How to Reduce Stress and Anxiety Using Herbal Remedies

How to Reduce Stress and Anxiety Using Herbal Remedies



Everyone suffers from occasional stress. Others suffer from anxiety frequently enough for it to be debilitating, and possibly clinical. When the condition is serious, some rely on prescription medicine, but many prescription medicines have side effects. These side effects run the gamut from a rash or breakout to suicidal thoughts. Wouldn't it be better, if possible, to decrease anxiety naturally? Many herbs will reduce anxiety or stress naturally with fewer side effects. Isn't it worth a try?







Things You'll Need:





Herbal tea formulated for stress and anxiety




St. John's Wort; either liquid or pill form




Peppermint leaves




Meadowsweet




Skullcap







Herbs that Will Reduce Stress and Anxiety




1


Try one of the herbal teas formulated to reduce stress. These teas usually contain St. John's Wort, chamomile, lemon balm,
catnip
, and other ingredients known for relaxing frayed nerves. On the box of most of these teas, recommendations suggest drinking it four or more times a day. If you only have occasional stress, sit down with a cup when the stress occurs. It should be enough to take off the edge. If your stress is more frequent or persistent, start by drinking a cup twice a day, once in the evening and once at night. If you notice it helping, you can increase the frequency or amount you drink.





2


Purchase St. John's Wort in pill or liquid form from your local health food store. Ask the experts in the store if you are uncertain which one to buy. Take it according to directions at least twice a day. This is the most popular of herbal stress and anxiety remedies and may, at least, "take the edge off" for most people.





3


Try a warm cup of infused peppermint leaves as a tea. Not only does it taste good and reduce your anxiety, it will also help settle your stomach.





4


Take meadowsweet if you have a headache caused by stress. You can infuse meadowsweet and drink it as a tea or you can purchase it in extract form.





5


To prevent panic attacks at night, try using skullcap. Once again, it can be drunk as a tea and sweetened to suit your taste.








Tips & Warnings










St. John's Wort, like many prescription medicines, could take up to a month to feel the full effects. Be patient.








It is okay to use herbs in conjunction with one another but start off with just one at a time so you can gauge its effect on you. This doesn't count if you purchase a ready-made tea.








In addition to any remedy, herbal or otherwise, see a counselor. A counselor will give you practical advice on how you can handle anxiety.








There are many other herbs which may be of benefit to you. Do your research and find an herbal solution that best suits you.








If you are already taking a prescription for anxiety issues, talk to your doctor before stopping your medicine or trying alternative medicines. Many of these herbs have the same effect as the prescription and it could be hazardous to take them at the same time.



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