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Effective Natural Herbs for Anxiety and Depression |
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| Today's fast-paced society and its demands can often be overwhelming. This is often made worse when we are placed in awkward social situations, experience personal conflict, or are put under pressure at work. As the stress of everyday life becomes unbearable, many reach out for assistance in coping with anxiety and depression. After all, nobody really wants to feel down or have panic attacks. In addition, just being happy and content is much easier said than done. Given this real need for effective treatment, there are several options for helping to manage the symptoms of generalized anxiety and depression disorder: therapy, exercise, herbal supplements, and at the extreme, prescription drugs. |
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The Role and Risks of Prescription Drugs |
| There are many people who absolutely need medication to get through the trials of daily life. However, these powerful psychotherapeutic drugs should only be taken if absolutely necessary and to combat real disorders. When prescribed by a doctor, they are fairly safe, but some patients have experienced harsh physical and mental side effects. In addition, the method by which doctors often prescribe these drugs is haphazard. Consider a prescription for depression - the physician will know whether a SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) or MAOI (monoamine oxidase inhibitor) has the highest probability of success based on symptoms, but after that, adjustments are made based on how you feel. The simple reason for this is that people have different issues and react very differently to each type of drug. In addition, it often takes up to 8 weeks before the cumulative effects begin to work as designed. Even if you get the right drug first try, then the dosage may need to be adjusted. If not, start over with a new one. Again, this is trial and error with you as the guinea pig. |
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Anxiety and Depression Treatment Options |
| Those who want a natural way to help cope with anxiety and depression disorders may want to consider an herbal alternative to drugs. Regardless of which method you choose, it is essential that you speak with your doctor prior to dropping a medication or taking a natural supplement. Prescription drugs work because they are powerful and an herbal anxiety pill may not be as effective for extreme cases. However, many people are on the border and just need a bit of help to get over feelings of depression, social anxiety or insomnia. We've outlined some of the most common herbal remedies below to assist you in deciding what is right for your situation. No matter what your need, whether a social anxiety disorder treatment, or a natural way to reduce the effects of mild depression - there are options available. |
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Common Herbal Remedies |
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| Vitamin E is so effective in preventing heart disease because it protects the cellular membrane from breakdown by preventing the stray electrons from oxidizing LDL cholesterol. In one study, it was discovered that the body's concentration of Vitamin E was a better indicator than even cholesterol levels in predicting whether a patient will have a heart attack or stroke. |
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| SAMe or SAM-e is an amino acid that was discovered in Italy around 1952. Produced in the brain, SAMe is a methyl donor for the creation of epinephrine (adrenaline), creatine, melatonin, and other amino acids. All of these substances are very important to maintaining health. As a supplement SAMe has been widely studied and it has shown to be quite effective. First, scientists discovered that depression in some people is related to the body's inability to produce SAMe. When these same patients took SAM-e as a treatment, they quickly experienced elevated mood and the symptoms of depression were reduced. What is even more amazing is that SAMe had fewer side effects and worked more rapidly than even some prescription medications. As a secondary benefit, SAMe has been shown to reduced the toxicity in the liver and is used in the treatment of some liver conditions such a cirrhosis. Those who choose to use SAM-e should also take a B-complex supplement in order to prevent the build-up of homocysteine in the body. In addition, a B vitamin deficiency in the body has been shown to cause low mood. As such, taking a Vitamin B complex in addition to SAM-e will only improve its effectiveness as an antidepressant treatment. |
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| St. John's Wort, also known as Amber or Goatweed, has been used for over two thousand years as a natural remedy for a variety of ailments. Today, it is particularly popular in Europe for the treatment of depression. As a matter of fact, it is thought that doctors in Germany will prescribe this herbal remedy more often than popular anti-depressant drugs. St. John's Wort is believed to reduce the effects of depression by increasing the amount of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. It functions in a manner very similar to the SSRI anti-depressants. In one study, St. John's Wort was found to be an effective alternative to Prozac and other prescription drugs. In addition to assisting with common psychiatric ailments, St. John's Wort has demonstrated analgesic, or inflammation reducing capabilities. The active ingredients in this antidepressant are called hyperforin and hypericin. Any St. John's Wort supplement you buy should have a hyperforin content of 4% and 0.3% of hypericin. Most made with the whole leaf of St. John's Wort will meet these standards. |
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| 5HTP
or 5-hydroxytryptophan, is a natural compound extracted from
the seed of the Griffonia simplicfolia plant. (related to Carob)
Produced in the body, 5HTP is required in the synthesis of serotonin.
