Anti Anxiety Herbs

Life as we know it, is full of ups and downs. The roller coaster ride that it is, adds a mix of good and bad times. While everyone wants and enjoys good times, it is the difficult periods that bring in fear, stress, anxiety and depression. Modern science has enabled us to deal with anxiety with the help of many anti-anxiety medications, which have proved to be beneficial. However, ancient medicinal texts have proven that there are many anti-anxiety herbs that promote wellness in the mind and the body. Anxiety disorder spectrum includes generalized anxiety disorder, panic attacks, social anxiety disorder, etc. Over 19 million people in the America suffer from some form of anxiety disorder, although, prescription medication as part of treatment is recommended, many people have found relief in alternate medications such as anti-anxiety herbs. Some of the herbs have been listed below.

Herbs for Anxiety Relief

Herbs contain natural composition of various compounds that affects our brain, heart and other internal organs, and have a relaxing effect on our overall being.

Passion Flower: Passion flower contains active components that help to alleviate occasional nervousness, anxiety, mood changes, panic attacks and depression, restlessness and occasional sleep difficulties. It calms and soothes the mind with its non-drowsy natural sedative compounds.

Valerian Root: Valerian root is an extremely popular natural sedative that is known to relax the central nervous system (CNS) by promoting relaxation and healthy sleep patterns. It can also be taken as a natural painkiller. Its active compound, valerenic acid, works rapidly in the body to relieve one off nervousness, occasional anxiety and insomnia.

Chamomile: Chamomile is known for its calming and soothing properties, without causing any drowsiness. Its active compounds calm the nerves, which in a follow-up, soothe the mind. It is taken to not only relive one off anxiety, restlessness, tension, headaches and insomnia, but also colic and digestive related conditions.

Lemon Balm: An ancient herb, lemon balm has been used to restore the nervous system by reducing stress and anxiety, improvising appetite and promoting sleep, and reducing blood pressure. Popularly known as a 'calming herb', this member of the mint family helps to increase the alpha wave activities associated with relaxation.

Lavender: Lavender is one of the most used essential oil in aromatherapy because the scent is calming and relaxing, and popularly used in anxiety and panic attack treatments. Lavender is also used as a general health tonic for the nervous system and a natural stimulant.

Winter Cherry: Popularly known as Ashwagandha Root, winter cherry is a popular herb used in Ayurvedic preparations. It is used to increase focus and concentration, treat mental fatigue, depressed moods and anxiety. Winter cherry contains adaptogenic properties, that helps the immune system to naturally increase the body's resistance towards physical and emotional stress.

Feverfew: Feverfew helps to reduce anxiety-induced headaches, by inhibiting the release of two inflammatory migraine onsetting substances; serotonin and prostaglandins. It works as a relaxant to treat stress, anxiety, depression and insomnia.

Other Herbal Cures for Anxiety

• Verbena: Verbena is mildly sedative and is particularly good for people who are suffering from nervous exhaustion and fatigue.
• Bugleweed : Bugleweed, a member of the mint family, is considered as a wonder herb that quickly relieves the anxiety related suffering.
• Rhodiola Rosea: This herb contains adaptogenial property that naturally increases the body's resistance towards physical and emotional stress, alleviating nervousness and anxiety.
• Kava Kava: A popular herb used for treating sleep problems and anxiety, without causing any loss of concentration.
• Meadowsweet: When its extract is consumed in tea, it relieves headaches related to anxiety, stress, nervousness and depression.
• Ginkgo Biloba: This Chinese herb, ginkgo biloba is extensively used in traditional Chinese medicine to cure one off insomnia, stress, anxiety and occasional nervousness.

Herbs are primarily supported by traditional medicinal studies and beliefs. While some herbs may work for you, some won't. Women should be more careful in their use of herbs for anxiety during pregnancy, as the hormonal changes in the body may not permit the use of herbal properties and may tend to react adversely, resulting in disastrous consequences. As with any medicine; conventional or alternative, its best to consult a qualified practitioner before using anti-anxiety herbs.