Anxiety is a fact of modern life. But perhaps herbs used in traditional Chinese medicine may provide some relief.
When faced with a perceived threat, your body undergoes biochemical changes that trigger feelings of anxiety. The symptoms of anxiety include, but are not limited to: restlessness, obsessive thoughts, trembling, difficulty breathing, sweating, faintness and muscle tension. The Gale Encyclopedia of Alternative Medicine reports that unwarranted anxiety may be the result of a past trauma, stress, a phobia, substance abuse, an overactive nervous system or an underlying disease. Some herbs may help in the treatment of anxiety, but consult your doctor before discontinuing current medications/therapies or beginning new ones.
Stress Reduction
Some herbs may offer direct relief from anxious feelings. The Mayo Clinic lists kava, valerian, passionflower and theanine as potentially helpful in the treatment of anxiety. Among these herbs, kava kava is the top choice, although preliminary tests indicate it may result in liver damage, especially for those with an existing liver condition. Exceeding the dosage recommended by your doctor may increase your risk of side effects.Gale suggests St. John’s wort and gotu kola for reducing stress and for easing anxious feelings.
