Don't Get Addicted To Anxiety Drugs - Try Herbs Instead!

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Don't Get Addicted To Anxiety Drugs - Try Herbs Instead!

http://www.iampanicked.com/anxiety-articles/herbs-for-anxiety.htm

With hectic life style and work pressure more and more people fall prey to stress. High stress levels leads to anxiety. With lot of anti stress medicines into vogue people get addicted to them soon to escape anxiety. At last they get caught into the clutches of these medicines without knowing the way out. Anxiety can be fought the herbal way. Read on.This article covers

    * Is it possible to heal anxiety with herbs?
    * Anxiety medication herbs
    * Damiana effects and anxiety

Stressful life peer pressure, work pressure and family issues leads to anxiety. Anxiety can be termed as a state of mind where people experience nervousness, fear, panic and a constant sad and depressed mood.

With anti stress medicine and therapies available today people are turning towards them to avoid the ill effects of anxiety. With natural herbs used to treat chronic diseases, they are also proving to be very effective in reducing stress and anxiety. There are numerous herbs for anxiety available as treatment.

Is It Possible To Heal Anxiety With Herbs?

The question is very common as to how herbs can heal anxiety. Researches done by FDA and other associations have claimed that herbs contain natural composition of various compounds that affects our internal system (brain, heart and mind). In conventional medicine, those formulations are synthesized by chemical associations and are given in different doses to the person. We should also keep in mind that around 30% of the ingredients that are added in conventional medicine are extracted from natural resources like plants and herbs.What chemical binding creates for anti stress medicine is actually present naturally in some anti anxiety herbs.
Anxiety Medication Herbs
Certain herbs available are known as best herbs for anxiety, as they have proved to be very effective in treating stress.

Best Herbs For Anxiety

    * Kava kava
    * Ginseng
    * Valerian
    * Ashwagandha
    * Lemon balm
    * Zizyphi seed and Iligustrum
    * GLA
    * Catnip
    * St. John's Wort
    * Bugleweed
    * Chamomile

Kava and Anxiety

Kava was anciently prepared as a drink it was made by the roots of the plant. It was traditionally believed that Kava was excellent to lift one's spirit. Research claims that Kava is very fast and effective and it can reduce stress and anxiety level within a week of its intake. Kava has been very popular among women who suffer from post-menopause depression. The best part of Kava is that it is not an addictive herb and can work as an effective tranquilizer.

Ginseng and Anxiety

Ginseng has been used for various ailments but most effectively as an anti anxiety herb. The benefits of ginseng are:

    * Ginseng has stimulant properties that reduces stress
    * Enhances Health
    * Relaxing
    * Tonic Properties
    * Helps to maintain emotional balance

The overall relaxing feeling that ginseng gives is it reduces stress and is an excellent anti anxiety herb, ginseng is a multi purpose herb. It helps in hormonal functioning that in turn reduces tiredness and makes you more active it also works in fever and as an anti aging herb.

Valerian Root and Anxiety

Valerian's root is used as a sedative for years. It is now a proven anti anxiety medication herb and hence one of the best medication herb. Valerian has been used as a tranquilizer and relaxing feeling that reduces anxiety,Valepotriate is the main substance found in valerian has the sedative effect.Doctors all over the world have successfully prescribed it. Valerian is effective and natural, it is safe and hence it is widely accepted.Valerian reduces stress, anxiety, agitation, tremors and disturbances.Valerian is advantageous if you want to lessen mild to reasonable anxiety or stress during the day. It leads to prolonged sleep, less time in falling sleep and promotes deep sleep.

Catnip Effects on Anxiety

Catnip herb is a member herb of the mint family. Catnip is used as an anti anxiety medication, nervousness and sleeplessness.Catnip is well known for stirring stimulated state of mind. All through history, this herb has been used in humans to produce a sedative effect. Traditional herbalists have treated other conditions like cancer, toothache and corns with catnip. Catnip has a substance called Nepetalactone, which is similar to valerian. Catnip is used to reduce migraine pain it relaxes the muscles and heals minor tissue injuries.

Damiana Effects and Anxiety

Damiana is a shrub that is effectual in treating various anxieties. It is one of the best herbs for anxiety. It has been used as tonic by both male and females and also to promote hormonal production and or increase sexual potency.Sketchy data suggests that Damiana has the capability to stimulate an exhilarated response, which makes it valuable in helping to lessen stress. It is therefore quite acceptable that people who have emotional or physical distress react to Damiana herb.

