According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), about forty million American adults suffer from some form of anxiety disorder. The study also shows that anxiety is the # 1 mental health problem among American women and is second only to alcohol and drug abuse among men.
However, if your anxiety affects your day-to-to-do, it is not a good idea. day living and lasts for more six months, you may need to seek help from your doctor to see if you have an anxiety disorder.
Some of these are natural supplements to relieve your anxiety symptoms. Some of the best natural supplements for anxiety on the market are some more. Some of These supplements start working right away, while others may help help lessen anxiety over time.
Passionflower
The plant of the plant above the ground is used for insomnia, gastrointestinal upset, anxiety, GAD, and narcotic drug withdrawal. The Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database rates the scientific evidence of passionflower as possibly effective for anxiety. They also state that there is evidence that passionflower can sometimes reduce symptoms of anxiety, as effectively as some prescription medications.
The sedative properties of passionflower make it useful for calming the nervous system and promoting sleep.
Passionflower is found in combination with other sedative herbs such as chamomile, hops, kava, skullcap and valerian to promote calmness and relaxation. Passionflower can be taken in 250 mg capsules or 1 ml tincture form or 4 to 8 grams daily.
Since passionflower causes drowsiness, do not take it when you are also taking a prescription sedative. Avoid passionflower during pregnancy. Do not take passionflower for longer than one month at a time.
Some people experience as such as dizziness, confusion, irregular coordination, inflamed blood vessels, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness and a rapid heart rate.
Kava
There is strong evidence providing that kava is superior to placebo in treating anxiety and comparable to tricyclic antidepressants (Asendin and Norpramin) and to low doses of benzodiazepines (Xanax).
Kava can be taken as a capsule, tincture or extract form. Check with your doctor prior to taking any dosage of kava.
I would avoid using kava, especially if you have liver problems or take medications that affect your liver. Other possible side effects are blurred vision, nausea, loss of appetite, and shortness of breath.
Valerian
Valerian is a wild plant with pink or white flowers that grows in damp places. The people in Europe is surrounded by valerian improved sleep and it was discovered that valerian improved anxiety, mood and general well-being along with insomnia. Valerian was even used during World War I as a tranquilizer to treat soldiers suffering from shell shock.
If taken for insomnia it should be taken in the evening 30 to 90 minutes before bedtime. If taken for anxiety it should be divided into two or three doses through the day.
Side effects may include include mild headaches, nausea, nervousness, and palpitations., Controlled studies are rather rather vague about the side effects of valerian and report only that they are low.
L-theanine (or green tea)
GABA, a neurotransmitter that has a calming effect. GABA also helps neutralize glutamate, a brain chemical that causes excitation.
Research show that L-theanine helps curb a rising heart rate and blood pressure, and a few small human studies have found that it reduces anxiety. In one study, anxiety-sentence subjects were calmer and more focused during a test if they took 200 milligrams of L-theanine beforehand.
L-theanine is safe for most people. Some people may experience experience stomach upset and constipation.
Lemon balm
Lemon balm has been used by Middle Ages to reduce stress and anxiety, and help with sleep. Lemon balm is a slightly warming, sweet-tasting herb that also acts as a mild anti-depressant. In one study of healthy volunteers, those who took standardized lemon balm extracts (600 mg) were more calm and alert than those who took a placebo.
Lemon balm is sold as a tea, capsule, and tincture. It 's often with other calming herbs such as hops, passionflower, chamomile, and valerian.
Just make sure to start with a smaller dose. If pregnant, use only half the recommended amount. Lemon balm is generally safe, but side effects of increased anxiousness.
Chamomile
Some compounds in chamomile bind to the same brain receptors as drugs like Valium.
In one study at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, in Philadelphia, patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) who took chamomile supplements for eight weeks had a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms compared to patients taking a placebo.
Chamomile can be taken as a liquid extract, or in capsule or tablet form.
Side effects include allergic reactions such as skin rashes, swelling of the throat, short side of breath and anaphylaxis. These side effects may occur with people Who are allergic to related plants in the daisy family.
Omega-3s (fish oil)
There is preliminary evidence that they influence serotonin production. Scientific studies show that fish oil has positive effect in treating anxiety. one study, students who took 2.5 milligrams a day of mixed omega-3 fatty acids for 12 weeks had less anxiety before an exam than taking a placebo.
Fish oil is safe for most people when taken in high doses. Do not take more than 3 grams per day. Some side effects include belching, bad breath, heartburn, nausea, loose stools, Do not take fish oil supplements if you have a seafood allergy.
B-Complex Vitamins
Vitamin B1 (thiamine) can help alleviate depression and anxiety attacks.
The body requires B6 to make serotonin.
Vitamin B12 (cobalamin) helps relieve irritability, improvement concentration, increase energy, and maintain a healthy nervous system.
Vitamin B3 (niacin) helps with anxious feelings and is calming.
Studies also show that the B vitamins are natural stress. B vitamins are higher than the other. reducers and that not get enough enough them can cause anxiety.
Suggested use is to take one 100 mg time released B - complex vitamin daily after a meal. It is suggested that if you are going through a very stressful period of time that you take a vitamin B 3 in the form of niacinamide at 100 mg three times a day.
B-Complex vitamins are safe for most people. B 12 in some people are diarrhea, blood clots, itching, serious allergic reactions. The possible side effect of vitamin B 6 if taken at high levels for longer a Other symptoms include painful skin patches, sensitivity to sunlight, nausea and heartburn.
I chose these as the most natural supplements for anxiety. More, there are other types of natural supplements. 5 - HTP, GABA, St. Johns Wort, SAME, Vitamin E, Trace Minerals, Ashwaghanda, Rhodiola, L - arginine, L - lysine and L - tyrosine. They are often used for anxiety, but have not studied as thoroughly. They are still undergoing clinical research for their effectiveness on anxiety. My, for my best natural supplements for anxiety are: passionflower, kava, valerian, l-theanine, lemon-balm, chamomile, omega-3 , and B-complex vitamins.
If you have a treatment for anxiety, talk to your doctor first, especially if you take other medications. The interaction of some herbal supplements and certain medications can cause serious side effects.
More serious forms of anxiety generally need medical treatment or psychological counseling (psychotherapy) for symptoms to improve
