Best Herbs For Stress

Most of the world’s populace has or will suffer from some kind of mental disorder. It seems that a new one is discovered each month. Never the less these disorders and Phobias can make the life of the suffer quite miserable. One the most common mental conditions is called anxiety or anxiety disorder. There are many derivations of this common mental illness. A severe form is called GAD short for Generalized Anxiety Disorder.

In general anxiety is the natural reaction to being exposed to a dangerous, unsecured or threatening experience. GAD on the other hand is an excessive and pathological anxiety. It is so severe that often people who suffer from it cannot normally function in society. Their daily life’s activities are disrupted by unreasonable fears to the point that they are unable do much more than physically exist.

The unique feather of GAD is that is not triggered by a specific incident, situation or object. This “free-floating” anxiety, unlike panic or anxiety attacks does not depend on a memory of a triggering event. Worldwide it is estimated that between 175 and 196 million people suffer from GAD. Women are more likely then men to suffer from this anxiety disorder.

It is generally accepted that generalized anxiety disorder is associated with the irregular levels of chemical neurotransmitters in the brain. Serotonin, Norepinepherine and Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA) are chemical neurotransmitters known to be involved with anxiety disorders. Research has shown that all three of these chemicals interact with one another during an anxiety or panic attack. The reduction of one or more of these neurotransmitters can result in the reduction of anxiety.

GAD suffers are at high risk to react to situation or location stress such as in large crowded stores, work place and transportation environments. Normal anxiety stressors like interpersonal relationships at work and school, financial and health problems can increase the affects of GAD symptoms.

Additional psychiatric problems commonly are manifest with GAD. These include depression, phobias and panic disorders. Adding these problems to the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder can complicate treatment options. Frequently the patient also will suffer from a number of physical disorders related to stress. These include intestinal, digestion and cardio-pulmonary related problems.

Additional Gad symptoms include sleep disorders, racing thoughts, persistent unreasonable worries, nausea, persistent lack of energy and tiredness, depression, the inability to concentrate, manic like mood swings and inability to use self control around others especially in a social environments. All of which makes the life of a Generalized Anxiety Disorder sufferer absolutely miserable.

As you can clearly see this is a very serious mental disorder that requires serious medical treatment. As with any anxiety disorder the sooner you address the condition the more likely you will have favorable results and outcome. The worst thing a sufferer of GAD can do is ignore their symptoms until they are so affected, they are unable to live a normal life.

If you have one or more of the symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder you should consult you family physician. Most likely they will refer you to mental health professional that specializes in treating this serious disorder. Again time is of the essence when treating any mental disorder

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All of us experience stress and anxiety in our lives. We are all familiar with the sources of stress and anxiety. They include financial concerns, work deadlines, providing for our children, countless tasks to do and errands to run, heavy traffic, relationships with co-workers, family relationships, and the list goes on. The irony is that the responses of our physical bodies that are designed to protect us can turn against us when stress and anxiety is without relief or prolonged. Under stress, our heart rate and blood pressure increase to provide our brains with more blood flow for oxygen and nutrients. Our blood sugar increases to provide us with more energy as we would need in a crisis. Our blood is routed away from our intestines in order to provide energy for the large muscles in our arms and legs for fight or flight. If the source of our stress and anxiety subsides after a brief period of time, our bodies return these functions to their normal process. If the source of our stress and anxiety remains constant then our physical responses become harmful to our health. We begin to experience insomnia, joint and muscle inflammation and pain, fatigue, hypertension, perhaps heart constriction, indigestion, higher cholesterol levels, impotence, either lack of or excess appetite resulting in weight loss or weight gain, weakened immune system making us vulnerable to colds and flu, and so on. Emotionally we experience feelings of irritability, impatience, lack of sexual interest, lack of concentration, depression, restlessness, excessive alertness and reaction to normal external stimuli, or feelings of being constantly overwhelmed and helpless.

Our bodies need time to recover from being in crisis mode due to stress and anxiety in order to restore normal physical balance and functioning. We need a break from and relief from the stress and anxiety in order to maintain our health. Some of us have had experience with prescription, synthetic drugs to ease anxiety and stress, but have suffered the potentially harmful and discomforting side effects which, ironically added to our feelings of stress and anxiety. Fortunately, many of us have discovered substances provide by nature that our bodies readily absorb and utilize to deal with stress and anxiety without the possible harmful side effects of prescription, synthetic drugs.

When dealing with stress and anxiety, our bodies need a proper balance of vitamins and minerals that can be obtained in multivitamin formulas some of which are specially created to provide extra stress protection with calcium, potassium, magnesium, a full spectrum of B vitamins and pantothenic acid.