Chamomile Effects And Anxiety

Is one of the safest herbs in the line of anti anxiety herb. German chamomile and Roman chamomile are two varieties of them, which are used. It contains certain substances that relaxes some part of brain and has soothing effect. It helps in releasing stress and controls insomnia, controls menstrual cramps, eye infection and skin allergy.

Bugleweed Effects And Anxiety

It has soothing effect on nerves, most of the anxiety medication has tranquilizing property, and they promote sleep and relax muscles and nerves that in turn reduce stress and tension. Bugleweed is not very popular compared to other herbs because their benefits have been looked upon.The benefits are:

    * Sedative Influence
    * Prevents anxious impulse conditions of Heart
    * Tonic to the muscular fibers
    * Works on Diabetes

St. John's Wort Effects And Anxiety

Anciently it has wide variety of usage including reptile bites, topical treatment and burns. Recent research though suggests that they have anti depressant quality in them and since then they have been used as anti stress and anxiety medication herbs. The St. John's Wort herb (Hypericum perforatum) named in respect of St. John the Baptist. The herb has been effective on hysteria and insomnia.

Are Anxiety Herbs Better than Anxiety Drugs?

Herbs are natural and hence the side effects are negligible compared to synthesized drugs. This is the main reason why they are gaining popularity today. The main benefits are:

    * Natural
    * Non-Toxic
    * No Harmful Chemicals
    * Non-addictive
    * Safe
    * Effective
    * Improves Resistance

With all the benefit herbs still have some side effects like:

    * Allergy
    * Nausea
    * Palpitation
    * Reduced level of sugar in blood
    * Vaginal Bleeding
    * Nervousness

Can Medicine and Herbs Combine?

Some people believe that herbs can be combined with normal drugs and taken, though practiced doctors don't agree to the same. Herbs are alternative medicine and combined with normal medicine it can lead to severe side effects. However, some doses of both can be administered under the guidance of a doctor.Herbs are great natural source of anti anxiety medication as long as they taken through proper consultation.

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Herbs for Depression

by Karyn Siegel-Maier, HerbalMusings.com
http://www.healingwell.com/LIBRARY/depression/siegelmaier1.asp

About 17 million Americans are affected by clinical depression each year. In fact, clinical depression, also referred to as major or unipolar depression, is the most commonly occurring mood disorder.

While we all experience periodic "mood swings," the symptoms of true depression are outlined by the American Psychiatric Association in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV). According to the DSM-IV, at least 5 of the following 8 symptoms must be present for at least one month in order to diagnose clinical depression:

- Weight loss due to a poor appetite, or overeating accompanied by weight gain
- Frequent insomnia or hypersomnia (sleeping too much)
- A lack of interest in regular activities and/or a decrease in sex drive
- Overall feeling of fatigue
- Excessive activity or inactivity
- Feelings of worthlessness or guilt
- Difficulty concentrating
- Suicidal thoughts

Anti-depressant drugs are an all-too-frequent course of treatment for depression, but are not necessarily the best. For one thing, there is a high rate of relapse and dependency associated with these drugs. One alternative gaining in popularity is cognitive therapy which serves to manipulate brain chemistry by empowering the patient with new "tools" for daily living. In effect, cognitive therapy teaches the depressed person to replace automatic negative thoughts with more appropriate ones. This restructuring of thought processes not only relieves the feeling of helplessness or loss of control in the patient, but actually results in stabilizing brain chemistry.

Depression has a variety of causes, of both physiological and organic origin.  Some of the most recognized include: food allergies, hypoglycemia, hypothyroidism, diabetes, heart disease, environmental toxins (heavy metals), poor adrenal functioning, nutritional deficiencies and even certain medications. Since this list is so lengthy, it is important to seek help from a qualified health care practitioner to rule out the presence of any of these
conditions. Severe or major depression (especially when thoughts of death or suicide are apparent) involves a range of therapies and should only be addressed by a qualified professional. However, mild to moderate depression may show improvement by employing certain botanicals and nutritional considerations. But, you should discuss these therapies with your physician first. It is also imperative that you never combine herbal medications with other anti-depressant prescription drugs.

