Herbs for Anxiety and Depression

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Natural Herbs for Anxiety and Depression

Pharmaceutical drugs are popular remedies for anxiety because they hone in on the brain's receptors that cause you to suffer the symptoms of anxiety and depression. Pharmaceutical drugs literally change your brain's chemistry. Pharmaceutical drugs are both powerful and effective. The problem, however, is that such synthetic drugs also have negative side effects.

Natural herbs however, can also change the brain's chemical makeup without all the negative side effects. In fact, one of the biggest side effects of natural herbs used to cure anxiety is a positive one - namely that it becomes easier to make positive changes in your lifestyle as well.

Below is a brief list of natural herbs most commonly used to treat anxiety and depression.

List of Natural Herbs Used to Treat Anxiety & Depression

Herbs Used to Treat Anxiety

Flaxseed oil: Flaxseed supports specific areas in the brain to reduce toxicity. It also serves to reduce low blood sugar which may be one component that triggers anxiety.

Passionflower: This herb has been found in clinical studies to have effects comparable to benzodiazepines, the most common pharmaceutical drug used to treat anxiety. Passionflower works to calm and soothe the nerves. It also serves to lower high blood pressure.

Valerian: This herb is effective in treating mild anxiety and should not be used long term, but rather as a means to reset the brain's chemistry.

Herbs Used to Treat Depression

Ginko: This herb is effective in treating depression, especially in cases that are resistant to other forms of treatment.

St. John's Wort: This is the most commonly used herb to treat depression. St. John's Wort has components that work as antidepressants and has been shown in clinical studies to be quite effective in treating mild to moderate depression.

Herbs Used to Treat Both Anxiety and Depression

Amino acids: Amino acids are the precursors to neurotransmitters that affect the part of the brain that trigger both anxiety and depression. Vitamins, minerals, and other dietary supplements that are high in amino acids are beneficial in treating these mental disorders. In particular, the acai berry is loaded with amino acids and is therefore one of the most effective supplements you can take to battle both anxiety and depression. In addition, acai berry extract will boost your overall health as well.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids: This natural remedy works very well as a supplement to other remedies for depression. You can get omega 3 fatty acids as a tablet or in dietary changes that include fresh fish, nuts, avocados and even dark chocolate.

Anxiety and depression are both serious mental disorders that have a powerful impact on the daily functions of your life, eventually affecting you long term. Therefore, it is essential that if you are suffering from the symptoms of either of these disorders, you get help immediately. You can treat both anxiety and depression with natural cures including lifestyle changes that last forever, and natural herbs, vitamins and minerals. The best natural cure for anxiety and depression, however, is a combination of both.