Though anxiety is a normal part of life, it it becomes excessive, it can become a disabling disorder. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 40 million American adults have an anxiety disorder. Anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, post traumatic stress disorder and panic disorder.
Symptoms of an anxiety disorder can include anxiety over small concerns, inability to concentrate, sleeping too little or too much, rapid heartbeat, tiredness and muscle tension. There are a few supplements that can help improve anxiety levels.
Rhodiola Rosea
Rhodiola rosea is known as an adaptogenic herb, as it increases the body's tolerance to stress and anxiety. In a study published in the 2008 issue of the "The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine," researchers studied use of rhodiola rosea in people suffering from generalized anxiety disorder. They found that 170mg of a standardized rhodiola rosea extract, taken twice a day for 10 weeks, significantly improved anxiety levels.
Post traumatic stress disorder is caused by remembering an extremely traumatic event. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends 100 to 600mg of standardized rhodiola rosea extract daily for this anxiety disorder.
Passionflower
Passionflower has a traditional use as a calming herb, particularly for anxiety, hysteria and insomnia. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, it is believed that passionflower increases the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acidin, commonly referred to as GABA. GABA decreases the activity of some brain cells and therefore has a relaxing effect on the body.
In a study published in the 2001 issue of "Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics," the effects of passionflower in the treatment of anxiety was explored. Researchers found that passionflower reduced anxiety symptoms as effectively as the medication oxazepam, which is used for the treatment of anxiety.
Multivitamin and Mineral
In a study published in the 2000 issue of "Psychopharmacology," researchers investigated the effects of a multivitamin and mineral supplement on the psychological well being of male volunteers. Over a four-week period, it was found that a multivitamin and mineral helped to reduce anxiety, when compared with a placebo. The multivitamin and mineral supplement used in the study contained vitamin C, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B3, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin B5, biotin, folic acid, calcium, magnesium and zinc.
References
- National Institute of Mental Health: The Numbers Count: Mental Disorders in America.
- National Institute of Mental Health: Anxiety Disorders.
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Post-traumatic stress disorder.
- "The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine": A pilot study of Rhodiola rosea (Rhodax) for generalized anxiety disorder: Bystritsky A, Kerwin L, Feusner JD : 2008.
- University of Maryland: Passionflower
