Natural Therapies & Supplements

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There are many natural supplements available that have been used throughout the centuries to relieve anxiety.  Your naturopath or nutritionist will be able to advise you further.  Some of the common herbs are listed below.

Herbs

Kava (Piper methysticum) – this is one of the main anti-anxiety herbs. It has a very quick calming effect on the nervous system with an uplifting, euphoric feeling. It is also a muscle relaxant and mild sedative. It is specific for anxiety, tension, stress, irritability and insomnia. Kava is very good for people whose mind races.

St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) – this is a gentle sedative which also has a calming effect on the nervous system with restorative properties as well. It is specific for mild depression, anxiety, tension and irritability. It works by increasing the level of neurotransmitters in the CNS such as serotonin and dopamine.

***Both Kava and St.Johns Wort are not to be used with medical anti-depressant drugs

Damiana (Turnera diffusa) – this is a good nerve tonic which also has a restorative property. It can have a good calming effect and is also specific in cases of mild depression and anxiety. Damiana is also well known for its aphrodisiac properties.

Scullcup (Scutellaria lateriflora) – this is a relaxing and gentle sedative for the central nervous system. It is very good for nervous tension and for nervous exhaustion plus neurological and neuromotor problems.

Verbena (Verbena officinalis) – this is a relaxing nervous system tonic which is indicated for a wide range of nervous disorders including nervous exhaustion and stress.

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) – this is a non-addictive sedative that relaxes the nervous system. It is especially helpful for nervous disorders such as heart palpitations, anxiety, convulsions, epilepsy, insomnia, and stress.

Withania (Withania somnifera) – this is an ayurvedic herb most commonly called Ashwaghanda. It is a very good tonic herb that is especially helpful for debility, and nervous exhaustion due to stress.

The information in this section on Natural Therapies & Supplements has been provided by Janet Schloss, a qualified Naturopath and Nutritionist from Brisbane, Australia.  

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