Effective Herbal Remedies for Anxiety

Effective Herbal Remedies for Anxiety
By Eric Przezdziecki

Our brain is the protector of our body. In adverse conditions, it prepares our body to fight or flight. This response leads to anxiety. In this condition, heart rate increases, breathing enhances and pupils dilate because of adrenaline rush in our body.

In ancient times, anxiety used to be common because of hunting but nowadays it occurs mostly due to stress, tension or different diseases. Anxiety attack - for short time - is helpful but prolonged anxiety produces damaging effects to the body.

Many pharmaceutical drugs are available in the market to treat anxiety but they all have some known side effects. Nature is full of plants that can help to calm body without producing adverse effects. Some useful plants are given here.

Chamomile
Chamomile is one perfect component for treating anxiety. Whenever you feel anxious, drink its tea. It contains apigenin, a compound that binds to brain receptors and produces calming effects. It is effectual against mild anxiety. It is also present in the form of supplements in the market. At University of Pennsylvania Medical Center, Philadelphia, a research found that anxiety symptoms can be reduced with the help of chamomile.

Green tea
Green tea is a magical tea with broad medical benefits. It also has its effectiveness in alleviating anxiety symptoms. Green tea has L-theanine, a component that controls heart rate and blood pressure and reduces anxiety. Having green tea during anxious state can provide calming effects.

Hops
Hops is also very effective in soothing mind and relaxing body. It produces sedative effects. Its volatile oil is the compound that is required to reduce anxiety. It is present in extract or tincture of hops. It is very bitter in taste; its tea is made only by adding chamomile or mint.

Lemon Balm
Lemon balm has been used to treat anxiety since Middle Ages. It produces calming effects by reducing stress and inducing sleep. Studies showed that it soothes mind and body. However, taking too much lemon balm has been reported to produce adverse effects. Instead of making you calm, it can make you more anxious. So only take recommended dosage if you are selecting lemon balm as your anxiety therapy.

Passionflower
Passion flower is a sedative. It is used for treating nervous restlessness. It can alleviate anxiety symptoms. It contains chemicals like alkaloids and steroids; they bind to different brain receptors and calm mind and body.

St. John's Wort
Anxiety and serotonin levels are associated. Decrease serotonin may lead to anxiety. It is considered that St. John's Wort can positively affect serotonin levels. It contains hyperforin and hypericin; these compounds are known to produce calming effects. They are present in leaves and petals of St. John's Wort.

Valerian
Valerian is a sedative herb. It can soothe body and mind. Valerenic acid and valeranon are two active components of this herb; because of them this herb is effective. It has very unpleasant smell that is why people prefer it to take it in the form of capsule or tincture. It is commonly used with chamomile, hops and lemon balm to boost efficiency.

Final Verdict:
Anxiety can be treated with herbs but you can also practice to remain calm without taking any herb or medicine. Try to get control of yourself. It is recommended that before taking any of these herbs, consult your doctor.

For more information and advice, please visit http://www.herbalremediesfacts.com blog. Also get a Free Complete Guide to Herbal Remedies.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Eric_Przezdziecki
http://EzineArticles.com/?Effective-Herbal-Remedies-for-Anxiety&id=8159157

Herbs – A Rich Source of Healthy Antioxidants

For thousands of years, civilizations in every corner of the world have been using herbs to heal, to energize, to prolong life, and improve their overall good health and well being.

Today as we analyze herbs active components and examine them with the objective experiments that define modern science, we are finding that they indeed have the power to energize you and to help you lead a longer, healthier life.

According to researchers with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, herbs are among the richest sources of antioxidants.

Herbs have higher antioxidant activity than fruits, vegetables and some spices, the researchers say. Oregano ranked highest among the more familiar herbs, but dill, thyme, rosemary and peppermint also had a very high antioxidant capacity. One tablespoon of fresh oregano contains the same antioxidant activity as one medium-sized apple says Shiow Y. Wang, Ph.D., the study’s lead researcher and a biochemist with the USDA’s Beltsville Agricultural Research Center in Beltsville, Md.

Their findings appear in the November, 2006 print issue of the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, a peer-reviewed journal of the American Chemical Society, the world’s largest scientific society.

