Herbal Anxiety Remedy

Anxiety disorders are one of the leading psychiatric problems among American children and adults. The Anxiety Disorders Association of America states that about 40 million people in the United States have some sort of anxiety disorder, although only about one-third seek and receive treatment for their condition. There are many possible treatments for anxiety disorders, including herbal remedies. If you have problems with anxiety and are interested in using herbal remedies to treat your condition, first talk with your doctor about the safety and efficacy of herbs.

About Anxiety

Anxiety is often described as a general sense of nervousness or dread about events or occurrences that might happen. The KidsHealth website states that anxiety is a normal reaction to dangerous or stressful situations. However, some people may develop an anxiety disorder -- a mental health problem associated with almost constant fear, dread or worry. Several anxiety disorders are named based on their symptoms, including generalized anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, phobias, panic attacks and post-traumatic stress disorder.

Herbal Anxiety Remedies

In her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," nutrition expert Phyllis A. Balch states that anxiety disorders can be either acute or chronic and that they can affect anybody from teenagers to the elderly. According to Balch, herbal remedies such as bilberry, ginkgo and milk thistle help neutralize free radicals, while chamomile, kava kava, passionflower and skullcap reduce the intensity and frequency of panic attacks. St. John's wort helps restore emotional stability, while valerian root and skullcap encourage restful sleep.

A Frequently Used Herb

Skullcap is one of the most frequently used herbs in treating anxiety disorders. The University of Maryland Medical Center states that skullcap, especially American skullcap, has been used by herbalists and other health care practitioners to treat anxiety, convulsions, nervous tension and other conditions. Skullcap, notes Balch, helps combat fatigue, nervous disorders and drug addiction. This herbal remedy is also helpful in improving circulation and increasing your heart's pumping ability. Both the leaves and shoots of the skullcap plant are used in herbal supplements.

Disclaimer

Anxiety disorders, though common, can be crippling for many individuals. In order to realize optimal health benefits from your treatment, it is important to be properly diagnosed by a qualified health care professional. Once you have been diagnosed, you can discuss appropriate treatment options with your doctor, including herbal remedies. Herbal remedies are often effective in reducing the severity of your symptoms, but their use does not guarantee a certain result. In most cases, multiple therapies may be most effective in treating your anxiety disorder.