Halting Anxiety
Anxiety disorders include several different conditions, such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and phobias.
Anxiety disorders share a common feature: an uncontrollable and, in many cases unexplainable, fear or dread. In most cases, people with one type of anxiety disorder have another; anxiety disorders frequently accompany depression, as well.
Some anxiety disorders are treated with antidepressants like fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), and sertraline (Zoloft). Medications specifically made to treat anxiety include clonazepam (Klonopin), alprazolam (Xanax), and diazepam (Valium). Possible side effects include drowsiness, fatigue, loss of coordination, and mental confusion.
While serious anxiety disorders demand attention from a doctor (and may require the use of prescription drugs), many milder or episodic types of anxiety respond quite well to herbal remedies. For example:
• Hops (Humulus lupulus) |
This is a traditional antianxiety treatment that helps relieve depression, as well. Hops also acts as a mild sedative. |
• Kava (Piper methysticum) |
Kava is the go-to herbal for anxiety, and has centuries of use (and research) behind it. The latest studies confirm its ability to relieve the symptoms of anxiety as well as the most frequently prescribed pharmaceuticals. |
• Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) |
Recent research has shown that passionflower relieves anxiety symptoms as well as drugs, without the side effects. Other research shows it can relieve presurgery anxiety without unnecessary sedation. |
• Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) |
Valerian is a gentle sedative and mood stabilizer. Research shows that combining it with Saint John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) or kava (Piper methysticum) can relieve agitation and anxiety. |
