Almost everyone has experienced or will experience some anxious moments at some point in their lives. Taking a test, speaking in public, starting a new job, or when another vehicle suddenly pulls out in front of you in heavy traffic are all experiences that can produce a considerable amount of stress and anxiety. From your own personal experience, you can most likely name situations that have set your nerves on edge.

Many people suffer from chronic anxiety, which can affect daily functioning. Anxiety produces a variety of symptoms aside from a general feeling of anxiousness and nervousness that is typically present everyday for those having anxiety disorders. Irritability, heart palpitations, sweating, irritated bronchial tissues, tiredness, trouble sleeping, headache, nausea, stomachaches, irritable bowel syndrome, weigh loss or gain, and many other symptoms are common with anxiety.

There are several prescription medications for treating anxiety. Doctors use many of the same medications for treating anxiety that are used to treat depression as well as other emotional conditions. It is important to note that all prescription medications do not work for every person, and all medications have some risks. You should thoroughly discuss the benefits versus the risks of taking prescription medications with your doctor.

Many individuals have moved towards using supplements and natural herbs to improve and protect their health and for treating conditions such as anxiety instead of using prescription medications. The high cost of prescription medications and fears about their safety has helped spark this new interest in health supplements. Continue reading for information about supplements that can help combat anxiety.

• Vitamins B and C both boost healthy central nervous functioning, which can relieve the symptoms of anxiety.

• People taking supplements to help them battle insomnia may be familiar with Valerian, which can also help reduce anxiety.

• Kava is another herbal supplement that can help to reduce anxiety. Recent reports about the possible dangers Kava poses to the liver have surfaced so you should defiantly ask your DR if this is a safe supplement for you to take, as well as reading published studies and reports on the herb Kava.

• The herb passionflower has shown some promise as an effective anxiety reducer. It produces a sedating affect and is non-addictive according to published medical studies. Scientists and health experts continue to study the effects of passionflower on the symptoms of anxiety in determining which forms of anxiety it may be the most effective in helping.

• Often used as a natural treatment for depression, 5-HTP can also help reduce anxiety.

• Melatonin can help to stabilize moods, regulate sleep cycles, and offer relief from anxiety.

• Selenium can relive the symptoms of anxiety for many people.

• Flax seed oil can help to relive anxiety as well as providing your body the benefits of healthy fats

• St. John’s Wort causes a mildly sedative reaction, which may help to decrease symptoms of anxiety.

• Damiana is a tonic that can produce calming affects in users to help ease their anxiety.

• Scullcup works to calm the central nervous system, reducing the symptoms of anxiety.

• Verbena also acts as a calming agent to the central nervous system decreasing anxiety, stress, and even fatigue.

• Ashwaghanda, AKA, Withania is often prepared as a tea or tonic and can help relive anxiety.

• Magnesium may help reduce anxiety for many users and especially for those lacking a healthy level of magnesium in their bodies.

• Rhodiola Rosea has also shown to help alleviate anxiety.

• Chamomile brewed into a tea can help ease anxiety. Green tea has an amino acid that can help to reduce anxiety as well as containing helpful antioxidants.

• An herb known as hops can help banish anxiety. Place hops leaves in your pillowcase to help counteract insomnia (a common side effect of anxiety) and awaken refreshed and with less stressed in the morning.

It is also important to note that people taking MAOI’s and other prescription medications for depression, anxiety, and other mental conditions should not use Kava, or St. John’s Wort without first consulting their doctors due to a potentially deadly interaction that can occur between these medications and herbal supplements. It would be wise for anyone thinking about taking supplements to speak with their doctor about them to learn about the possible dangers supplements may pose to them and their health.

Other Ways to Reduce Anxiety

Meditation is not a supplement, however it can be very effective in helping to combat anxiety, and it does not cost you anything to take a few minutes for yourself to relax and rid your body and mind of excess stress and anxiety.

A healthy diet helps keep your immune system strong and healthy which in turn can help you combat anxiety and the host of symptoms anxiety can produce.

Exercise is just as good for your emotional health as it is for your physical health. Exercise can reduce stress and anxiety and can give you something else to focus on should you experience a panic attack.