| Natural Remedies |
What
experts say about them
|
| B-complex vitamins |
(What's this?)
Thinking of using B vitamins for anxiety? Definitely an excellent
choice.
People
suffering from stress and anxiety deplete the B vitamins more rapidly.
B vitamins are essential for the nervous system to function properly.
A low level is linked to anxiety and depression problems.
See Vitamin B for Anxiety for a detailed discussion along with discoveries from research studies.
Dose:
Take a B-complex 50 or 100 vitamin daily.
|
| Passionflower |

Using passionflower for anxiety symptoms reduction is shown to work. This
herb is commonly used to help a person relax and get rid of anxiety and
stress. And studies show that it works against restlessness as well.
See Passionflower for Anxiety for a detailed discussion as this the most useful natural supplements for anxiety and stress.
Dose:
Take 250 mg to 2,000 mg (2 grams) of the raw herb three times daily or use 5 to 10 mL of the tincture
formulation up to four times daily.
|
Fish Oil
(Omega 3's) |

It is shown through extensive studies that omega 3 fatty acids are essential for proper brain functions.
Clinical studies show that fish oil has a positive benefit in treating anxiety, anger and panic attacks. Another study showed that it was able to reduce anxiety due to writing exams.
Dose: Take 2 to 4 grams of fish oil daily. Higher doses may be used under medical supervision.
See Fish Oil for Anxiety for a detailed discussion.
As well, see Fish Oil Dosage for additional dosing information and Health Benefits of Fish Oil for the full details on this important supplement.
|
| Lavender |

Studies done in dental offices show that the aromatherapy with oils of lavender and orange reduced anxiety, improved mood and increased alertness in dental patients.
Another double-blinded clinical study showed that lavender oil was as effective as lorazepam (Ativan) for reducing generalized anxiety.
See Lavender for Anxiety for a quick discussion.
Dose: Tincture (1:5) - Use 60 drops daily. |
| Lysine |

One Japanse study showed that healthy subjects given a combination of lysine and arginine supplement reduce their stress and anxiety levels signficantly.
See Lysine for Anxiety for the research study.
Dose: Take 2.5 g of lyine and 2.5 g of arginine daily. |
Lemon Balm
|

Lemon balm for anxiety disorders - Some studies completed in children under 12 years of age showed that lemon balm combined with valerian helped with restlessness and nervous muscle movements.
See Lemon Balm for Anxiety for a detailed discussion.
Dose: The study in children used 80 mg of lemon balm leaf extract and 160 mg of valerian root extract. Take one or two doses up to twice daily.
|
Vitamin B3
(Niacinamide) |

Studies
in animals and some small clinical trials show that niacinamide works
like prescription benzodiazepines (like Valium) to induce a calming and
relaxing effect.
Dose:
Take up to 500 mg four times daily under the supervision of your healthcare professional.
|
5-HTP
|

5-hydroxytryptophan (5-HTP) is known to increase serotonin levels in
the brain. This will induce a calming effect.
See 5-HTP for Anxiety for a detailed discussion.
Dosage:
Take 50 to 100 mg two or three times daily.
Note:
Do not combine 5-HTP with prescription antidepressant medications.
|
| Magnesium |

This
essential mineral not only strengthens the bones, it lowers blood
pressure and promotes a calming effect for the entire body.
People
under stress seem to have lower levels of magnesium. One clinical study
showed that taking magnesium, calcium and zinc for anxiety worked
better than placebo (sugar pill).
Magnesium is the simplest mineral to take of all the natural supplements for anxiety that are available.
See Magnesium for Anxiety for a detailed discussion along with discoveries from research studies.
Dose:
Take 200 to 300 mg three times daily. Experts recommend also taking 400
mg of calcium as well (to avoid loose stools caused by magnesium).
|
| Valerian |

This herb is commonly used for its sedating effects. It is
used to treat insomnia by inducing a strong relaxing effect.
See Valerian for Anxiety for research studies.
Dose:
Take 300 to 500 mg of the extract about one hour before going to bed.
|
Theanine
|

Theanine is a non-protein amino acid found in
green tea. It is shown to induce a calming and relaxing effect on the body.
It does not have any side effects such as fatigue or drowsiness and is
not habit-forming.
See Theanine for Anxiety for a quick discussion.
Dose:
Take 50 to 200 mg daily.
|
| Zinc |

One well-designed study suggested that low blood levels of zinc is linked to a higher risk of developing anxiety disorders and depression.
See Zinc for Anxiety for a detailed discussion along with discoveries from research studies.
Dose: Take 10 to 40 mg daily.
|
| Melatonin |

Does using melatonin for anxiety work? Studies show that it can help to reduce anxiety caused by surgical procedures.
Moreover, it can be effective for treating insomnia caused by stress and anxiety.
See Melatonin for Anxiety for a more detailed discussion.
Dose:
Take 3 to 5 mg 1 hour prior to going to sleep.
|
| Chamomile |

Using the herb chamomile for anxiety treatment is still one of the many popular natural supplements.
Indeed, chamomile tea is commonly suggested for this reason.
Animal as well as human research trials suggest that chamomile contains
substances that can be very helpful in reducing anxiety and stress levels.
Dose:
Drink one cup of chamomile tea up to three times daily.
|
| SAMe |
Helpful
SAMe
is described as a "natural antidepressant" and is involved in over
forty biochemical processes in our body. It has a calming effect and may
be helpful in treating anxiety disorders.
If anxiety is complicated with depression, then it is worth trying SAM-e. It can help reduce both depression and anxiety symptoms.
See SAM-e for Anxiety for a more detailed discussion.
Dose:
Take 400 mg twice daily to start. Clinical studies have used up to 1,600 mg daily. Avoid taking this supplement if you suffer
from manic-depressive disorder or are taking prescription anti-depressant
medications.
|
| St.
John's wort |
May
not be effective
Clinical studies show that St. John's wort may not work for treating
social anxiety disorder, although it works for treating mild depression.
|