Uncle Sam Meets SAMe
SAMe (S-Adenosyl-Methionine) is involved in the functioning of monoamines (such as serotonin, dopamine and gamma-amino-butyric acid or GABA), neurotransmitters and certain serum lipids. In "normal" brain chemistry, sufficient amounts of SAMe are produced by the amino acid methionine, but this synthesis is impaired in depressed individuals. Numerous double-blind, placebo-controlled studies have found SAMe to be one of the most effective natural anti-depressants and is better tolerated and works faster than many tricylic anti-depressant drugs. While SAMe has been widely used in Europe for at least 20 years, it has only arrived in the U.S. within the last few months.

The usual dosage is 400 mg four times per day, but since SAMe can cause nausea and vomiting it is sometimes started at 200 mg two times per day for several days and gradually increased to the full therapeutic dose. Note: SAMe supplementation is not suitable for manic (bipolar) depression patients as their manic symptoms may escalate.

St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum)
There are at least 10 pharmacologically active constituents found in the extract of this herb, but researchers are most interested in hypericin and pseudohypericin. The exact mechanism of the herb's ability to alleviate depression and anxiety remain largely unknown, but a recent study may provide some clues. The action of hypericin at alpha receptor sites, known to be involved in the role of MAOs and 5-HTP reuptake inhibitors (a metabolite of L-tryptophan in the synthesis of serotonin), lends support to the herb's universal reputation as a mood elevator and sedative. The extract (standardized to 0.3%) is usually given at 300 mg three times per day with meals. Note: This herb can sometimes cause mild stomach irritation. Hypericin can also increase photosensitivity and has been recently linked with the formation of cataracts with long-term use.

Kava (Piper methysticum)
This herb has a long history of use in reducing anxiety, but is relatively new in the treatment of anxiety-related depression. Several European countries have approved kava for the treatment of insomnia, nervous disorders and depression. In the U.S., kava preparations are available as dietary supplements. The beneficial agents of kava are kavalactones found in the dried rhizome of the plant. Several studies have shown that kava effects a GABA-receptor-binding capacity and an ability to block norepinephrine uptake.  In a 1997 German study, 101 subjects suffering from non-psychotic anxiety took part in a 25 week placebo-controlled, double-blind trial with an extract of kava. The researchers concluded that kava is comparable to treatment with benzodiazepines but without unwanted side effects. The recommended dosage (standardized to 30-70%) is 45-70 mg three times per day.

Nutritional Guidelines
L-tryptophan is the metabolic precursor of serotonin and melatonin, neurotransmitters with sedative qualities and useful in the treatment of depression symptoms. However, L-tryptophan was banned in the U.S. due to an incidence of contamination and the Food and Drug Administration isn't likely to allow it back on the market any time soon. But, a newly available supplement, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HTP), may be even more effective. Unlike L-tryptophan, 5-HTP is readily bioavailable since it does not require a transport molecule or compete with other amino acids in the system. While it was necessary to take L-tryptophan on an empty stomach, 5-HTP can be taken with meals. In addition, 5-HTP is biochemically closer to serotonin, chemically known as 5-hydroxy tryptamine. Studies have also shown that 5-HTP elevates beta-endorphins, the "feel good" hormones. The usual dosage is 200 mg. per day.

According to the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, there is a clear association between depression and a diet lacking in sufficient fatty acids, specifically, omega-3. The brain depends upon fatty acids to ensure membrane fluidity and nerve cell function, factors that effect neurotransmitter synthesis and transmission. Low omega-3 levels also influence the action of monomine oxidase, the enzyme responsible for breaking down serotonin, epinephrine and dopamine. The best sources of omega- fatty acid are cold water fish, such as salmon, halibut, etc., consumed 1-2 times per week. Supplementation with fish oil, a rich source of omega-3, should include docosahexanoic acid (DHA) and eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA). Follow the manufacturers dosage recommendations.

© 2000 Karyn Siegel-Maier

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Herbs for Depression and Anxiety

http://www.alprazolam.org/natural-cures/herbs.html

Herbs for depression and anxiety are a great alternative to prescription medications like Alprazolam and Wellbutrin. Prescription drugs tend to have bothersome and potentially harmful side effects. However, herbs for depression and anxiety allow sufferers to naturally and effectively deal with the symptoms of social anxiety disorder and depression. Herbs for depression and anxiety often produce the same results as prescribed drugs without the tormenting withdrawal symptoms.

