Stress Relief – The Best Herbs for Anxiety

by Stephen Jablonski

Herbs have been known to man for thousands of years. They were the first medicines ever used. And they provided the blueprint for the development of all of our modern drugs and drug therapies. Though they’ve been around for a long time, they’re still useful and effective today, especially for the treatment of stress and anxiety.

One of the main benefits to herbal treatments for anxiety is the cost. Herbal treatments are almost always much less expensive than prescription drugs. But the benefits don’t end there. The best herbs for anxiety will also have fewer and less severe side effects as well, making them safer to use. For instance, they’re nonaddictive.

Keep in mind that any anxiety herbs definitely do have side effects. For that reason, you should be careful when introducing any new herb or supplement into your body. Take the time to speak with your doctor or pharmacist before you begin any new regimen.

Valerian

Valerian is a powerful anxiety herb. You can use it in the daytime to manage your stress and anxiety. You can also use it at nighttime to calm you down after a long day. And to help you get a restful, full night’s sleep.

Kava

Kava comes from the South Pacific but is now used throughout the world. In Europe it’s used often as an anxiety treatment. It’s also used effectively to combat insomnia. It’s even used to improve concentration and focus.

St. John’s Wort

St. John’s Wort has been around for a very long time. It was first used in ancient Greece to treat depression. Over the years, its anti-anxiety properties have been discovered and put to use. You must be careful of the side effects of this herbal remedy however because St. John’s Wort can interfere with the drugs you may already be taking.

Passion Flower

Passion Flower is so named because early pilgrims to the new world thought it resembled the crown of thorns and the nails on the cross of Christ. When it was first cultivated it was found to assist with digestion. Later, its natural sedative effects were discovered. Today, it is an effective calming herb.

Last Word

All of these herbs are useful in the treatment of anxiety disorders and you can find them in most health food stores. They come in different forms, capsules, liquid extracts, and teas. And while they all produce much the same effects generally, you may find that they each work a little differently on you. Which one works best will probably take a little trial and error.

I personally find the teas to be the easiest to use. They’re easy to make and I enjoy a cup of tea after dinner; it’s part of a little pre-sleep routine I use to ease away the stress of the day. But you may find capsules or extracts more convenient for you. In any case, if you’re looking for some help managing your stress and anxiety, these best herbs for anxiety can give you some amazing results.

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