Treating Anxiety With Natural Herbs and Over the Counter Supplements

This article will discuss the symptoms associated with anxiety and some of the best all-natural remedies with anti-anxiety properties.

Every living person feels anxiety at one time or another. We all know what it’s like to feel worry, nervousness, fear and that heart-pounding feeling in your gut like something awful might happen. Maybe you get caught in a little white lie, or a big project you were working on gets delayed and you know it is your fault. Or maybe you’re walking down the street and an unleashed pit bull starts eyeing you. Anxiety in these situations is common and quickly fades when the problem is solved.

But for nearly 40 million Americans, anxiety is an everyday reality. People who suffer from regular anxiety and/or panic attacks experience symptoms so often that it interferes with their ability to enjoy everyday life. People in this situation have anxiety “triggered” by what, for many people, would seem minor stressors, or normal life occurrences. These could be things as simple as starting a conversation or thinking about the future.

While a person often realizes the excessive worry or fear is not completely rational, there is little he or she can do to relax. Symptoms often include:

• Racing or pounding heart
• Trembling
• Sweaty palms
• Feelings of terror
• Chest pains or heaviness in the chest
• Dizziness and light-headedness
• Fear of dying
• Fear of going crazy
• Fear of losing control
• Feeling unable to catch one’s breath
• Tingling in the hands, feet, legs, or arms

There are a number of treatment options for anxiety that include therapy, prescription drugs, exercise therapy and dietary supplements. With anxiety, treatment options are not a one-size-fits-all consideration.

For people with clinical disorders experiencing extremely severe symptoms that make everyday life a challenge, prescription medication coupled with therapy may be the best option. But most people who suffer from anxiety are not in that boat.

For most who suffer from anxiety, a combination of regular exercise and the right natural supplements can be effective enough to overcome most anxiety symptoms. Most commonly people feel anxiety when there is one or a few chemical imbalances in their body that lead them to have a strong stress response to normal, everyday occurrences. This imbalances can often be corrected with supplementation.

Two of the most important brain chemicals in preventing anxiety are Serotonin and GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid). Together, these neurotransmitters, or “chemical messengers” work to regulate mood, sleep cycle, muscle tension, concentration and relaxation. These are also two of the most commonly imbalanced brain chemicals that can lead to anxiety.

When these are out of balance, the body’s ability to confidently handle life’s stressors is greatly reduced. Luckily you can support these crucial brain chemicals with natural, over-the-counter supplements. No doctor’s appointment necessary.

So then, what types natural anti-anxiety herbal extracts, vitamins, amino acids and nutrients can you buy over the counter? The following list contains some of the strongest and safest. Several of these also support Serotonin and GABA production.

L-Theanine

L-theanine, an amino acid found in green tea, produces a pronounced feeling of tranquility in as little as fifteen (15) minutes. L-theanine increases the activity of GABA, a neurotransmitter (i.e. natural messenger in the brain) that promotes relaxation and reduces anxiety. L-theanine also stimulates the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter responsible for confidence and a sense of well-being.

GABA

Gama Aminobutyric-acid (GABA) is an amino acid and the main inhibitory (calming) neurotransmitter in the brain. GABA is a natural calming agent that prevents excessive muscle tension and helps our bodies make endorphins, chemicals that make us feel happy. Deficiencies of GABA in the brain have been linked to insomnia, and feeling anxious, stressed, tense and depressed.

Ashwaghanda Root

Ashwagandha has been used in the Indian tradition of Ayurveda in health tonics and calming serums. Recent studies demonstrate that Ashwagandha is an antioxidant that can treat anxiety, depression, panic attacks and phobia.

Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri)

Often used by Ayurvedic healers to accompany Ashwagandha, Brahmi (a.k.a. Bacopa Monnieri) is a mild sedative which supports the body during periods of emotional stress. Traditionally, Brahmi is prescribed to promote healthy cognitive functions, including focus, concentration, mental endurance and memory. Modern studies have found that Brahmi’s anti-anxiety properties were as potent as those of Lorazepam, with none of the side effects.

Tryptophan

Tryptophan is the number 1 supplement purchased to fight stress and anxiety. It is an essential amino acid that the body converts into 5-HTP (5-hydroxy-tryptophan), and then to serotonin. Serotonin is involved in mood, appetite, sleep and impulse control. Once the serotonin neurotransmitter is made, the brain is able to convert it at night into melatonin, the sleep-inducing hormone.

Passion Flower

For centuries, herbal medicine practitioners have used Passion Flower as a natural remedy for anxiety, stress and insomnia. Modern clinical studies shows that Passion Flower extract significantly lowers anxiety levels and promotes a more tranquil frame of mind. Studies also indicate that Passion Flower can reduce anxiety-related discomfort caused by withdrawal from opiates and other drugs.

Magnesium

Magnesium deficiency is one of the leading causes of anxiety and insomnia and the western diet tends to be lacking in this critical element. Research now shows that as magnesium levels drop, symptoms of anxiety and depression can increase.

Niacin

Niacin works with the body to convert Tryptophan into 5-HTP, which can then be converted into Serotonin. Without Niacin, Tryptophan-5HTP conversion cannot take place. Common symptoms of niacin deficiency include irritability, poor concentration, anxiety, fatigue, restlessness, apathy, and depression.

Vitamin B Complex

Getting enough of the many forms of Vitamin B is essential to maintaining proper brain function. Vitamin B is involved in the metabolism, as well as the production of Serotonin. Low levels of vitamin B have been linked to, anxiety, restlessness, fatigue, irritability, and emotional instability.

Al of these can be purchased at your average health food store. Currently there is only one supplement that contains all of these ingredients: Tranquilene. You can learn more about Tranquilene here: http://www.tranquilene.com/index2.php