Often, those who suffer with anxiety and nervousness feel helpless to control this debilitating condition. Friends and family may not understand, while doctors want to prescribe a plethora of prescription drugs with long lists of scary side effects. Herbal remedies for nerves and anxiety may offer the solution for these sufferers, without all those dangerous side effects.
Ashwaganda
Ashwaganda is most commonly used in Ayurvedic medicine. It is a member of the nightshade family, as are tomatoes and potatoes, so if you are sensitive to nightshades, do not use Ashwaganda. You should also avoid it if you are taking prescription medications for anxiety or insomnia.
As a remedy for nerves and anxiety, Ashwaganda acts as a mild sedative. It is also beneficial for improving sleep quality. A typical dose is 500 mg, three times a day, of standardized capsules to help reduced stress and anxiety.
Catnip
Catnip may make cats act silly, but it actually acts as a sedative in people. A member of the mint family, catnip can be enjoyed as a soothing tea to keep you calm and focused during the day, or to help you sleep more soundly at night.
Chamomile
Chamomile is a useful anti-anxiety herb. Like catnip, is is an effective tea to help you relax during the day or to help you drift off to sleep at night. Used in an essential oil diffuser, chamomile essential oil may make stress reducing medications more effective, according to "Prescription for Herbal Healing" by Phyllis A Balch.
Chamomile should be taken for about four weeks to know if it will work for you. Enjoy one cup of chamomile tea three times a day. If you are allergic to ragweed, you should avoid chamomile because it could produce an allergic reaction. You should not take chamomile if you take warfarin, because it will increase the blood-thinning effects of the medication.
Kava Kava
Kava kava has been used for thousands of years in the South Pacific because of its analgesic and sedative properties. It is also thought to induce a mild euphoria. These qualities make it good for treating anxiety and depression, among other things.
A standard dose for anxiety treatment is 120 mg each day for four to six months. After this time period, you should stop taking kava kava for several weeks before starting it again. Do not take kava kava with alcohol, sleeping medications, antidepressants or tranquilizers. Taken with alcohol, kava kava can increase the effect of the alcohol, such as dizziness or drowziness. It may also contribute to liver damage if used with alcohol. When taken with prescription medications, kava kava can dangerously intensify the effects of the medications.
Also avoid kava kava if you are pregnant or nursing because the effect on the baby is unknown and may be risky. If you have Parkinson's disease, your symptoms may get worse if you take kava kava. The effect of anesthesia is increased if the patient has been taking kava kava, so if you will be undergoing surgery, you should stop taking this herbs at least two weeks before your surgery date.
Valerian
Valerian is a natural tranquilizer that is effective for nervousness, anxiety and insomnia. You can take it as a tincture or capsule as well as in tea form. It is often taken with hops or lemon balm as a sleep tonic. Sometimes valerian used with St. John's wort as a tranquilizer comparable to Valium. For anxiety, take 50 mg, three times a day.
The effects of prescription tranquilizers may be increased if taken with valerian. You should not take it if you are pregnant or nursing. It should not be taken by children. Do not drive immediately after taking valerian and stop taking it if you experience heart palpitations. If you elect to discontinue use after taking it for several weeks, taper off gradually or you may experience headache, irritability and other withdrawal-type symptoms.
References
- "Prescription for Herbal Healing"; Phyllis A Balch; 2002
- "Disease Prevention and Treatment"; Life Extension Staff; 2003
- Holistic Online: Anxiety Herbal Medicine
- American Cancer Society:Valerian
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