The modern life has extremely fast pace and it is no wonder that people become anxious and overwhelmed by everything that life throws. Many feel sad or anxious, but not only temporarily, but chronically and these feelings weigh them down every day.
We all know that the chronic anxiety and depression do not vanish just like that on its own. When the panic attacks, insomnia and depression become permanent, you should use the numerous options that exist to treat them. Nevertheless, you do not have to turn to prescription drugs. There are three natural herbs that have the same effects as Xanax and have become all too prominent.
3 Natural Replacements to Anti-Depressants
Kava Kava
This herb is native to the South Pacific and natives there have used it for very long as a drink that makes them feel good and eliminates anxiety and other nervous disorders. Still, you need to be precautious when using it, because there was a warning by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration that connected kava kava to liver damage. Thus, in case you have a liver disease, do not use this plant without consulting your doctor. It can also interact with the majority of the prescription drugs and with alcohol.
Passionflower
This flower is a tropical one and it is visually amazing. Namely, it is a combination of unique set of purple petals and wiggling stigmas in the center. In the past, it has been used as a sedative. In the U.S. it has not been used until the late 1800’s, but in recent times, there have been numerous experiments conducted on this flower to determine its power as an anti-depressant. It is used in the form of liquid tinctures or dried as an herb in the form of tea.
Caution:
Pregnant women and women who nurse should avoid the passionflower.
Valerian
This is a flowery plant that blooms in the summer in some parts of Asia and throughout Europe, but recently has been introduced to North America thanks to its medicinal features. This sickly sweet flower has been used for treating insomnia and anxiety, even though the National Center for Complementary Medicine (NCCAM) does not recognize these properties due to lack of clinical evidence to support its efficacy as a drug. Nevertheless, the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC) says that the combination of lemon balm and valerian is often times used for soothing anxiety. You can find valerian in the form of capsules, tablets and liquid extract.
Caution:
Avoid valerian when pregnant or nursing. Also, avoid it when you use some medications like antidepressants or contraceptives since it counters their effects.
Advisory note:
These three herbs are promising alternatives to prescription anti-depressants and anxiety relief, but the University of Maryland Medical Center points out that the consumption of herbal supplements should be used only under a doctor’s supervision in order to make sure that they do not reduce the effectiveness of other prescription. Moreover, ask for medical help if the anxiety and the depression symptoms go on. The most important thing for you is to get better, regardless of whether you use medications or alternative remedies.
