Using Herbs for Anxiety Relief

If you have been dealing with the effects of anxiety for a while, you may have already consulted your doctor for possible treatments. Many doctors prefer to prescribe prescription medications - although these can be effective for some people, you have to be very careful about going on a prescription medication to help you cope with anxiety.

Often, these drugs can produce rather unpleasant side effects, including irritability, sexual dysfunction, and sleeplessness.  Fortunately, using herbs for anxiety treatment has emerged as a viable alternative to prescription medications - these herbs are usually less expensive than traditional medications, and they do not produce any side effects.

Kava kava, for example, has been used for centuries to treat anxiety. The herb is derived from the root of the Kava plant, and offers a tranquilizing effect that can help you reduce anxiety symptoms in as little as one week. Unlike prescription medications, kava kava has no addictive properties, and people using this herb do not experience harsh side effects.

Ginseng has become one of the most popular herbs for anxiety in recent years, largely because of its enviable success rate. The Chinese have used this herb for thousands of years to address feelings of anxiety and stress, but it has only recently been introduced to the Western world. Ginseng contains stimulant properties that can significantly reduce stress and help you become free from the effects of anxiety. It can also help to reduce physical tension, which will go a long way toward giving you the energy you need to tackle your day to day tasks in a calm, efficient manner.

Another popular choice for anxiety sufferers is Valerian root. This herb is used to calm feelings of stress and anxiety - people who use it say they begin noticing results within a week to two weeks. It is also frequently used as a mild sedative, so if you have had trouble sleeping because of thoughts of anxiety, Valerian root may be able to help you get the sleep you need. This can help your body repair itself, improving your chances of eliminating your anxiety symptoms.

As unlikely as it may sound, catnip is reported to be one of the most effective herbs for anxiety. It has been used to successfully treat anxiety and panic attacks for centuries, and has been reported to be as effective as many common prescription medications. Catnip contains a compound that is similar to valerian root, so it can also be used as a sedative, helping to alleviate the symptoms of insomnia that often come with anxiety. Also, catnip helps to ease muscle tension, helping you attend to your daily tasks with more energy and a sense of tranquility.

If you have found that prescription medications have been ineffective for treating your anxiety symptoms, or if you simply want to avoid the side effects of anti-anxiety drugs, using herbs for anxiety can be a useful solution. These herbs are available over the counter, rather than by prescription, so they are easily obtainable - they can be found in many drug stores and health food markets.

Tagged as: herbs, herbs for anxiety relief, stress