Scientists know that low levels of serotonin are often associated
with sleep problems, depression, anxiety, overeating, and headaches.
As a result, 5HTP is effective in reducing the common symptoms
of serotonin deficiency, the most serious of which is depression.
As a supplement, 5HTP acts in a manner very similar to prescription
drugs such as Prozac, Plaxil and Zoloft. In comparison to these
drugs, 5HTP has shown comparable results without harsh side
effects. In addition to being an effective treatment for anxiety
and depression, 5 HTP is an analgesic that has helped those
with fbromyalgia reduce joint pain and also provides relief
for those suffering from chronic headaches. Finally, 5 HTP can
assist with weight loss by creating a feeling of fullness. |
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| Melatonin
is a hormone produced during hours of darkness that helps set
the timing of biological processes. In this role, Melatonin
produces the feeling of sleepiness that sets upon us when night
falls. An essential amino acid called L-tryptophan is required
for the production of melatonin. In this process, L-tryptophan
first is transformed into to 5-hydroxytryptophan, or 5-HTP from
which serotonin is derived. You may recall that serotonin is
important in helping us maintain a positive mood. Serotonin
is then converted to melatonin in a two-step process that occurs
mostly in the pineal gland. In studies, melatonin was used instead
of the popular sedative class benzodiazepine for the treatment
of stress and insomnia. In many cases, the subjects on melatonin
were able to stop taking the prescription drugs while still
maintaining proper sleep habits. Not only does it help a person
fall asleep, but it also works through the night to ensure the
sleep is restful. This is why as it has shown mixed results
as remedy for the symptoms of jet lag. |
| Learn more about 5-HTP and Melatonin for Stress and Anxiety |
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| Kava Kava is a plant that has been used for centuries by the native people of the South Pacific, where it's used as a ceremonial beverage. The plant's lower stem and roots are slightly intoxicating when chewed. Locals continue to drink a Kava Kava beverage even today to provide a sense of ease and contentment, while improving mental function. Studies show that the active ingredients in the plant, kava pyrones, have a calming, sedative effect. This is facilitated by Kava Kava's broad, general effect on the brain's limbic system, as opposed to drugs that alter specific chemical processes. Several valid scientific studies have confirmed Kava Kava's ability to reduce the symptoms associated with panic attacks. As a matter of fact, one study concluded that it was as effective as prescription tranquilizers such as benzodiazepines. However, instead of the diminished ability to think often experienced as a side effect of taking a tranquilizer, those taking Kava Kava demonstrated increased mental function. This anxiety and depression treatment also appears to work as a muscle relaxant and prevents spasms. As a result, it being tested as a supplement that can reduce the effects of epilepsy. The most effective form comes from the extract of the Vanuatuan Raga Kava root. Not only does the type of Kava Kava matter, but the process of growing and cultivating the plant is very important. Many manufacturers will rush the process and use harsh chemicals in the extraction process. The brand we recommend below has been purchased from an indigenous Vanuatuan growers association, then harvested and dried in the traditional native manner. After this, it is produced using consistent pharmaceutical standards. |
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| Valerian Root has been used since the middle ages for a variety of ailments. Its wide adoption and utility resulted in the common name "All Heal." While primarily employed as a means to offset the restlessness that often accompanies insomnia, Valerian has also been used to provide relief for a long list of issues such as stress, PMS, cramps, and headache. As you can see, the common theme in Valerian Root's benefit is a calming effect on the body. In studying this herbal alternative to tranquilizers, scientists believe that Valerian's benefits are delivered by its ability to boost levels of a chemical messenger in the brain, called GABA. (gamma amniobutyric acid) It is important to note that Valerian does not contain Valium despite the similar name. In fact, Valerian is fantastic natural alternative to Valium. |
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| Remember that these anxiety and depression treatment options should be used in conjunction with a healthy diet, exercise and with the knowledge of your doctor. In addition, you should not mix these supplements with each other or other prescription drugs. Even thought the supplements we've discussed are natural, they are very effective and should be taken in the proper dosages. |
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| If you've found this information useful, and are looking for the best herbal supplements, take the next step and order with confidence. Not only have we reviewed the recommended products to ensure they meet quality standards, but the Online Discounts offered can't be beat. |
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