There are several herbal anxiety remedies and natural supplements available to help alleviate anxiety symptoms. Here is a list of the most popular ones. But first a warning…
If you’ve considered taking supplements for natural anxiety relief (or any other ailment), then you will still need to do your research and talk to your doctor about trying them. The United States Food and Drug Administration keeps an eye on natural supplements as much as they can, as with any other drug. Some of them are known to carry risks. They can react to other medications being taken, as well as possibly pose a danger to pregnant or nursing women.
Aside from the precautions you should take, there are still many reasons why taking natural anxiety supplements might be a better alternative for you than prescription medications. Now, with that out of the way, here they are…
Kava Root
During a trip to the South Pacific in the 1700s, European sailors found that the native people drank a dark brownish-black mixture, which was said to help calm the mind as well as sharpen it. While Kava is also known to help relieve a number of different ailments, including rheumatism, asthma, and body aches, it is taken most often because of its panic and anxiety relieving properties. Since Kava has been found to have an effect on the liver, people with prior liver damage, liver disease or alcohol abuse should not take it, as well as women who are pregnant or nursing. Kava is a blood thinner and you should not take it while drinking alcohol or any medications that thin the blood.
5-HTP
People who experience insomnia, tension headaches and extreme premenstrual syndrome along with their anxiety might benefit greatly from 5-HTP. Also known as 5-Hydroxytryptophan, it is an amino acid that directly effects the neurotransmitter serotonin, otherwise known as 5-Hydroxytryptamine. This hormone effects sleep and food cravings, sexual behavior, as well as your moods. It comes from the seeds of the African plant Griffonia simplicifolia, and it may be linked with eosinophilia-myalgia syndrome (according to WebMD). More research needs to be conducted to see if this is really the case.
Passionflower
The effects of Passionflower, which are native to the southeastern region of the United States, are more subtle and gentle than supplements like Kava or Valerian. Even so, it has an effect on the neurotransmitter gamma aminobutyric acid, or GABA, to calm you down. Passionflower is often blended with other calming herbs like lemon balm and chamomile and consumed as a tea to help you get to sleep. If you have generalized anxiety disorder, you might benefit from using this supplement, but you shouldn’t take it if you are taking another type of sedative, blood-thinner or MAOIs (Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors) such as Nardil, Parmate, or Marplan. You also shouldn’t take it if you are pregnant or nursing, as it is a uterine stimulant.
GABA
This amino acid is produced naturally by your brain and regulates feelings of calm in your mind as well as your body. This supplement is essentially a sedative, so you shouldn’t take it if you will need to drive or do anything else which requires alertness. Taking it at night before you go to bed might be the best thing to do, especially if your anxieties at night are keeping you awake. Even though it is a chemical that naturally occurs in your body, you should still check with your doctor if you have a chronic illness such as asthma or diabetes before taking it.
Valerian
The roots of the Valerian plant are used in teas, capsule and tablet form, normally taken one hour before you go to bed to help with insomnia and mild anxiety. Like many other sedatives, you shouldn’t take it with alcohol or in combination with other sedatives. Although there aren’t any proven risks with Valerian if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, you should still avoid taking it just to be sure. Valerian has also been used to help with Attention Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and epilepsy.
L-theanine
This supplement actually comes from tea leaves and has a calming effect without making you drowsy. L-theanine effects the production of serotonin and dopamine, which is why it helps improve your mood, your memory and ability to think clearly. It has been dubbed as GRAS, or “generally regarded as safe” by the FDA.
Once more, check with your doctor before taking any herbal anxiety remedies or supplements, especially if you are pregnant or nursing.
Click here to watch a short video about the ROOT CAUSE of all anxiety.
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