Most Popular Herbs for Depression and Anxiety

There are a number of herbs marketed as effective treatments for depression and anxiety. Some work and some of them don't. Instead of wasting your time on what doesn't work, we'll share with you the herbs for depression and anxiety that have been proven to work. Incorporating these herbs for depression and anxiety into a well-balanced diet will certainly ease tension and bring a renewed sense of calm to your mental state.

Magnolia Bark
Magnolia officinalis

Originally used by the Chinese around 100 A.D. for its therapeutic properties. In ancient medicine, Magnolia bark was used as a common anxiety reliever. Today, new scientific research has yielded proof that this bark is rich in two important biphenyl compounds, honokiol and magnolol. These two biphenyls help regulate the bodies primary stress hormone, cortisol. Magnolia bark's anti-anxiety effects make it a useful product for those suffering from insomnia.

Phellodendron Bark
Phellodendron amurense

One of the original 50 “fundamental herbs”  described in ancient Chinese medicine, Phellodendron bark was originally called Huangbi. Phellodendron bark is widely touted for its anxiety relieving properties and is thought to stop stress by regulating the cortisol (stress hormone) levels in the body.

St. John's Wort

St. John's Wort is one of the few herbs found to be effective for treating depression and anxiety by rigorous clinical trials. Make sure you buy products that have the St. John's Wort active chemical hypericin standardized to at least 0.3%. When companies do not list the strengths you have no idea of what you are getting. 0.3% hypericin has been found to be more effective for treating even severe depression than the prescription drug Paroxetine (Paxil). Doctors in Germany often prescribe St. John's Wort for depression.

Valerian

Valerian is regarded as one of the most powerful herbs for depression and anxiety. It has been known to positively influence the body's production of GABA - a neurotransmitter that affects the pharmacology of anxiety.

Lemon Balm

Lemon Balm is traditionally called the “calming herb”. Researchers have isolated Flavonoids and Phenolic Acids as the main properties of Lemon Balm that are responsible for its various wellness benefits. Commonly used as a sedative when dealing with depression and anxiety, Lemon Balm has also been known to treat stomach gas and cramps, the flu, and thyroid disorders. Lemon Balm is also known to lower blood pressure, improve the memory, and lessen the severity of insomnia and indigestion.

Hops Powder
Humulus Lupulus

Hops powder has been used over the centuries to insomnia, and recently has been extensively researched in the fight against tension and anxiety. Hops powder is still controversial as a treatment against depression, with many herbal practitioners still at a stalemate regarding its effectiveness when dealing with marked depression.

Skullcap
Scutellaria lateriflora

Skullcap is a native North American plant that has powerful medicinal properties. Widely used as treatment in a wide variety of nervous disorders, it has been known to alleviate hysteria, anxiety, epilepsy, insomnia, and delirium tremens. Skullcap is currently being used as an alternative treatment for ADD and neuralgia.

Passion Flower
Passiflora edulis

Traditionally used by Native Americans in North America as a tea used to treat hysteria, insomnia, and epilepsy. Passionflower is also prized for its alkaloids containing painkilling qualities. New research has shown that Passionflower is also effective for treating anxiety disorders naturally. 

5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan)

Scientific research has shown that an increased intake of 5-HTP causes the brain's serotonin-producing neurons to step up serotonin production. Serotonin plays a vital role in the brain as a neurotransmitter in the regulation of depression, anger, mood, and sleep. Modern psychiatric research has proved that serotonin is responsible for about 15% of all anxiety-related personality disorders.  5-HTP is currently used in cutting edge research on fibromyalgia as well as depression related sleep disorders.

Ginkgo Biloba

Ginkgo Biloba is known to have a positive effect on the cerebellum as it regulates neurotransmitters and increases the flow of blood to the brain.

Siberian Ginseng

Siberian Ginseng provides noticeable relief from the symptoms of anxiety and depression by enhancing the equilibrium of neurotransmitters like dopamine, epinephrine, serotonin, and norepinephrine. Siberian Ginseng is one of the most ancient herbs for depression and anxiety as it has been a component of Chinese medicinal practices for centuries.
Herbs for Depression and Anxiety: Final Word

Incorporating these herbs for depression and anxiety into a well-balanced diet will certainly ease tension and bring a renewed sense of calm to your mental state.

