Stress is a normal aspect of daily life and may stem from a variety of factors including work, relationships, finances or health. If you experience chronic, daily stress that you fail to combat with relaxation and other stress-reduction techniques, illness may result. According to the Australian Journal of Medical Herbalism, stress can lead to health problems such as cardiovascular disease, hypertension, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, digestive problems, poor memory, chronic fatigue syndrome and autoimmune disease. A number of natural herbs may help reduce your stress and improve anxiety symptoms, although herbal treatment should not replace conventional medicine. Consult your health care provider before using herbal remedies for stress and anxiety.
Kava
Kava is also known as Piper methysticum. This herb has been used traditionally throughout the South Pacific to help promote mental and physical relaxation. A study published in a 2006 issue of the Cochrane Database of Systematic Review researched the effects of kava on subjects with reported anxiety. Researchers found that subjects who used kava experienced a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms compared to subjects who took a placebo. According to the Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine, kava may contain kavalactones, which can help reduce muscle tension and promote the release of calming neurotransmitters in your brain.
St. John's Wort
St. John's Wort, or Hypericum perforatum, has been used in Europe to help ease depression. Anxiety and depression tend to occur in combination with one another, so in treating one you may help improve the other. A 2005 study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology compared the effects of St. John's Wort to the commonly prescribed antidepressant fluoxetine, or Prozac. Researchers concluded that St. John's Wort was more effective in treating depression than fluoxetine. The Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine says St. John's Wort may help maintain high concentrations of mood-enhancing neurotransmitters in your brain, thereby reducing feelings of depression.
Panax Ginseng
Panax ginseng is also known as Korean ginseng. This root herb has been used throughout history in Korea, China and Japan to help improve mental and physical performance and as a general tonic. According to the Australian Journal of Medical Herbalism, ginseng has an adaptogenic effect, which helps your body adapt to the effects of stress. A study published in a 2003 issue of the Journal of Pharmacological Science researched the effects of Panax ginseng on acute and chronic stress in rats. Researchers concluded that Panax ginseng has significant antistress properties and may help reduce the effects of chronic stress-induced disorders such as stomach ulcers.
References
- "Journal of Alternative & Complementary Medicine: Kava and St. John's Wort: Current Evidence for Use in Mood and Anxiety Disorders;" Sarris, Jerome and David J. Kavanaugh, Ph.D; 2009
- "Australian Journal of Medical Herbalism: The Role of Adaptogens in Stress Management;" Provino, Robert; 2010
