Herbal remedy for stress and anxiety

Herbal remedies have a long tradition in human history as a way to calm stress and anxiety in people. I imagine that these remedies were learned by people through personal experimentation and the good remedies where passed down to the next generation. In many ways modern medicine has studied herbal remedies and synthesised the natural chemical into a man made substitute. It is important before taking a herbal remedy that you consult a health practitioner or doctor. If you are already taking prescribed drugs, the herbal alternative might counteract the drug or amplify the effects. It is also important to make sure that the herb is compatible with your current circumstances, for example, if you are pregnant or have an existing medical condition.

A common use of herbal remedies is to calm the body and senses for sleep. A good nights sleep is often the best tonic for anxiety and stress. Poor sleeping or insomnia has a debilitating affect on the body that leads to more stress over time.

Valerian (valerian officinalis) is a popular sedative that is used by people who can't sleep or have sleeping disorders. Valerian comes from a hardy, perennial flowering plant. Usually the root is dried and taken as a supplement in capsule form, as a tea or tincture. It is noted for it's strong, overpowering smell and has been known to cause headaches in some people.

Kava Kava is a member of the pepper family and is native to the western pacific islands. The root is dried, ground up and taken as a drink. The affects of Kava Kava are mainly as a sedative to promote deep,restful sleep. There has been much debate as to the safety of the product. There have been claims that it may cause liver disease but there is no direct evidence of this connection as yet. Many governments have added warning labels to the Kava Kava packaging.

Passionflower (passiflora incarnata) is a plant indigenous to the American continents. It is used as a sedative and for insomnia. It is usually taken as a capsule.

Chamomile is noted as a relaxation aid. It is commonly taken as a drink. Placing Chamomile leaves and buds in a tea pot with some boiling water produces a mild tasting beverage that soothes nerves.

Another use of herbal remedies for stress and anxiety is as a mood changing agent. One such substance is St Johns Wort (hypericum perfortum). St Johns Wort is a yellow flowering perennial herb. It is recorded as being used in Ancient Greece and in native American traditions. It is used for depression and anxiety disorders. It can be taken in tea form but is commonly taken in capsule form these days.

Other popular herbal extracts include :

Fennel, used to reduce anxiety in the intestinal tract. Taken as a beverage.

Bugleweed, used to soothe nerves. Taken as a tea.

Gingko Biloba is believed to improve circulation and elevate the mood. Good for depression. Taken as a tablet or capsule.

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