Herbs for Anxiety

There are many traditional herbal remedies that are made from herbs, shrubs and tree barks. They have been used for treatment of anxiety for centuries around the world. Herbal medicines are so beneficial because they can be supplemented with other anxiety management or treatment strategies.

Anxiety medications actually suppresses anxiety and the brain too much making it dull making it much harder for the patient to learn to cope with stress, while as herbs for anxiety and other natural remedies keep the mind alert so the patient is able to control prevalent anxiety symptoms.

Some of the known herbs for anxiety treatment include Chamomile, Kava, Valerian root, Phellodendron bark, Passionflower and St. John's Wort. Alpranax contains several of these herbs as part of its ingredients so in this article we will focus on discussing the herbs contained in alpranax.

Passion flower

Passion flower is known by its botanical name (Passiflora incarnata) or by another name passion vines. Alpranax contains this herb for anxiety and insomnia treatment. A study on the herb showed that passionflower is comparable to benzodiazepine drugs. It boosted improvement in the patient’s job performance and he showed less drowsiness signs when he was treated using passionflower as compared to the drug mexazolam. However, neither of the side effects was statistically significant. Some notable side effects of passionflower may include nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, and rapid heartbeat.

St. John's Wort

St John’s Wort is referred by its botanical name as (Hypericum perforatum). This herb is also referred to as a herb for anxiety because it is an effective mood lifter. It is not specifically designed for anxiety, but it works very effective in fighting depression, which in most cases comes as a co morbid with anxiety symptoms. It is also known to treat diarrhea, gastroenteritis, viral infections of the lungs, chest and genitals among other valuable uses.

This herb is used also to treat mild depression in children and adolescents because it has similar effect as standard antidepressants but with fewer side-effects. In but just one study, St John's Wort was not found to be effective to patients suffering from dysthymia which is a less severe but more chronic variety of depression. It is worthy to note that alpranax contains extracts of this herb.

Valerian root

Valerian which is scientifically known as (Valeriana officinalis, Valerianaceae) is a hardy perennial flowering plant that has sweetly scented pink or white flowers that blossom in the summer months. Valerian root is classified as a herb for anxiety because it is an incredibly effective sedative. Primarily, it is used as a sleeping aid, but its sedative qualities very are effective at soothing muscles and reducing physical and mental tension so that the patient can relax easily.

It can also be used to possibly relieve uterine cramps, bronchial spasms and persistent coughs. It is worthy to note that alpranax contains this herb’s extracts which interacts with the body's GABA-A receptor, which has a mildly sedative effect. In addition it interferes with the brain's reuptake of adenosine A1, which diminishes muscle tension and many of the other physical manifestations of anxiety.

Sometimes, valerian is added to bathing water in aromatherapy to help with restlessness and sleeping disorders. In the manufacturing industry extracts of this herb for anxiety and its oil are made from valerian and are used as flavoring in foods and beverages.