A Natural Alternative to Anxiety Drugs

Anxiety affects millions of people around the world and can make life at times seem unbearable. To alleviate the symptoms of anxiety, many people consult their health care professionals to discuss the options of anxiety drugs. Many different types of anxiety drugs are prescribed to patients who are suffering from anxiety. Unfortunately in the case of synthetic drugs, more times than not, side effects can range anywhere from moderate to severe.

Herbalists and some physicians will discuss with their patients natural alternatives for anxiety drugs. One the popular nature made anxiety drugs is Hypericum perforatum or more commonly known as St. John's Wort. The term "Hypericum" derives from the Latin word hyper, which can mean spirit or above. St. John's Wort is a perennial plant with yellow flowers, which has been used for centuries as an herbal remedy to treat physical ailments and mental illnesses.

Typically when a person is prescribed anxiety drugs they are given a ‘SSRI’, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. When an individual is suffering from anxiety, depression or anything that alters positive emotional states, it is an indicator that the serotonin levels are blocked or depleted. A SSRI works to increase production and fix the imbalance of serotonin in the brain. St. John's Wort is similarly to a SSRI as it also increases the production of serotonin to reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress.

While St. John's Wort has been used for centuries it wasn't too long ago that it became popular to the public. Studies where done to show how St. John's Wort is proven to be a natural and safe option in treating mental and emotional conditions that affect so many individuals. Nowadays you can visit any drug store and purchase St. John' Wort in pill form over the counter. The recommended dosage is usually 300mg taken three times a day. Noticeable improvements may take up to six weeks, yet many people report improvement a lot sooner.

Natural drugs tend to be a lot safer to take than any artificially made drug, but that does not mean that there are not any risks. Before you decide to take St. John's Wort or any new treatment program, it is always best to first consult your doctor. When taking St. John's Wort with any other medication problems can occur, as St. John's Wort will change how the body processes medicine. It can cause the body to break down medicine too fast or too slow, either which can cause adverse effect to the individual.

Individuals who suffer from HIV, cancer or heart conditions are prescribed medications that are known to be severely affected with use of St. John's Wort. Women on birth control may put themselves at risk for unplanned pregnancy. For children under 18 or women who are pregnant or nursing should especially consult their doctors for recommended dosage.

As far as side effects (not involving other drugs) there are a few and only affect a small percentage. Side effects could include sensitivity to sunlight, stomach problems, dry mouth, dizziness, fatigue, headaches, skin reactions and/or sexual dysfunction. Again, these side effects are rare but if at any time you notice these symptoms contact your physician immediately.

Since the beginning of time, humans have been plagued by mental, emotional and physical issues. And since the beginning of time, nature has always provided us with the best medicine. Finally more than ever, people are becoming more aware of the natural gifts that have been given to us by Mother Nature.

Leave Anxiety Drugs and return to Anti Anxiety Drugs
Return to Aura-Answers Homepage

New! Comments