionally, embrace a diet that is rich in green vegetables, fruits, wholesome foods, and nuts.
  3. Massage Therapy: Is an effective natural anxiety relief. A massage helps in releasing tension and reducing stress levels. The more relaxed you are, the better your chances of limiting anxious feelings.
  4. Passionflower: Is a natural herb that helps in reducing anxiety symptoms and is recognized by health experts as a good natural anxiety relief remedy. Passionflower is used worldwide for the treatment of anxiety as well as insomnia.
  5. Aromatherapy: If you suffer from constant anxiety, then we recommend you use aromatherapy, which is a well-recognized natural anxiety relief remedy. Plant essential oils that are known to have anti-anxiety properties include lavender, cypress, bergamot, jasmine, geranium, rose, melissa, neroli, ylang-ylang, and sandalwood.
  6. You can add one or more of these essential oils to your bath, massage oil, or infusers to reduce your anxiety symptoms and promote relaxation.

  7. St. John’s Wort: Like passionflower, St. John’s wort is recognized by herbalists as an effective natural anxiety relief. St. John’s wort has been found useful in treatment of anxiety, depression, tension, and trauma to the nervous system. You can use St. John’s wort both internally and externally. The herb takes about 20-28 days to show tangible effect.
  8. Withania: It is also referred to as Indian ginseng, is another natural anxiety relief remedy that has been used successfully over the years in anxiety treatment. Withania is known to improve memory, calm the nerves, improve clarity, and restore vitality. Consume a decoction of one gram of Withania to a cup of water daily to curb the symptoms of prolonged anxiety.
  9. Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA): GABA is an amino acid that is known to play a significant role in combating anxiety. GABA supplements are available in stores, and you will do well to use them if you suffer from anxiety.

Make use of the natural relief listed above to get freedom from constant anxiety.

Related link:
K-OK Kiddie Calmer

Monday, January 28, 2013

Top 3 Herbal Remedies for Anxiety

Anxiety is our body’s natural response to ‘fight or flight’ instances. All of us feel anxiety and become tense when we are under pressure or are facing a stressful situation; however, if your anxiety is persistent and without any concrete reason, it is an indication of an anxiety disorder. Herbal remedies for anxiety offer you an inexpensive and effective way of dealing with anxiety.

Given below are the top 3 herbal remedies for anxiety.

PASSIONFLOWER
The herb passionflower is one of the most effective herbal remedies for anxiety. Practitioners of folk medicine were aware of the benefits of this herb and used it extensively for the treatment of insomnia and anxiety. Health experts today have also acknowledged the various benefits of passionflower and recommend it for the treatment of anxiety.

A study involving 198 people to measure the efficacy of passionflower as an anxiety healer concluded that passionflower is as effective as benzodiazepine drugs. Two other blind studies reveal that passionflower helped in reducing general anxiety disorder. However, the study also concluded that passionflower was less effective than the anti-depressant Oxazepam.

The side effects of this herb include nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, and a rapid heartbeat.

Caution

  • Don’t take passionflower with alcohol.
  • Herbal remedies for anxiety such as passionflower should not be taken with another sedative unless approved by your doctor.
  • Pregnant or breast-feeding women, children, or individuals who have a history of liver problems should not take passionflower unless under medical supervision.

VALERIAN
Valerian is another herb that sits at the top of the list of herbal remedies for anxiety. Valerian has been found to be very effective in curing mild anxiety and insomnia.

You can take valerian in the form of valerian tea or capsule. Valerian should be consumed 60 minutes before sleeping. You require about 15-20 days to show tangible results. This herb should not be taken for more than 90 days at a time.

The side effects of valerian include headache, mild indigestion, dizziness, and palpitations.

Caution

  • Do not take valerian with other sedatives and antihistamines.
  • Like other herbal remedies for anxiety, Valerian too should not be taken with alcohol.
  • Individuals with liver disease should not take valerian.

KAVA KAVA
A list of herbal remedies for anxiety will be incomplete if it doesn’t mention Kava. This herb has been used for many years as an anti-anxiety element.

The best way to consume Kava is by making a powder of its roots and then drinking them with water or milk. Do not soak Kava in hot water or milk, as this will curb the release of kavalactones that lends Kava its soothing properties.

Caution

  • Like the other two herbal remedies for anxiety discussed above, kava too should be avoided by individuals with liver disease.
  • Some reports suggest that the long-term use of Kava may damage the liver. Do not use Kava especially in form of Kava supplements for extended periods unless you are medically supervised.
  • Some people report skin rashes or irritation when they drink kava. Stop using Kava if you report these symptoms.

Herbal remedies for anxiety offer you anxiety treatment that is inexpensive, effective, and laced with fewer side effects than conventional anti-anxiety medications. Consult your doctor to identify the herbal remedy that will suit your condition and offer you a quick and permanent solution.

Related link:
K-OK Kiddie Calmer