Handling anxiety with herbs

Anxiety

Anxiety is a normal reaction of the human body and mind to stressful events. However, sometimes it may become so overwhelming that it affects the everyday life and becomes a medical condition. In that case, anxiety is determined as the unpleasant feeling, accompanied with fears, worries and uneasiness. Patients suffering from this condition see ordinary things and situations as unmanageable and dreadful, which disable their normal functioning.

There are 5 types of anxiety, including:

Generalized anxiety Social phobia Panic disorder Obsessive-compulsive disorder and Post-traumatic stress disorder

Herbal Treatments for Anxiety

Besides relaxation techniques for anxiety, herbs have been used for centuries to treat different medical problems. The treatments for anxiety are the plants such as

ashwagandha, chamomile, damiana, ginseng, kava kava, and valerian.

Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herbal remedy. This herb is said to affect the neurotransmitters and therefore reduces stress. It is proven especially helpful in patients who suffer from hypertension, arthritis or diabetes which are caused by stressful situations. Other uses of this remedy include: boosting of the immune system and maintenance of homeostasis in the organism.

Chamomile is well known to herbalists. This plant is the common remedy in many health issues, such as: insomnia, stress, anxiety, eye problems and skin allergies. There are two types of chamomile, German and Roman, and they are both equally used in the treatments.

Damiana is a shrub native to Central and South America and one of the well known anti-anxiety herbs. It is believed to control the hormones which affect the body reaction to stress, producing the sedative effect. This remedy is used in a variety of health problems, including depression, anxiety and stress. Damiana tonic is also used as an aphrodisiac.

Ginseng affects the hormones responsible for relaxation. It is perhaps best known to treat anxiety, but is also used as anti-aging remedy, health booster and emotional balancer.

Kava kava root is rich in kavalactones, substances known to decrease stress and have the soothing effect to the mind. This herb is used to treat anxiety, insomnia disorders and postmenopausal depression. The most common herbal preparation is the extract of the kava kava root.

The extract of valerian root is a great herbal remedy for anxiety. It contains velepotriates, natural substances that calm both body and the mind. Valerian is also a remedy used in hypertension, stress, insomnia, and palpitation. This herb should not be used in pregnant women or nursing mothers.

Most of the herbal remedies are considered to be safe to use. However, consult your doctor before you start the treatment with any of these remedies.