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Anxiety Disorders and Depression Treatments by Herbal Supplements

July 16, 2006

There are several supplements and herbs that may help reduce anxiety and stress. these anti-anxiety nutrients are not as powerful as Valium and Xanax, however their side effect profile is generally much safer.

5-HTP reduces anxiety by increasing levels of serotonin, often works within hours, and one study says 5-HTP may be helpful in panic attacks. 5-HTP is a good anxiety treatment for those whose depression is associated with anxiety, restlessness, or racing thoughts.

Passion flower helps to calm nerves and is a good anxiety treatment for those whose anxiety is mild or moderate. Tryptophan is an amino acid that helps form serotonin.

Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic herb with relaxation and mood balancing properties.

Kava Kava is from the South Pacific islands. Anti-anxiety effects usually noticed within a couple of hours. Kava is good for both stress and anxiety and also social anxiety.

Fish Oils DHA help stabilize mood, takes several days of high doses to have an effect.

St. John's Wort in low doses works within days. High doses can cause restlessness.

Valerian is able to reduce anxiety as demonstrated in a few studies.

Hops helps relax and induces sleep. Hops is a good option for nighttime Skullcap.

GABA, some people like the amino acid, is a neurotransmitter supplement for relaxing.

SAM-e is used for depression. In high doses, SAM-e may increase anxiety and restlessness.

There are several herbs with stimulant properties that may also induce anxiety or restlessness, including tongkat ali and ginseng.

The medications used in anxiety treatment have changed over the last few years. A lot of the anxiety treatment medications that were used caused a number of problems including psychological dependence such as withdrawal symptoms including anxiety, irritability, anorexia nervosa, confusion and nausea. These are also the symptoms of anxiety that the medications are meant to relieve. These days anxiety treatment usually involves either anxiolytics (anti- anxiety medication) or the more modern antidepressant medications. Thus, depression and anxiety are closely linked. Common anxiety medication options include SSRIs drugs such as Prozac, benzodiazepines such as Xanax, beta blockers such as propranolol, and tricyclic antidepressants.

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