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Natural Herbs for Anxiety

http://www.herbal-nutrition-supplements-guide.com/herbs-for-anxiety.html

The list of herbs for anxiety is long. Anxiety, nervousness, restlessness, depression - whatever you call it, it's an unpleasant sensation. Down through the centuries, many herbs have been used for their effect in curbing anxiety. It seems that most homegrown herb teas have a positive effect on the nerves.

Learn More About The Herbal Supplements that will you help in managing Depression, Stress & Anxiety

Perhaps it is simply the act of sitting down with a hot cup of tea that helps the anxiety. Be that as it may, here are some of the traditional remedies for this common malady.

Peppermint

One of the simplest herbs for anxiety is peppermint. It is easy to grow and very good tasting. Use one teaspoon of the dried herb or about a tablespoon of the fresh leaves to a cup of boiling water. Let the herb steep for 5 minutes. Sweeten with a bit of honey if desired. Enjoy the tea in a quiet room and then go lay down.

This is one of the best natural treatments for a nervous headache or the stomach ache that results from nerves.

Melissa (Lemon Balm)

There are several other common plants among the mints that are useful herbs for anxiety. One of these is melissa or lemon balm. It has a refreshing lemon scent that tastes wonderful in tea.

Learn More About The Herbal Supplements that will you help in managing Depression, Stress & Anxiety

It is not one of the best herbs for drying but it is easy to grow, so you can have fresh leaves for tea during the temperate months.

Catnip

Catnip is also a mint that has a history of being used as a nervine. It is not as delicious in tea, but your cat will love you for growing it. It is an old-fashioned remedy for insomnia that can also help an upset stomach.

Scullcap

Scullcap is a mint as well. It would be called the best of the herbs for anxiety by many. Unlike the mints we've mentioned, it does not have a good flavor. In fact, it's downright bitter. But it is very tonic and healing to the nerves. It helps with insomnia, but does not knock you out like some other herbs do.

It can even help prevent panic attacks. It is safe enough to be used during pregnancy, but this does not keep it from being effective. Try not to brew it for over five minutes if you want to keep the bitterness to a minimum.

Chamomile

Chamomile is not a mint, but otherwise it is similar among the herbs for anxiety. Its little daisy-like blossoms makes a delicious relaxing tea. It is so good at calming anxiety that it might just put you to sleep.

Passionflower

Other herbs that are often used with chamomile in relaxing blends are hops and passionflower. Both of these can promote sleep. Passionflower is considered a mild sedative.

Feverfew

Feverfew is a relaxing herb that is related to chamomile. It is good for getting rid of an anxiety related headache. It can even handle migraines for some people.

St John's Wort

St. John's Wort is useful in cases of anxiety, but it's real value is as an antidepressant. If you are anxious and depressed, try this jewel among herbs for anxiety. Give it two or three weeks of daily use and see if you don't feel better.

Eleuthero (Siberian Ginseng)

Eleuthero or Siberian ginseng is often included in anti-anxiety herbal combinations. It is an energizer but also relaxes and nourishes the nerves. If the mints or chamomile tend to put you to sleep, you might like to try eleuthero for your anxiety symptoms.

Another of the herbs for anxiety that relaxes and energizes at the same time is the Ayurvedic herb ashwaganda. It strengthens and tones all the systems in the body.

Kava Kava

Kava kava is often named among herbs for anxiety. It is a powerful muscle relaxer and analgesic. It has come under scrutiny for safety so you might want to use kava cautiously. Sometimes women who are struggling with nerve issues related to menopause get great relief from this South Pacific island herb.

You should not take it for more than four months at a time. (It may be off the market in some countries.)

For those who don't like drinking tea, a relaxing sleep pillow or eye mask can deliver relaxing help through the aroma of herbs for anxiety.

To make the pillow, sew around three sides of two 8 inch square pieces of thin cotton or silk. Turn to the right side and stuff the small pillow with a mixture of dried lavender, hops, and chamomile blossoms.

For an eye mask, cut two rectangular pieces of silk (recycle an old blouse) that are 3-1/2 inches by 9 inches. With right sides together sew around the perimeter, leaving one short end open. Stuff with a mixture of flax seed (for weight) with lavender and hops. Sew up the final edge.

Now lie down and place the pillow near where you can inhale it, or place the eye mask across your eyes. The silk will feel nice and cool. It can be placed in the refrigerator if you need more cooling. Now relax with these herbs for anxiety.