Herbal Remedies for Anxiety

Herbal remedies for anxiety can be a great way to come off of traditional anxiety medications that create drowsiness and other bothersome side effects from pharmaceuticals to battle this malady. As an anxiety sufferer myself, I have made a point of being on many missions to treat my anxiety symptoms naturally. A few of them have been particularly helpful to me over the years and have successfully assisted me with getting off of the pharmaceutical meds for anxiety that made me literally dopey. Here are my favorite choices for a natural “chill pill” that you may find helpful as well.

German Chamomile

As common as this herb is, you may just find it in your own backyard. However, if that’s not the case, just pick some up at your local health food retailer in tea or capsule form. It is well documented for being helpful in GAD, Generalized Anxiety Disorder in a number of studies, and it’s success in that regard is something I can attest to. I like sipping the tea because it seems to work quicker for me, but if capsules are an easier way for you to go, those are always available. You’ll also like the anti-inflammatory affect you may find you get with this herb as well.

Lemon Balm

“Soothing” is the operative word here. That’s because lemon balm is part of the mint family, known for their soothing properties that have a tendency to induce sleep. I find that the liquid extract of lemon balm works best for me, but you can find this herb in capsules often combined with valerian, another commonly known herbal anxiety fighter that’s very effective for anxiety symptoms.

Ashwagandha

I have found this herb helpful not only for my anxiety, but for an immune boost when I’m ill and physically stressed, so it gives it double the value. It is frequently used for these purposes in Ayurvedic medicine, and is a known as a cornerstone for the Chinese in their herbal arsenals.

St. John’s Wort

As an herb that can double in its ability to combat anxiety along with depression, I have found it more effective with anxiety than depression. However, I have had numerous clients in my own retail health food store that have had nothing but good results when it comes to depression and St. John’s Wort. According to my customers their anxiety was much more manageable than without using it.

When I engage in any herbal suggestions while consulting, I am always mindful to tell those taking herbs to do so on an empty stomach for the most effective results, waiting until at least 3 hours after a meal, or a half an hour prior to a meal. Their effective properties are compromised from stomach acid.

Disclaimer: Contact your healthcare professional before making any changes in medications.
Source: Personal experience with my health food store clients and myself