In today’s world, rising healthcare costs and concerns about the side effects of conventional medications are leading to increased interest in natural alternatives.
This is especially true for common, long-term conditions like anxiety, leading to the increasing popularity of natural anxiety treatments.
These include aromatherapy such as lavender and jasmine, herbal remedies such as chamomile and valerian root, as well as supplements containing magnesium and vitamin D3.
The following sections will explore some of the strongest natural anxiety medication and effective natural options available.
Natural Options for Managing Anxiety
The strongest natural anxiety medication isn’t necessarily a drug, but there are several things that can help you manage anxiety, such as:
- Laughter: Laughter releases chemicals that lower blood pressure and heart rate, increase immune system function, and reduce feelings of anxiety.
- B vitamins: B vitamins help the body process stress responses, and people who eat foods rich in B vitamins have lower levels of anxiety and stress.
- Lavender: The scent of lavender helps calm the nerves and helps regulate physical processes associated with anxiety, such as breathing rhythm and heart rate.
- Chamomile: Chamomile tea calms you down, and contains compounds that can bind to the same brain receptors as some medications such as Valium.
- Aromatherapy: The scent of essential oils helps manage anxiety and improve sleep quality.
- Healthy diet: Eating more whole foods and reducing processed foods and drinks improves your body’s ability to resist stress.
- Reduce caffeine: Switching to decaffeinated options or drinking herbal teas can help you avoid its effects on feelings of anxiety. (National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), n.d.)
Herbs and Supplements That Ease Anxiety
Herbs and supplements that help treat anxiety include:
- Ashwagandha: An adaptogenic herb that helps the body manage stress and anxiety.
- Chamomile: Helps treat symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder.
- Lemon balm: A traditional remedy used since ancient times to reduce stress and anxiety.
- Magnesium: Regulates neurotransmitters involved in anxiety.
- Omega-3 fatty acids: Found in fish oil, they support brain health and reduce symptoms of anxiety.
- Valerian root: An herbal remedy that helps you sleep deeply.
- B vitamins: Specifically, vitamins B12 and B6, which are important for the functioning of nervous system cells.
- L-theanine: An amino acid found in green and black tea that reduces stress and acute anxiety.
- CBD oil: An oil derived from the cannabis plant in treating symptoms of anxiety.
- St. John’s wort: Helps treat anxiety, but should be used under medical supervision if you are taking medications.
- Essential oils: such as lavender, ylang ylang, grapefruit, clary sage, and bergamot. (PubMed, n.d.)
Other herbs and supplements that help with anxiety:
- Kava.
- Passionflower.
- Hops.
- Probiotics.
- Lysine.
- Arginine.
- Vitamin D3.
Talk to your doctor before taking any herbs or supplements.
Safety Tips for Natural Remedies
Before using strongest natural anxiety medication you should do the following:
- Consult your doctor before taking any herbal remedy, as he will tell you if it is safe for you and what quantities are permitted, and tell him about any other treatments you are taking at the same time to avoid unwanted drug interactions.
- Take the recommended doses and follow the instructions on the label.
- Do not be led by false or exaggerated advertising, and be careful.
- Buy from reliable sources.
- Look for products from companies that have certifications, such as “USP Verified” or “ConsumerLab.com Approved Quality”.
- If you experience any side effects, tell your doctor or herbalist immediately.
- Do not stop taking prescribed medications in favor of herbs without first discussing it with your doctor.
- Do not give herbal supplements to children.
- Do not use herbal remedies during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
References
- National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Retrieved from Anxiety Disorders
- PubMed. (n.d.). Retrieved from Nutritional and herbal supplements for anxiety and anxiety-related disorders
