Healing for your Mind, Body and Spirit

If you suffer from chronic anxiety and panic attacks, then you certainly don’t need another health concern. Sadly, the side effects associated with modern medications are very often of real concern. As an alternative, many patients are giving serious consideration to more ancient remedies for controlling anxiety because they are thought to be safer and more effective.

Herbal does not necessarily mean mean safer. The active ingredients in herbal remedies are chemicals. These affect your body and can react with other drugs you may be taking. Consult with a physician before deciding on any health options.

Given proper precautions, herbal remedies are a viable option. Many patients can attest that natural treatments, including the use of vitamins, botanicals, herbs, and dietary adjustments – either alone or in conjunction with other remedies - can be effective. In many cases, sufferers find them even more effective than more traditional medications.

A common natural remedy is dandelion. The leaves of this plant contain vitamin B, which benefits the body in many ways. Thiamine, riboflavin, and other B vitamins can promote better mental function. This can include reduction in anxiety. Dandelion is sometimes used in salads, but more commonly it is steeped in warm water and drunk as a soothing tea.

Another natural herb is chamomile; commonly used to induce a gentle sleepiness, it has proven effecting in fighting anxiety as well. As with dandelion, dried chamomile flowers are steeped to make a sweet tea. It is also known to reduce fever, elevate mood, and enhance metabolism.

To get the best use of any herb, the quality of the ingredients is very important; do not use herbs that are not pharmaceutical grade. This means that the plant has been evaluated at the molecular level to determine purity and efficacy and that the quality of the herbs have been monitored. There is no telling what’s in a mixture purchased at a road-side stand. Only with proper oversight can you rest assured that you know what’s going in your body.

Herbs are not magical potions from folklore; they are age-old medicinal remedies that have been shown to be safe and effective over centuries. With proper oversight from physicians and regulators these supplements can be an attractive option to patients concerned about the safety of new-fangled drugs. One of the best results of using older approaches is the greater peace of mind they often give.

For more information, please see our website: Anxiety Self Help Blog