August 26, 2007
Herbal Anxiety Medicine
Tip! Teaching and learning about herbal medicines is not restricted to a formal education from Herbal Schools, and those who define themselves as teachers, natural healers, or counselors may be self-taught herbalists or Herbal Schools graduates.
If you have been diagnosed as having an panic anxiety disorder most likely your physician will have prescribed an anti-anxiety and or anti-depression medicine to help control your symptoms. Your doctor may have you try different prescriptions in order to find one that has the desired affect. You also will be monitored for side affects that are common with many of the new anti-anxiety medications.
Fortunately you have an alternative to commercially available panic anxiety drugs. Many people have turned to natural herbal medications to relieve their symptoms. Just as with modern medications there can be associated side affects with herbal medicines. Always keep your physician informed of all medications that you are taking including alternative medicines. When herbal medicines are taken with some prescriptions there can be serious consequences. Women of child bearing age have an additional risk to their unborn fetus when using herbal anxiety drugs.
Chamomile is a common herb that has been used for hundreds of years as general cure all. Its many reported benefits include cures for the common cold, sore throats, sleep disorders and to prevent anxiety attacks. As with any medicine you need to start with a smaller dose and keep you herbalist and physician informed of its affects on your symptoms.
Tip! The best thing about these herbal remedies is that they have very less chances of side effects as compared to pharmaceutical medicines. Now people are even opting herbal medicines to treatments such as chemotherapy as they help to reduce the side effects caused by chemotherapy.
Most generally chamomile is taken in the form of an herbal tea infusion or as a liquid extract. Capsules, tablets, mouth washes, tinctures and Chamomile baths are also different ways in which you can use this herb. Pregnant women should not use Chamomile as it is considered a uterine stimulant. One other side effect of this herb is that if you are allergic to plants in the Asteraceae (Compositae) family; Ragwort, Asters and Chrysanthemums being a few; you should avoid Chamomile in any form as you may develop skin allergies and have difficulty in breathing amongst other symptoms.
Valerian is used to relieve anxiety and feelings of restlessness as this a naturally soothing herb. This herb is used to treat insomnia, depression, anxiety and stress. However pregnant mothers should not take Valerian as it may cause birth defects. People who are allergic to Valerian should avoid taking any herbal remedies that contain this herb.
St John’s Wort is an effective and very highly regarded due to its ability to relax patients as well as reduce stress and tension of everyday life. Mothers-to-be might want to avoid this herbal anxiety drug as there is not adequate information regarding its effect on the unborn child. This herbal anxiety drug is most available in capsule or tea form.
Another common anxiety herb medication that has been around for hundreds of years is Lavender. Also known for its pleasant smell it is an effective anxiety medicine. It most commonly administered in the form of a tea but also used in baths and aroma therapy. Used to treat sleep disorders, depression, panic and anxiety it has few known side effects.
Tip! Hence, when you’re about to try out herbal medicine please make sure to check with your doctor first if what you’re doing wouldn’t be harmful to your body. Secondly, it’s better to be able to identify the different forms of herbal medicine so you’d know if what you’re taking is the real thing or not.
These are just a few of the many options you have in treating your anxiety disorder. Alternative medicine is something you may want to consider in controlling your symptoms. Always keep your physician and herbalist informed of what your are taking and any side affects that you are experiencing.
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James Kesel, MS |
Also known as Chicha Morada, Purple Corn Drink is considered for most the national Peruvian soft drink that generations have enjoyed due to its multiple benefits with no side effects. This refreshing natural drink with herbal flavor has been traditionally served with everyday meals, on special occasions, simply chilled to quench the thirst after an exhaustive workout, and as a smoothie. Although scientific studies in the past were almost non-conclusive or inexistent, Purple Corn (Zea Mays L.) was also cultivated as medicine by the Native People of Peru. Purple Corn, the main ingredient of Purple Corn Drink, has proved to be a powerful antioxidant due to the Anthocyanin pigments that provide the full dark texture to the beverage. In 2003 researchers from Doshisha University in Kyoto reported that when scientists gave mice high-fat diets augmented with an Anthocyanin-pigmented extract from Purple Corn the animals maintained normal weights. Mice on the same diet but without the extract became obese. Moreover, only the latter group of animals developed excessive sugar and insulin concentrations in their blood. In 2004 the same Japanese team (Tsuda’s) showed that Purple Corn extract increased the activity of a gene that regulates the function of fat cells. This is the first food component to do so the scientists reported in the March 26, 2004 according to Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications. They also recommended that Anthocyanin, the basic component of Purple Corn, be explored as nutritional supplements for “preventing obesity and diabetes.” Recent studies at the Ohio State University mentioned that Anthocyanin was found to play an important roll to prevent the degeneration of cells in organs of humans and animals. According to Nutraceuticals World Magazine, it has also been verified that drinking Purple Corn Drink inhibits bad cholesterol, protects the retina, stimulates blood circulation and prevents the development of colorectal cancer.
