Medicinal Herbs For Anxiety

According to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America, approximately 40 million people in the United States suffer from some sort of anxiety disorder. Anxiety is a common reaction to stressful situations, reports the National Institute of Mental Health. A little anxiety is not necessarily a bad thing. However, if you become excessively anxious, you may notice a decline in your health and your ability to function in society. Herbs may help reduce your anxiety, but you should always discuss the risks and side effects associated with herbs with your physician before taking herbal medicine.

Anxiety

About 33 percent of the millions of people with an anxiety disorder receive treatment for their condition. Of the five most common types of anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, or GAD, is one of the most common. GAD, a condition associated with chronic anxiety, is made worse with worry and tension, even when there is seemingly nothing to worry about.

Useful Medicinal Herbs

Phyllis A. Balch, a certified nutritional consultant and author of "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," states that anxiety disorders can affect people from their teenage years on. Certain herbs, notes Balch, can help you manage your anxiety and improve your quality of life. Examples of herbs that help treat anxiety include bilberry, ginkgo, milk thistle, catnip, chamomile, cramp bark, hops, kava kava, linden flower, motherwort, passionflower, skullcap, fennel, lemon balm, willow, feverfew, St. John's wort, valerian and mandarin oil.

Featured Herb

Valerian is a medicinal herb often used in the treatment of anxiety. The National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine states that valerian may help treat anxiety, sleep disorders, headaches, depression, irregular heartbeats and trembling. Valerian is a sedative that relieves muscle spasms and helps lower your blood pressure. It is also a relaxing nervine, or a substance that helps soothe your irritated nerves. The root of the valerian plant is used in herbal preparations.

Another Popular Herb

Chamomile is another popular herb in the treatment of anxiety; the flowers of the plant are used medicinally. The American Cancer Society states that chamomile can calm your mind, ease your stress, induce sleep, soothe gastrointestinal discomfort, reduce pain and speed wound healing. Balch notes that chamomile is a traditional remedy for stress and anxiety. This herb has antispasmodic properties and is a mild sedative. Also called German chamomile, chamomile contains many important phytonutrients.