Essential fatty acids provide us with Omega 3 and Omega 6 which help balance blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and provide our neurotransmitters in our brain to function quickly and efficiently. Essential fatty acids help reduce joint and muscle inflammation and fatigue, and enhances the functions of our respiratory and intestinal digestive system providing our muscles organs, and brains with the oxygen and nutrients needed to deal with stress and anxiety. Flaxseed oil with lignans and fish oils which have been filtered to remove heavy metals can provide us with the essential fatty acids that we need for dealing with stress and anxiety.

GABA i.e. Gamma-aminobutyric Acid, which is an amino acid, effects the neuro-receptors in our brain. This helps us deal with stress and anxiety by lowering over-reaction to potentially stress causing stimuli and enables us to be detached in an emotionally healthy way providing us with the calmness and poise we need to deal efficiently and effectively with what we are presented.

Herbs e.g. skull cap and passion flower can help us relax and receive the rest and sleep that we need. L-tyrosine is an essential amino acid often used to treat insomnia, depression and anxiety as well as helping to control appetite and elevate our mood. Melatonin and herbal formulas are available to us to provide the restful, restoring sleep we need in order to deal with anxiety and stress.

Aromatherapy which is the use of aromas from plant essential oils can be added to our baths, used in massage oils, or released into our living space with aromatherapy candles. As we inhale these aromas, they quickly reach our brain and help provide us with feelings of calm and relaxation. The aromatherapy essential oils that are most effective in easing stress and anxiety are bergamot, cypress, geranium, jasmine neroli, rose, sandalwood and ylang-ylang. Lavender is the most popular essential oil used to provide us with a feeling of calm and well being.

These are just a few of the all natural substances and formulas available to us to help keep our bodies healthy as we experience the stress and anxiety that accompanies our too often hectic and prolonged stressful life experiences. Other all natural formulas that increase the functioning of our brains in the areas of attention, concentration and performance are also available to us. Our bodies need extra help in dealing with stress and anxiety. Cognitively and emotionally we need breaks and periods of rest and release from stress and anxiety. The safest, non-addictive way to obtain the help we need for dealing with stress and anxiety is with all natural health care products that do not present the possibility of harmful side effects that actually increase stress and anxiety.

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Over 10% of Americans are on some type of anti-anxiety drug. The most popular one today is Xanax but diazepam is not very far behind.

Many people experience some fear and some anxiety at various times in their lives. Those with anxiety disorders are affected by fear to such a degree that they can’t function or live a normal live without the help of drugs. One of the most effective and prevalent drugs for anxiety disorder is diazepam.

Diazepam, or Valium as most people commonly know it, is an anti-anxiety or anti-panic agent. It works by effecting the release of the amino acid GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) into the brain. GABA acts to suppresses the nerve impulses leading to a feeling of relaxation.

Although a very useful and positive drug in the treatment of anxiety disorders – as well as insomnia, muscle spasms, and seizures – anyone taking it for anxiety should be aware of its negatives also.

Diazepam is habit forming and very addictive. Self medicating yourself with diazepam is a bad idea. because you can easily develop a dependency on it, especially if you take it in large doses over an extended period of time. Diazepam should only be taken under a doctor’s care and never take more than the prescribed dosage. Because of its addictive properties, you may suffer withdrawal symptoms when your doctor eventually weans you off of the drug.

Diazepam is hard on the kidneys and liver. If you have cirrhosis of the liver, any type of abnormal kidney function, or any other medical problems with your liver you should inform your doctor. Your dosage of diazepam may have to be severely cut or dropped altogether.

Diazepam may be taken with or without food. Diazepam is metabolized by the liver and excreted mainly by the kidney. Dosages of diazepam may need to be lowered in patients with abnormal kidney function.

Diazepam may cause drowsiness and dizziness in some people. Until you are sure how your body will react to diazepam, you should avoid driving, sports, or strenuous activities while taking it. One very striking effect of diazepam is that it accumulates in the body. So even if you haven’t taken it for the while, you may still find yourself tired or sluggish with not apparent reason why. It very well may be the build up of diazepam in your body.

Be aware that if you take antacids while taking diazepam, the antacids will act to neutralize the diazepam. Thus you may find the diazepam not having the desired calming effect on your nervous system.

Even though diazepam is sometimes used to treat alcohol withdrawal symptoms, this should only be done under a doctor’s care. Normally, alcohol should not be taken by anyone on diazepam. Mixing the two could possibly trigger an epileptic attack.

Don’t take diazepam if you are pregnant or are breast feeding your baby unless directed to by your doctor. There is strong evidence that diazepam can harm the fetus. In the case of breast feeding, diazepam is retained in the breast milk, which means that it will be passed to the baby possibly causing addiction.

Diazepam is an extremely helpful drug and many suffering from anxiety would have a much tougher time without it. Just be careful when taking it.

