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 with 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 help and often have fewer side effects than commercial pharmaceutical products.
Chamomile tea is one of the best-known natural remedies for anxiety. It has an effect on both the digestive tract and the nervous system, making it useful for people who suffer from gastrointestinal symptoms like cramps and 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 that can be added to water. Chamomile capsules are convenient to take 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 that also has a restorative (adaptogenic) property. It has a calming effect in mild depression and anxiety cases 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 traditional use as an abortive and is contraindicated during pregnancy.
Do not use kava if less than 18 years of age or if pregnant/breastfeeding. Combine with no alcohol, 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 daily for more than four weeks without consulting a health care provider. Take frequent breaks from using it.
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 usually included in European formulas for heart palpitations, which often have anxiety as a component. It is taken in capsule form, 500 mg daily, 20-30 drops of a tincture, or fresh tea. Though it helps bring on natural sleep, Passionflower does not have the sedative effects of many prescription sleeping pills.
Pulsatilla is a homeopathic remedy that is most suitable for shy, hypersensitive people who tend to feel warm rather than cold. Homeopathic practitioners recommend a 30C potency 2-4 times daily to relieve acute symptoms and 30C or 6C 1-2 times daily for chronic use. Homeopathic remedies use minuscule concentrations of compounds to “nudge” the body into healing itself. They either help or they do not; there are no toxic side effects.
Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) is a relaxing and gentle sedative for the central nervous system. It is very good for nervous tension and 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 with anxiety as well. Take a 300 mg extract three times per day. Quality varies widely between brands; it is best to buy a standardized product containing 3-5% hyperforin and 0.3% 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 you are 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 that has a calming effect on the brain or else influences the brain’s natural production of GABA. Also, some researchers believe that valerian affects serotonin levels like antidepressant 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 with stress and anxiety. The recommended dose of tincture is 30-60 drops or a capsule or tablet of 300-500 mg.
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 three weeks, as it can be habituating.
Verbena (Verbena Officinalis) is a relaxing nervous system tonic indicated for various nervous disorders, including nervous exhaustion and stress. As a tincture, use 2-4 MLS up to 4 times daily. Avoid using this herb during pregnancy as it is a uterine stimulant.
Withania (Withania somnifera) is an ayurvedic herb sold under the name Ashwagandha. It is an excellent tonic herb that is especially helpful for debility and nervous exhaustion due to stress. It has steroidal, adaptogenic, sedative, and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also helpful for panic attacks and phobic disorders such as agoraphobia. Use 1 tsp of powder three times daily.
Depression and anxiety could be cured naturally. However, most people put off trying supplements for depression and anxiety because they don’t know what works.
Between stress, anxiety, unhappiness, or depression, your quality of life can drop like a stone. The problem with most treatments is that you never know if they will work for you specifically. If you want to make sure that you are doing everything you can to conquer this problem, start by learning about the natural methods that are available to you to stop taking pills forever.
