Safer and Natural Treatments for Anxiety

Anxiety is a common psychological condition affecting millions of people all over the world. But most anxiety treatments revolve around powerful and addictive medications that are often addictive and carry the potential for serious side effects. While those suffering from anxiety need treatment, medicine is not always the best option. Luckily there are several herbal remedies and therapies that have shown success in helping people recover from anxiety.

Herbal Supplements

Many herbal supplements have shown mild to moderate success at relieving many of the symptoms of anxiety. Some of the herbs that have had the most success include:

• Kava – Kava is a root herb that can be made into a beverage, but is usually provided in supplement form. Kava has compounds known as kavalactones. These compounds produce a feeling of relaxation that in the right dose can act as a potential herbal treatment for anxiety and stress. Unlike both medicine and other herbal remedies, kava also works quickly. It is estimated that you will start feeling its affects within 20 to 30 minutes after taking the supplement. Kava is not meant for those that drink excessive amounts of alcohol, but if you are suffering from anxiety, kava is a natural and powerful option.
• Passionflower – Passionflower has a long history of anti-anxiety use, but only recently are the supplements becoming more mainstream. The Maypop, or “Purple Passionflower,” appears to be the most effective with the least amount of side effects, and can be made into tea or candy in order to receive some of the medicinal benefits. Research is still being conducted on the effects of passionflower but so far the research has been encouraging.
• Inositol – Like passionflower, research into inositol has only recently begun, but the results have once again been promising. Inositol is a naturally occurring compound found in a variety of foods that can be extracted and given in higher doses to those suffering from anxiety related issues. Unlike kava and passionflower, inositol is not designed for general anxiety. Rather, it has the most support for panic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder, as well as a few other psychological conditions.

Other supplements that have been considered for treating anxiety include St. John’s Wort, Sympaphyl, Valerian Root, Chamomile and several others. All have all received mixed results for treating anxiety, but are a preferred choice by many herbalists and herb enthusiasts. Some people receive more benefits from using these herbs than others, so you may want to experiment with them and see if you experience any anxiety reduction.

It’s also important to remember though that herbs can interact with prescribed medications, so before taking any herbal supplement it is a good idea to consult a doctor and make sure there are no potential interactions with anything else you may be taking. Kava especially has been shown to interact with any liver-metabolized medication, and some herbs produce allergic reactions or negative interactions with other herbs or medicines.

Effective Therapies

Therapy is easy the safest method of reducing anxiety because it involves no medicines or chemicals. It has also been proven effective at relieving the symptoms of anxiety for many people suffering from anxiety related conditions, and it is even more effective if it is combined with an effective medicinal or herbal treatment. Therapies for anxiety include:

• Traditional Therapy – Traditional therapies, like cognitive behavioral therapy, are still very effective at treating anxiety. Patients undergoing the full extent of these therapy treatments tend to experience a serious reduction in anxiety and are often taught coping strategies to prevent it from returning.
• Non-Traditional Therapy – For those that can’t afford traditional therapy or have not found success with that type of treatment, there are alternative therapies that many have found success from. Laughter therapy – designed to help reduce anxiety through prolonged laughter -  has been very success for those that suffer from mild psychology, while biofeedback has helped others control their own anxious states. Yoga may also have calming properties, as does meditation.

Whichever route you decide to take, the important thing is that you feel yourself experiencing benefits. Any therapy that helps you reduce your anxiety is a useful therapy, no matter how traditional or non-traditional it may be.

Successfully Treating Anxiety

These days, doctors are far too quick to prescribe potentially dangerous medications that may dull your senses or cause serious addiction. While many may still benefit from these medications, there are safer and more natural ways to treat anxiety. Many herbal supplements – especially Kava – have been shown to reduce anxiety symptoms, and therapy is one of the safest and most effective ways to experience a long term reduction in recurring anxiety. If you are willing to take a chance, you may find that any one of these options can work for you, and help you experience an anxiety-free life.

About the Author: Ryan Rivera has suffered through generalized anxiety, panic disorders and agoraphobia. His experience with recovery has motivated him to help others defeat their own anxiety issues.