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Are you a waking sleep maniac, or a twister or turner? Do you just wait to fall asleep-just lying there? Hoping if you just close your eyes deep sleep will come! Are you jumping around in bed, can’t quite get comfortable, or the mind is racing, thinking about everything you did that day, and projects that are still waiting.You may want to pop that Gaba Calm by Source Naturals. It tastes pretty yummy too, comes in peppermint or orange lozenges, it will just disappear right into your bloodstream after a while.

Gaba, an amino acid that blocks the excitement nerve transmitters. Do you wake up after 3 or 4 hours of sleep and are starving? This is called Nocturnal hypoglycemia. So how about a walk to the fridge for some of that Protien Shake by Jarrow Formulas. What happened? It seems your blood sugar just went down the tube. Have you tried all those pharmaceuticals that only work for a short period of time, or don’t work at all, causing drowsiness, and perhaps dizziness for the next day. Nutrasleep by Source Naturals has not only the GABA amino but herbs that are relaxing and calming such as Passion Flower, Scullcap & Valerian.

Anxiety and tension are some of the reasons we have such a hard time falling and staying asleep. Certain types of food and drink, could keep us awake, such as caffeine, which could act as a stimulant. Deficiencies of Calcium & Magnesium also could enter the picture. Almost half of the population in the US has trouble sleeping, mainly because of our stressed out lifestyle, and Europe is fast catching up. And what about all of you sufferers with body aches and pains, or ones that are already in the midst of some kind of degenerative disease and are tossing and turning, because it hurts and no amount of warm milk helps. Natural Calm by Peter Gillhams (Regular or Lemon Raspberry powder) that one mixes up helps with the pain of emotional stress and anxiety. It is full of Magnesium, which according to The American Heart Journal, is the Natures calcium channel blocker. All my clients love this one.

There is also a famous B-Vitamin known as Inositol. True, it comes in your B Complex, however not enough of it in a multi. Individually, Inositol is known for helping anxiety and panic issues. Now Foods has this in powder or caps, You can throw that into your Protein or Calm Drinkfor a little extra help.

And about Traveling in Hotels with strange beds, and having a big meeting in the morning and becoming a nervous anxious wreck, especially if you can’t remember what your speech is or too nervous to think, let alone sleep. There is a Travel Pack from A to B Calm in packets you can take with you, so you won’t miss anything and are bright and breezy in the morning. Now, for that Restless Leg Syndrome. Potassium & Magnesium, which can be taken during the day as well, if necessary and especially at night help. Work with your body on this one to see how much you need, Now Foods has it with both of those minerals in the Aspertate form, which is so easily assimilated, not aspertame which is lethal long term. There’s quite a difference there. On that subject, avoid all your soft drinks have that ingredient aspertame which causes an electrolyte imbalance and takes all the minerals out of us, No wonder our nerves are on the edge.

Wishing all of you a Good-Nights Sleep with Less Anxiety and Calmer Nerves,

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GABA (gamma aminobutyric acid) is a non-essential amino acid found mainly in the human brain and eyes. It is considered an inhibitory neurotransmitter, which means it regulates brain and nerve cell activity by inhibiting the number of neurons firing in the brain. GABA is referred to as the brain’s natural calming agent. By inhibiting over-stimulation of the brain, GABA may Enhance promote relaxation and ease nervous tension. NOW provides only the naturally occurring… More >>

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Anxiety disorders are the most common mental health problem, and include panic disorders, agoraphobia, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Anxiety disorders develop due to an interplay between enviromnental and genetic factors. Cognitive behavior therapy is useful for this disorder, as well as prescription anxiolytic drugs.

However, many patients prefer a natural approach or dislike the side effects of prescription drugs, and there are many non-prescription supplements available to help anxiety. Before starting natural supplements for an anxiety problem, be sure to mention your concerns and get a general checkup from your doctor. Symptoms resembling anxiety and anxiety attacks can be caused by physical diseases such as hormone imbalance, hyperthyroidism or cardiac arrhythmias.

However, if you are sure your problem is an anxiety disorder, the following supplements may be of help, and often have fewer side effects than commercial pharmaceutical products.

Chamomile tea is one of the best-known natural remedies for anxiety. Its affects the digestive tract and the nervous system, thus it is helpful for people who suffer from gastro-intestinal symptoms such as cramps along with mental anxiety. It is recommended that patients drink fresh tea made with chamomile leaves, 1/2 to 1 teaspoon per cup of water, several times a day. It is also available in tinctures which can be added to water. Chamomile capsules are convenient to take along to work, and don’t take as long to brew as the tea. The usual dose is 250 to 500 mg 3 to 4 times daily.

Damiana (Turnera diffusa) is a nerve tonic which also has a restorative (adaptogenic) property. It has a calming effect in cases of mild depression and anxiety, and is also reputed to be an aphrodisiac. Damiana contains flavonoids that act on benzodiazepine and GABA receptors. It exhibits anxiolytic activity, muscle relaxation and sedation. Use 2-4 g of dried leaves infused in a cup of boiling water; 2-3 cups are taken daily. Alternatively, 2-4 ml of a liquid extract or 3-4 grams of powdered leaf in tablets or capsules taken twice daily can be substituted if desired.

