Herb for Anxiety Guide

For Natural Stress Relief

An herb for anxiety might be very useful as part of an overall program addressing the issues associated with anxiety.

The best herbs are those that reduce the stress and tension held in the muscles of the body, as well as soothing the nervous system.

Relaxing herbs are thus a good choice when considering an herb for anxiety, at least in the short to medium term - they can help someone as they explore other methods of dealing with what is causing the anxiety, such as meditation, counselling, or whatever is most appropriate.

These anxiety herbs might include any of what are known as the 'herbal sedatives' - valerian, passaflora, vervain, scullcap.

Other herb for anxiety options include hops, lime blossom, motherwort, lavendar, and pasque flower.

If there is

• an underlying exhaustion
• fatigue
• recovery from an illness
• chronic or long term depression
• menopause
• PMT

then these herbs should be used carefully, if at all.

The reason being is that they have an action that reduces or 'calms' vital functions. This will not cause any physical harm, but if, as in the above cases, the body is physically taxed/depleted, then it is a much better approach to provide more supportive, nourishing remedies.

Herbalists might, if they were to use these remedies sparingly for any of the above conditions, also use what is known as a 'tonic' herb, to restore the vital functions. That is why it is also excellent to supplement with B vitamins, and possibly a mineral supplement.

An excellent tonic herb for someone with anxiety is oats. St Johns wort is also great.

For women in particular, vitex agnus castus is a great solution if you have associated hormonal (particularly PMS) symptoms. For men, damiana and saw palmetto are great options.