A lot of people who have anxiety disorders are in search of treatments other than prescription medications. You may be concerned about the cost of these medications, the potential for unwelcome side effects or in some cases, the addictive potential of some anxiety medications; whatever the reason, there are alternatives such as using herbs for anxiety.
There are many herbal remedies which have long been used to treat anxiety. Most of these herbs can be found easily at health food stores or even grocery stores and if you live in a reasonably large city, you shouldn’t have to go far to find them. These four herbs are among the most common herbal treatments for anxiety and panic disorders.
Valerian
Valerian has long been used as a remedy for insomnia and it is also effective for mild anxiety. However, it is not meant to be a long term treatment and it is not recommended that you take valerian over a period of more than three months. Since it has sedative properties, it should not be taken along with other medications which can cause drowsiness or alcohol, especially if you’ll be driving or operating heavy machinery. In a study comparing valerian to Valium (commonly prescribed for anxiety), researchers found no significant differences between the two treatments.
Passionflower
Passionflower has long been used as a treatment for anxiety. Like valerian, it has a sedative effect and should not be taken by expectant or nursing mothers, children or people with kidney problems. In clinical studies, its effects have been found to be very similar to those of benzodiazepine drugs.
St John’s Wort
St. John’s Wort is one of the best known herbal remedies for anxiety, so much so that it can be found in many supermarkets. St. John’s Wort inhibits serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake, much like the prescription selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Zoloft, Prozac and Lexapro and its effects are similar. However, it should be kept in mind that it can take several weeks of taking St. John’s Wort regularly before patients will notice the effects of the herb.
Ginseng
Ginseng is a widely known herbal treatment for a variety of different illnesses and conditions. It is renowned for its properties as a stimulant and its tendency to reduce anxiety. Not only does it tend to cause a slight relaxation in users, the energy boost it provides can also be helpful in reducing depression and anxiety.
