Anxiety is a mental response to stress and problems in daily life. It can be caused by major events, such as the death of a loved one or loss of a job, or by smaller issues, such as getting stuck in traffic or not having enough money to pay the bills. Anxiety can create further stress on the body, and according to the National Institutes of Health, stress can weaken the immune system and increase the risk for disease. The most common ways to relieve anxiety are with relaxation, exercise, and even meditation. Herbs provide another way to treat anxiety, and the irritability that comes with it.
Gotu Kola
Gotu kola is an herb that has been used for thousands of years in eastern countries. It is used to treat wounds, skin conditions and respiratory problems, as well as anxiety. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, there are compounds in gotu kola called "triterpenoids," that are believed to reduce anxiety symptoms and responses to stress. It is available in several forms, from dried leaf to powdered capsules. You can use the leaf to make a tea which you can drink three times per day, and the capsules can be taken as 1,000- to 4,000-milligram supplements, three times per day. The higher dose may be more effective in treating anxiety.
Rhodiola
Rhodiola rosea is an herb that grows in cold regions, such as Russia, Scandinavia and the Rocky Mountains of the United States. It has been used for years in many countries as a means to treat depression and nervous system disorders. A study in the March 2008 issue of the "Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine" confirms its use as an anti-anxiety treatment, showing that patients who used the supplement had great improvement in their symptoms of anxiety and depression. There is no recommended daily value set for rhodiola, but the researchers in the study used a dose of 340 milligrams per day for 10 weeks, and saw marked improvement results.
Holy Basil
Holy basil, also known as ocimum sanctum, has long been used for its medicinal properties. One of those benefits is its ability to relieve anxiety. The September 2008 issue of the "Nepal Medical College Journal" reports that holy basil has been found to be an effective treatment for GAD, or generalized anxiety disorder. In the study, participants were given 500 mg capsule supplements, two times per day. You can grow holy basil in your garden or in pots, and the leaves can be used dried or fresh to make a relaxing tea.
While there are other herbs that are believed to treat anxiety, such as kava kava, they also come with warnings of severe adverse side effects, such as liver damage. The herbs listed above do not have health warnings. As with any supplement, take in moderation and follow the dosing recommended by the manufacturer.
Member Comments