Anxiety is a mental health condition that can interfere with work, school or sleep. Common symptoms include feelings of powerlessness, increased heart rate, sweating and fatigue. Standard treatments include prescription antidepressants, as well as psychotherapy. However, according to Linda White and Steven Foster, authors of the book "The Herbal Drugstore," you can take the herb skullcap to relieve symptoms of anxiety. Skullcap is a perennial herb that Native Americans first used to treat nervous conditions. White and Foster suggest taking skullcap in tea form.
Step 1
Pour 12 oz. of water into a small pot. Add 2 tsp. of dried skullcap. Bring the water to a boil.
Step 2
Take the pot off of the stove and steep for 10 minutes. Pour the tea through a sieve and into a teacup.
Step 3
Drink the tea up to three times a day, or every two hours, if experiencing chronic anxiety. Skullcap is a mild herb and is considered safe to use long-term.
Things You'll Need
- Dried skullcap
- Water
- Small pot
- Sieve
- Spoon
References
- "Holistic Mental Health: A Comparison of Traditional and Alternative Treatments for Mental Disorders"; Dr. Dave DiSano; 2005
- "The Herbal Drugsotre"; Linda Blachly White, Steven Foster; 2000
- Mayoclinic.com: Anxiety
