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Are Herbal Supplements Effective In Treating One’s Anxiety Problems?

Everyone encounters anxiety during their lives at some time or another. For some people, GAD (Generalised Anxiety Disorder) is a daily experience. The medical impact of stress and worry upon our health has been heavily documented. Sadly the issue is a global one, costing vast sums of money to treat.

Many people are unhappy with the regular use of prescription medication. Antidepressants and sleeping pills can bring their own issues in the form of side effects. Addiction – be it physical or emotional – is one potential issue. For this reason, many people turn to herbal supplements for a solution. But are they effective in treating anxiety? Let’s find out now.

Many Herbal Companies Say So

Kratom is one example supplement that is used widely in the USA. It comes from South East Asia and is used by people for treating such conditions as chronic pain or stress. What we can learn from The Kratom Connection is that many providers say it can be effective in relaxing the mind and calming anxiety. It is also said to enhance peoples’ moods and even boost their energy levels. Herbal companies sell these products in powder or capsule form so they can be used in aromatherapy, soap making or to be swallowed.

Herbal supplements aren’t monitored by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) although approval control has been tightened since 2010. Herbal specialists say that supplements can take longer to work than prescription medication. It is also wise to speak to such professionals before using them. Medical doctors should also be consulted before someone comes off their prescription medication, or if they plan to use the supplements alongside them.

Chamomile And Lavender

Small clinical studies have found Chamomile to be effective in helping people with mild to severe anxiety issues. It has been confirmed safe to use long term.

Valerian

This is a common ingredient in herbal sleeping tablets and relaxation products. It has been used for this purpose for centuries. People use it in tincture, tablet form, or with tea. Studies are uncertain of its safety longer term but have confirmed it does contain sedative qualities. It was confirmed to be safe when dealing with short term bouts of stress.

Because it can help people sleep, users are not advised to take sedatives or alcohol at the same time.

Amino Acids

Scientists have studied the effects of combining two specific acids as a form of stress treatment. They are L-lysine and L-arginine.

Research confirms these amino acids may be able to positively influence the transmitters in the human brain that are related to anxiety and stress.

Ashwagandha

This herbal remedy has been used in Indian medicine. People are able to take it in tablet or liquid form. Research shows that the chemicals can influence a person’s stress hormones. One test used 600mg dosages on its patients and found there were significant results. They manifested in the form of reduced anxiety and improved quality of sleep.

Studies were also conducted in 2019 using 250mg doses of ashwagandha. The test patients had been experiencing mild anxiety but noted significant benefits from taking the herbs.

Galphimia Glauca And Passion Flower

Galphimia Glauca is a herbal supplement that is taken from a Mexican plant. In 2012 there was a medical test that lasted for three months. It was deemed safe and was trialed alongside the prescription drug lorazepam. During the research, galphimia glauca was found to be more effective in the treatment of anxiety than the prescription drug.

It has been confirmed by small clinical trials that passion flowers can bring a calming effect. Because the ingredients are milder than some other herbal supplements, they are often used in tandem with other products.

It is an interesting fact that we don’t fully understand how some herbal supplements work when treating anxiety. One clue could be that we have neurotransmitters within our brains called GABA (Gamma AminoButyric Acid) and that they interact with the herbal supplements. When research has been made using herbal and medical specialists, it may be that such supplements are a viable alternative to prescription medication.

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