Anxiety is the normal reaction to anything that threatens one's body, lifestyle, values, or
loved ones. It is characterized as a vague feeling of apprehension, worry, uneasiness, or
dread. The source of these feelings are often unknown to the individual. A certain amount
of anxiety is normal and stimulates the individual to purposeful action; however, excess
anxiety may interfere with efficient functioning. Anxiety disorder is excessive anxiety and
worry lasting for at least 6 months. Symptoms include restlessness, physical and emotional
exhaustion, difficulty in concentrating or sleeping, muscle tension, and irritability.
Adults with excessive anxiety often worry about normal, everyday circumstances such as job
responsibilities, finances, the health of family members, and even minor matters such as
being late or completing chores. They may even experience clammy hands, dry mouth, sweating,
nausea or diarrhea, trouble swallowing or a "lump in the throat", exaggerated startle
responses, or depressive symptoms. The intensity, duration, or frequency of the anxiety and
worry is far out of proportion to the actual likelihood of the feared event.
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Anxiety
illions of Americans are
affected by some form of anxiety or anxiety disorder. Some anxiety is normal, and most
people have experienced at least a "fight-or-flight" response in reaction to a perceived
threat. The heart beats faster, palms sweat, and a feeling of nausea may occur. The body's
nervous system is signaling the adrenal glands to prepare your body to run away or fight
back. When this occurs, large amounts of stress hormones including epinephrine, are
secreted into the bloodstream. Your heart rate increases, blood sugar spikes upward, blood
is diverted from skin and internal organs to the muscles and brain. Breathing becomes
faster and more sweat is produced. All of these changes occur so that the body is prepared
and able to exert enough strength to fight back or flee.
While all of this is a normal response to
a perceived threat, unfortunately it also occurs even when the source of anxiety will not
require physical action. It may be related to specifics, called phobias, such as flying
in an airplane, climbing a ladder, or seeing spiders. Some people feel anxious almost
constantly because their nervous systems and adrenal glands are overactive. When chronic
anxiety is experienced, a medical evaluation may be necessary as occasionally, anxiety
can have a physical or biochemical basis.
There are many plant medicines which are known to
alleviate anxiety. Chamomile, Wild Oat, St. John's Wort, and Hops
Strobiles are some of the more potent herbs.
Chamomile has been around
for many years and has proven to be very effective in calming the nerves. It relaxes and
tones the nervous system, relaxes muscles, and eases digestive complaints that may accompany
the anxiety. Wild Oat
is both soothing and nourishing.
St. John's Wort has
gained popularity in recent years as an overall tonic. It has often been used to treat
depression, but is just as helpful in relaxing the nervous system.
Hops Strobiles is
a moderately strong central nervous system relaxer. Additionally, it has proven effective
against insomnia and tension headaches, both of which may be symptoms of anxiety.
Other herbs which have proven to reduce stress and
anxiety are Scullcap, which
is an excellent remedy for irritability and anxiety, especially when associated with
hormonal changes such as in PMS or menopause.
Kava is another very
effective anti-anxiety herb. It's primary active constituents are kavalactones which appear
to modify certain receptors in the brain, the same receptors that allow prescription drugs
such as Valium to work. Kava, however, is non-habit forming and it does not decrease
mental functioning. In certain studies, Kava appeared to actually improve intellectual
ability and memory. Valerian
is a stronger anti-anxiety herb, and works in the same manner as Kava. It's active
constituents, valepotriates, bind to the brain's receptor sites and is very beneficial to
the central nervous system. It does not cause dependence or tolerance, and it has been
shown to improve the quality of sleep. Other anti-anxiety herbs to try are
Passion Flower,
Siberian Ginseng, and
Licorice. We also recommend
AlphaOmega Labs' Anti-Stress, a combination
of herbs made for relieving stress and anxiety.
These
products are available from our
Virtual Store.
Our liberal
Money Back Guarantee applies.
While all of this is a normal response to
a perceived threat, unfortunately it also occurs even when the source of anxiety will not
require physical action. It may be related to specifics, called phobias, such as flying
in an airplane, climbing a ladder, or seeing spiders. Some people feel anxious almost
constantly because their nervous systems and adrenal glands are overactive. When chronic
anxiety is experienced, a medical evaluation may be necessary as occasionally, anxiety
can have a physical or biochemical basis.There are many plant medicines which are known to
alleviate anxiety. Chamomile, Wild Oat, St. John's Wort, and Hops
Strobiles are some of the more potent herbs.
Chamomile has been around
for many years and has proven to be very effective in calming the nerves. It relaxes and
tones the nervous system, relaxes muscles, and eases digestive complaints that may accompany
the anxiety. Wild Oat
is both soothing and nourishing.
St. John's Wort has
gained popularity in recent years as an overall tonic. It has often been used to treat
depression, but is just as helpful in relaxing the nervous system.
Hops Strobiles is
a moderately strong central nervous system relaxer. Additionally, it has proven effective
against insomnia and tension headaches, both of which may be symptoms of anxiety.Other herbs which have proven to reduce stress and
anxiety are Scullcap, which
is an excellent remedy for irritability and anxiety, especially when associated with
hormonal changes such as in PMS or menopause.
Kava is another very
effective anti-anxiety herb. It's primary active constituents are kavalactones which appear
to modify certain receptors in the brain, the same receptors that allow prescription drugs
such as Valium to work. Kava, however, is non-habit forming and it does not decrease
mental functioning. In certain studies, Kava appeared to actually improve intellectual
ability and memory. Valerian
is a stronger anti-anxiety herb, and works in the same manner as Kava. It's active
constituents, valepotriates, bind to the brain's receptor sites and is very beneficial to
the central nervous system. It does not cause dependence or tolerance, and it has been
shown to improve the quality of sleep. Other anti-anxiety herbs to try are
Passion Flower,
Siberian Ginseng, and
Licorice. We also recommend
AlphaOmega Labs' Anti-Stress, a combination
of herbs made for relieving stress and anxiety.
These
products are available from our
Virtual Store.
Our liberal
Money Back Guarantee applies.
Note:
This information is provided for educational purposes only
and is not intended to replace the use of a qualified
health care professional. We strongly recommend the use
of a physician for the diagnostic phase of any treatment.
With an accurate diagnosis in hand, we believe the consumer,
at that point, has a basic, unalienable right to seek out
factual information on all therapeutic approaches, both
orthodox and alternative, and choose those approach(es)
that are right for them. Nonetheless, a "good doctor"
should be considered a requisite starting point.
To U.S. Users:
None of the products mentioned on this page have been
evaluated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration;
therefore, they are not intended to diagnose, treat,
cure, or prevent any disease.