Anxiety attacks are very frightening, they are mainly caused by extreme stress or sometimes panic. The most common symptoms are a feeling of impending doom, heart attack symptoms and shortness of breath. The heart rate increases and sweat breaks out. Anxiety attacks can also be caused by phobias, like fear of height or fear of the darkness.
The most common approach to relieve anxiety symptoms is by taking prescription medication. Unfortunately those prescription medications can have serious side effects. Herbs are a more easy and natural way to ease anxiety symptoms. If you are already on prescription drugs, like anti-depressants consult your doctor before starting to take herbal anxiety remedies.
When you are beginning with the treatment, start with the mildest remedy and keep the dosage low. Go from there. Many of the herbal remedies for anxiety below can be safely taken together with prescription drugs.
Below is a list of natural remedies and what they are doing:
Oats – Oat seeds have a very calming and soothing effect, especially if you are feeling stressed and frayed. The most common form for taking oat seeds as a herbal remedy is tea. Take 1 or 2 tablespoons of oat seeds in a cup of hot water and let it steep for approximately 10 minutes. You can safely consume one cup every two hours if needed. Oat seeds are also available as tincture and in capsule form.
Chamomile – Chamomile is widely known for it’s calming and very soothing properties. Mainly used in tea form you can buy it in most supermarkets. Chamomile will help to relax tight muscles and eases the stomach. You can safely drink one cup every two hours as needed.
Linden – Linden is a wonderful all around remedy. It is great for easing and relaxing muscle tension and is a remedy for high blood pressure. Linden helps in keeping the cardiovascular system functioning. Linden is available as tea (drink 1 cup every two hours), tincture or in capsule form.
Vervain – Vervain is a soothing herb for the nervous system, it is also known to help with depression symptoms. You can get it in tea, tincture and capsule form. Directions for usage in tea form: Drink one cup every two hours.
Motherwort – Motherwort has been known for a long time for it’s beneficial properties for the cardiovascular system. It is especially helpful for anxiety symptoms that cause an increased heart rate and will calm the nerves. One cup of Motherwort tea is the advised usage. You can get Motherwort as a tincture or in capsule form if you do not like tea. If you are taking cardiac drugs you need to talk to your doctor before taking Motherwort.
Lavender – Lavender is known for it’s relaxing and uplifting properties. It is commonly used as an essential oil which can be inhaled or used in the bath water. Lavender is providing relief for depression and anxiety with it’s fragrances. Dilute it with oil to use it for a massage. Do not take Lavender internally.
St. John’s Wort – St. John’s Wort is a booster for the nervous system and it is widely used for depression treatment. Commonly available as a tonic (take up to 3 teaspoons every two hours) and as capsules.
Skullcap – Skullcap is a great herb that relaxes the nervous system. It is uses for the treatment of hormonal mood swings and anxiety. Available as tea (1 cup every two hours), tincture or capsules.
Kava-Kava – Kava-Kava is an anti anxiety herb that has similar properties as Valium. It works with the part of the brain controlling the emotions and the nervous system. The good thing about Kava-Kava is, that the body does not build up a tolerance to it and it is non addictive. Studies have shown an improved memory and brain function. Kava-Kava is a great way to treat anxiety on a short term basis. Most commonly available as capsules. Do not consume together with alcohol.
Valerian - Valerian like Kava-Kava is similar to Valium. It is an herb with strong anti-anxiety properties and works with the central nervous system. It relaxed tight muscles and is known to improve sleep. Valerian is non addictive. Note: Some users indicate that their anxiety symptoms have increased with taking Valerian. Discontinue use immediately if this occurs. Available as capsules.
Passionflower – Passionflower is a strong herb that can be used to calm daytime anxiety. It is calming and is helpful for treating insomnia. Commonly used in tea form. Take 1 to 2 teaspoons of dried herbs and steep it for 10 minutes. Drink 1 cup every 2 hours.
Siberian Ginseng - Siberian Ginseng helps with the restoration of overstressed adrenal glands. If you are chronically overstressed, you should consider taking this herb. Commonly available as a tonic. Be advised though that it can take several weeks to see any results.
