Stress and anxiety often have similar causes. You can experience anxiety if you feel stressed and feel stressed if you're anxious. While many prescription drugs can help to alleviate symptoms of stress and anxiety, you can also gain similar benefits from taking herbal supplements. If you're thinking about taking an herbal supplement, you should always speak to your doctor first, as some supplements can cause interactions with prescription drugs and may cause adverse reactions if you have certain medical conditions.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is a vital nutrient your body needs to maintain certain metabolic processes such as red blood cell formation. It also may help to alleviate symptoms of stress and maintain health in your nervous system, according to naturopath Andrew L. Rubman in an article for Spine Universe. Vitamin B12 is found in many foods, including liver and certain types of fish, according to the National Institutes of Health's Office of Dietary Supplements. You can also take a supplement containing vitamin B12, such as a multivitamin or vitamin B-complex supplement, if you think you may not be getting enough of this vitamin from dietary sources.
Kava Kava
Kava kava is an herb that has been used in traditional herbal medicines for its calming and soothing effects. According to an August 2007 study published in the journal American Family Physician, kava kava is recommended if you have mild to moderate anxiety and you don't have any liver disorders or suffer from alcoholism. If you are experiencing insomnia related to stress and anxiety, kava kava may also help you fall asleep and potentially increase the overall quality of your sleep. However, kava kava is not recommended for long-term use.
Valerian
Valerian is a commonly used herbal supplement to decrease feelings of stress and anxiety. It has been used in many types of traditional medicines for its calming and sedative effects. According to the National Institutes of Health's Office of Dietary Supplements, valerian was used during World War II to ease the stress of air raids in England. Today, valerian is popularly found in many over-the-counter herbal products to relieve stress and anxiety.
Celery Seed
Celery seed is an herb that has numerous health uses and may help to relieve stress and anxiety symptoms. It has been used in traditional medicines for alleviation of high blood pressure and water retention as well as easing symptoms of depression and stress. According to author James A. Duke, Ph.D., in his book "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook," celery seed may reduce symptoms of insomnia and anxiety due to the sedative effect of phtalides, one of the compounds present in celery seed.
References
- SpineUniverse.com: Natural Remedies to Soothe Stress and Ease Anxiety
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements: Vitamin B12
- "American Family Physician"; Herbal and Dietary Supplements for Treatment of Anxiety Disorders; Sy Atezaz Saeed, MD, Richard M. Bloch, Ph.D, and Diana J. Antonacci, MD; August 2007
- National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements: Valerian
- "The Green Pharmacy Herbal Handbook: Your Comprehensive Reference to the Best Herbs for Healing"; James A. Duke, Ph.D; 2000