Damiana has demonstrated mild hypoglycemic effects in animal studies. Patients with diabetes and hypoglycemia should use this plant with caution, and monitor blood sugar levels closely. Damiana has a traditional use as an abortive and is contraindicated during pregnancy.

Kava Kava (Piper methysticum) has a very quick calming effect on the nervous system and causes an uplifting, euphoric feeling. It is also a muscle relaxant and mild sedative. It is helps anxiety, tension, stress, irritability and insomnia. Kava stops the mind from racing, often a symptom of generalized anxiety disorder.

The usual dose is 750 mg twice daily. Do not exceed 4 capsules per day.

Kava Kava is a traditional Polynesian remedy, and while it has been used safely by Polynesians for centuries, now that it has become popular worldwide it has been linked to some cases of liver failure in people of other ethnic groups who have difficulty metabolizing it. Ask a health care professional before use if you have a history of liver problems, frequently use alcoholic beverages, or are taking any medication. Stop and see a doctor if you develop symptoms that may signal liver problems (e.g., unexplained fatigue, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, fever, vomiting, dark urine, pale stools, yellow eyes or skin).

Do not use kava kava if less than 18 years of age, or if pregnant/breastfeeding. Do not combine with alcoholic beverages, or prescription anxiolytics or antidepressants . Excessive use, or use with products that cause drowsiness, may impair your ability to operate a vehicle or heavy equipment. Do not take Kava Kava on a daily basis for more than four weeks without consulting a health care provider. Take frequent breaks from use.

Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is most often used for insomnia, but it can also be taken in the daytime to reduce the effects of stress and anxiety. This herb is often included in European formulas for heart palpitations, which often have anxiety as a component. It is taken in capsule form, 500 mg daily, or 20-30 drops of tincture, or as a fresh tea. Passionflower, though it helps bring on natural sleep, does not have the sedative effects of many prescription sleeping pills.

Pulsatilla is a homeopathic remedy said to be most suitable for shy, hypersensitive people who tend to feel warm rather than cold. Homeopathic practitioners recommend a 30C potency 2-4 times daily for relief of acute symptoms, and 30C or 6C 1-2 times daily for chronic use. Homeopathic remedies use miniscule concentrations of compounds to “nudge” the body into healing itself. They either help or they do not; there are no toxic side effects.

Scullcup (Scutellaria lateriflora) is a relaxing and gentle sedative for the central nervous system. It is very good for nervous tension and for nervous exhaustion plus neurological and neuromotor problems. The dose is 10-20 drops of fresh plant tincture or 1-2 dropperfuls of dried plant tincture. Skullcap can also be sleep inducing, but it is rarely habituating.

St. John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is commonly used for depression, but helps anxiety as well. Use a 300 mg extract 3 times daily. Quality varies widely between brands; it is best to buy a product standardized to contain 3-5% hyperforin and 0.3% hypericin. It works by increasing the level of neurotransmitters in the central nervous system such as serotonin and dopamine. Do not use this product if also taking prescription antidepressants.

Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) has been used since Greek and Roman times to promote sleep and relaxation. It can treat insomnia, anxiety, and stress related gastrointestinal upset. According to one theory, valerian affects the brain in a way similar to valium; while another theory holds that valerian contains GABA, a neurotransmitter which has a calming affect on the brain, or else influences the brain’s natural production of GABA. Also, some reasearchers believe that valerian affects serotonin levels in a manner similar to anitdepressant drugs such as Prozac.

If using valerian to treat insomnia, take the herb 30 to 60 minutes before going to bed. It can be taken 2-4 times daily to help stress and anxiety. The recommended dose of tincture is 30-60 drops, or a capsule or tablet of 300-500 mg.

Some people feel groggy after taking valerian; if this occurs, lower the dose. Avoid hazardous activities while using valerian, and do not combine it with other sedatives, antidepressants or alcohol. Do not take valerian for more than 3 weeks, as it can be habituating.

Verbena (Verbena officinalis) is a relaxing nervous system tonic indicated for a wide range of nervous disorders including nervous exhaustion and stress. As a tincture, use 2-4 mls up to 4 times daily. Avoid use during pregnancy as this herb is a uterine stimulant.

Withania (Withania somnifera) is an ayurvedic herb sold under the name Ashwaghanda. It is a very good tonic herb that is especially helpful for debility and nervous exhaustion due to stress. It has steriodal, adaptogenic, sedative and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also useful for panic attacks and phobic disorders such as agoraphobia. Use 1 tsp powder 3 times daily.

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• Name GABA Plus
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