Did You Treat Your Anxiety Today?

Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health problem, and
include panic disorders, agoraphobia, generalized anxiety
disorder, social anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder
Anxiety disorders develop due to an interplay between
enviromnental and genetic factors Cognitive behavior therapy is
useful for this disorder, as well as prescription anxiolytic
drugs
However, many patients prefer a natural approach or dislike the
side effects of prescription drugs, and there are many
non-prescription supplements available to help anxiety Before
starting natural supplements for an anxiety problem, be sure to
mention your concerns and get a general checkup from your
doctor Symptoms resembling anxiety and anxiety attacks can be
caused by physical diseases such as hormone imbalance,
hyperthyroidism or cardiac arrhythmias
However, if you are sure your problem is an anxiety disorder,
the following supplements may be of help, and often have fewer
side effects than commercial pharmaceutical products
Chamomile tea is one of the best-known natural remedies for
anxiety Its affects the digestive tract and the nervous system,
thus it is helpful for people who suffer from gastro-intestinal
symptoms such as cramps along with mental anxiety It is
recommended that patients drink fresh tea made with chamomile
leaves, 1/2 to 1 teaspoon per cup of water, several times a day
It is also available in tinctures which can be added to water
Chamomile capsules are convenient to take along to work, and
don’t take as long to brew as the tea The usual dose is 250 to
500 mg 3 to 4 times daily
Damiana (Turnera diffusa) is a nerve tonic which also has a
restorative (adaptogenic) property It has a calming effect in
cases of mild depression and anxiety, and is also reputed to be
an aphrodisiac Damiana contains flavonoids that act on
benzodiazepine and GABA receptors It exhibits anxiolytic
activity, muscle relaxation and sedation Use 2-4 g of dried
leaves infused in a cup of boiling water; 2-3 cups are taken
daily Alternatively, 2-4 ml of a liquid extract or 3-4 grams of
powdered leaf in tablets or capsules taken twice daily can be
substituted if desired
Damiana has demonstrated mild hypoglycemic effects in animal
studies Patients with diabetes and hypoglycemia should use this
plant with caution, and monitor blood sugar levels closely
Damiana has a traditional use as an abortive and is
contraindicated during pregnancy
Kava Kava (Piper methysticum) has a very quick calming effect on
the nervous system and causes an uplifting, euphoric feeling It
is also a muscle relaxant and mild sedative It is helps
anxiety, tension, stress, irritability and insomnia Kava stops
the mind from racing, often a symptom of generalized anxiety
disorder The usual dose is 750 mg twice daily Do not exceed 4
capsules per day
Kava Kava is a traditional Polynesian remedy, and while it has
been used safely by Polynesians for centuries, now that it has
become popular worldwide it has been linked to some cases of
liver failure in people of other ethnic groups who have
difficulty metabolizing it Ask a health care professional
before use if you have a history of liver problems, frequently
use alcoholic beverages, or are taking any medication Stop and
see a doctor if you develop symptoms that may signal liver
problems (eg, unexplained fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of
appetite, fever, vomiting, dark urine, pale stools, yellow eyes
or skin)
Do not use kava kava if less than 18 years of age, or if
pregnant/breastfeeding Do not combine with alcoholic beverages,
or prescription anxiolytics or antidepressants Excessive use,
or use with products that cause drowsiness, may impair your
ability to operate a vehicle or heavy equipment Do not take
Kava Kava on a daily basis for more than four weeks without
consulting a health care provider Take frequent breaks from use
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is most often used for
insomnia, but it can also be taken in the daytime to reduce the
effects of stress and anxiety This herb is often included in
European formulas for heart palpitations, which often have
anxiety as a component It is taken in capsule form, 500 mg
daily, or 20-30 drops of tincture, or as a fresh tea
Passionflower, though it helps bring on natural sleep, does not
have the sedative effects of many prescription sleeping pills
Pulsatilla is a homeopathic remedy said to be most suitable for
shy, hypersensitive people who tend to feel warm rather than
cold Homeopathic practitioners recommend a 30C potency 2-4
times daily for relief of acute symptoms, and 30C or 6C 1-2
times daily for chronic use Homeopathic remedies use miniscule
concentrations of compounds to “nudge” the body into healing
itself They either help or they do not; there are no toxic side
effects
Scullcup (Scutellaria lateriflora) is a relaxing and gentle
sedative for the central nervous system It is very good for
nervous tension and for nervous exhaustion plus neurological and
neuromotor problems The dose is 10-20 drops of fresh plant
tincture or 1-2 dropperfuls of dried plant tincture Skullcap
can also be sleep inducing, but it is rarely habituating
St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is commonly used for
depression, but helps anxiety as well Use a 300 mg extract 3
times daily Quality varies widely between brands; it is best to
buy a product standardized to contain 3-5% hyperforin and 03%
hypericin It works by increasing the level of neurotransmitters
in the central nervous system such as serotonin and dopamine Do
not use this product if also taking prescription antidepressants
Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) has been used since Greek and
Roman times to promote sleep and relaxation It can treat
insomnia, anxiety, and stress related gastrointestinal upset
According to one theory, valerian affects the brain in a way
similar to valium; while another theory holds that valerian
contains GABA, a neurotransmitter which has a calming affect on
the brain, or else influences the brain’s natural production of
GABA Also, some reasearchers believe that valerian affects
serotonin levels in a manner similar to anitdepressant drugs
such as Prozac
If using valerian to treat insomnia, take the herb 30 to 60
minutes before going to bed It can be taken 2-4 times daily to
help stress and anxiety The recommended dose of tincture is
30-60 drops, or a capsule or tablet of 300-500 mg
Some people feel groggy after taking valerian; if this occurs,
lower the dose Avoid hazardous activities while using valerian,
and do not combine it with other sedatives, antidepressants or
alcohol Do not take valerian for more than 3 weeks, as it can
be habituating
Verbena (Verbena officinalis) is a relaxing nervous system tonic
indicated for a wide range of nervous disorders including
nervous exhaustion and stress As a tincture, use 2-4 mls up to
4 times daily Avoid use during pregnancy as this herb is a
uterine stimulant
Withania (Withania somnifera) is an ayurvedic herb sold under
the name Ashwaghanda It is a very good tonic herb that is
especially helpful for debility and nervous exhaustion due to
stress It has steriodal, adaptogenic, sedative and
anti-inflammatory properties It is also useful for panic
attacks and phobic disorders such as agoraphobia Use 1 tsp
powder 3 times daily

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