Natural Remedy for Anxiety
Social anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder and panic disorder have all been put under the microscope in the last few decades, leading to numerous prescription drugs to address these problems. Yet there are natural remedies that will cure anxiety that don't require expensive pharmaceutical drugs that may be tried before looking to prescribed medication for relief.
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Kava Kava
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Kava kava is an herb and dietary supplement approved in many European countries to relieve anxiety and insomnia. It does this without making you feel "drugged" or "fuzzy" either, as this drug is derived from a natural root. Kava kava root is as effective as Serax, a benzodiazepine tranquilizer, but is non-habit forming with no addictive potential. However, if you are already taking certain medications, such as Zoloft, Valium or Halcion, avoid kava kava, as it may cause bad side effects. Kava kava should also not be combined with alcohol or taken if you have Parkinson's disease, as it may increase tremors.
Ashwagandha
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Used for centuries by Native Americans and Africans as an herbal remedy to help cure disease, inflammation and fevers and to increase mental activity, ashwagandha herb has been found to also reduce anxiety by researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center. As studies are still ongoing, ashwagandha has been taken more and more often for homeopathic relief of anxiety.
St. John's Wort
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While one of the main uses for St. John's wort is to relieve the symptoms of depression, it has also been helpful at relieving chronic anxiety problems. According to spineuniverse.com, research has shown that St. John's wort lessens symptoms of anxiety as much as Valium, yet without clouding thinking like Valium. It decreases the uptake of serotonin in the brain, which in turn increases the absorption of serotonin in the body, creating calm feelings and relieving anxiety. However, if you are already taking an antidepressant, don't take St. John's wort because of the possibility of side effects. Also, St. John's wort can make you more sensitive to the sun, so wear sunscreen when you are outside.
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