Herbal Supplements for Anxiety

Come exam time and one of my friends used to freak out totally. She used to be very well prepared for the exams and was amongst the toppers of our class. Still, she used to get those examination blues prior to every exam. Anxiety reigned supreme until she started each paper. However, till that time, being extremely restless and unable to concentrate, it became a problem that needed to be dealt with. I spoke to one of my aunts about this, who is a doctor. She suggested a few herbal supplements for anxiety. Let's take a look these herbal supplements and understand how they help deal with depression and act as anxiety cures.

Herbal Supplements for Anxiety and Depression

Valerian Root: Valerian root is one of the safer alternatives amongst the various herbal remedies for anxiety. It works effectively in reducing the effects of anxiety and sleeplessness by decreasing the overall pain in the body. It is used by a lot of people who suffer from panic attacks at night. For this herb to work properly, it should be taken about an hour prior to your bed time. This gives it enough time to circulate through your entire system and start acting. However, this should not be taken for more than 3 months at one go, because of in-extensive and inconclusive results on its long term effects. Therefore, it is better to be careful.

Kava Kava: This is one of the most popular herbal remedies for anxiety. It is derived from a plant called piper methysticum. It has an effect on the body akin to diazepam or alcohol. This property is what makes it suitable for countering anxiety. It also has a numbing effect which further helps it act as an anti-depressant. The best part about kava is that it works against both anxiety and depression.

Passion Flower: Passiflora incarnate or passion flower is another effective herbal supplement for anxiety. It works through the enzymes contained in it and helps patients concentrate better, without much after effects, in an easier manner. As compared to kava kava, this is a safer bet for reducing anxiety. Patients were known to experience the effects of passion flower without any drowsiness. For more information such remedies, you can also refer to anti-anxiety herbs.

Ginkgo Biloba: This herb has been researched on for a long time, but recently its uses have been discussed upon and proved. Ginkgo Biloba is normally used to treat circulatory complications and to enhance memory. This herb improves the blood circulation in the body by way of dilating the blood vessels. When the blood circulation in the cerebral part of the brain increases, it helps people in dealing with anxiety and depression better. This is why this herb is one of the most popular natural supplements for anxiety.

St. John's Wort: Scientifically called Hypericum Perforatum, this herb serves the dual purpose of dealing with anxiety as well as depression. Studies have reported that this works well for treating mild to moderate depression. It is believed to be as effective as the standard anti depressants, with lesser side effects. It is also believed to be effective for treating anxiety. But that does not rule out the possibility that this herb would not have any side effects. Fatigue, headache, sensitivity to sunlight and dizziness could be result of consumption of St. John's Wort. This is one of the most widely used natural remedies for depression.

These were the most common and effective herbal supplements for anxiety and depression. The first three are mainly for anxiety and the others are for both anxiety and depression. Other than these other herbal supplements for anxiety include chamomile, feverfew and ginseng, which have the same purpose. All of these, even though they are natural, do have their own set of side effects so it is advisable not to take them before you consult a doctor.

That was all about natural supplements to do away with depression and anxiety. But I personally feel that your mental mettle should be so strong that you do not need any of these. Obviously, if there has been something really shocking and depressing, depression is normal, but the show has to go on, so you cannot afford to be depressed and anxious people!