The science community believes that consumption of antioxidant-rich foods reduces damage to cells and biochemicals from free radicals - charged molecules that are generated by a variety of sources including pollution, UV sunlight, and environmental toxins.This may slow down, prevent, or even reverse certain diseases that result from cellular damage including cancer, heart disease and stroke, and perhaps even slow down the natural aging process.

Fruits, vegetables and whole grains have long been considered as a rich source of antioxidants. Now, herbs have emerged as a quick and easy way to get a concentrated source of antioxidants — without all the extra calories of whole foods, Wang says.

So go ahead and enjoy a little dash and sprinkle of the familiar leafy or powdered versions of herbs to add flavor to your favorite meats and vegetables. Have a sip of some potent antioxidant herbal tea. Even better, try supplementation with botanical solid or fluid extracts. This is your best defense against illness and premature aging.

However herbs, whatever form they take, should never be a substitute for a balanced diet and pregnant women in particular should consult their physicians before taking herbal supplements.

Eric Przezdziecki
Eric is the owner and editor of Lifestyles Herbal Health Products website at http://www.1intra.com

How effective are herbal supplements in reducing illnesses in children?

The use of herbal supplements in women is increasing. Many mothers may also be giving herbal supplements to their children to treat or prevent various illnesses, including asthma, hyperactivity, colds, and respiratory infections. A study in the March issue of The Journal of Pediatrics reviews the medical literature to provide information about the effectiveness of some of the most common herbal supplements in children, including Andrographis paniculata, evening primrose oil, ivy leaf, and valerian.

Gail Mahady, Ph.D. and colleagues from Karl-Franzens-Universitaet Graz and the University of Illinois reviewed studies published 1960-2003 that tested the effectiveness of common herbal supplements. Unfortunately, many popular herbal supplements have not been evaluated in systematic studies. Insufficient data were found for the pediatric uses of chamomile, feverfew, ginger, and ginko. However, useful information was found and assessed for various other herbal supplements.

Andrographis paniculata is an important therapeutic plant in Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for the common cold, flu, and other respiratory infections. One study evaluated children who were given A. paniculata supplements for three months. Although no evidence of the supplement's effect was observed in the first two months, a 70% reduction in the number of colds was seen in the third month. Studies of A. paniculata have shown that it may also reduce the risk of upper respiratory infections.

Evening primrose oil is derived from the seeds of the American wildflower and is commonly used for skin disorders, premenstrual syndrome, and arthritis because of its high concentration of essential fatty acids. Results of studies have suggested that evening primrose oil supplements may significantly improve the severity of dermatitis in children. Evening primrose oil supplements may also be associated with an improvement in performing certain tasks by children who are hyperactive.

Ivy leaf is the dried leaf of Hedera helix L., which is native to Europe and Asia. Studies have suggested that ivy leaf may improve airway resistance in children with asthma. Cough tablets with dried ivy leaf may be effective in decreasing the symptoms of chronic bronchitis in children. One-third of the children receiving ivy leaf reported freedom from bronchitis symptoms.

Valerian is the most widely recognized herbal sedative and has been used for children with hyperactivity and sleep disorders. One study assessed valerian's effect on boys with developmental deficiencies and hyperactivity problems. After the children were given nightly doses for 2 weeks, they experienced an increase in total sleep time and sleep quality.

In spite of growing popularity, Dr. Mahady was unable to find sufficient scientific evidence in pediatric studies for the effectiveness of cranberry juice/supplements for urinary tract infections, garlic for cardiovascular problems, and Echinacea for colds. Dr. Mahady explains that "as more children become exposed to botanical dietary supplements (herbal medicines), it is important that the safety and efficacy of these alternative treatments be established." Although some herbal supplements have shown promise for treating various illnesses, they may have not been appropriately tested; some may even be harmful or cause interactions with other therapies. Parents and guardians should consult with their pediatricians before administering any herbal supplement to children.

The study is reported in "Is there clinical evidence supporting the use of botanical dietary supplements in children?" by Andrea Hrastinger, PhD, Birgit Dietz, PhD, Rudolf Bauer, PhD, Rosalie Sagraves, PharmD, and Gail Mahaday, PhD. The article appears in The Journal of Pediatrics, Volume 146, Number 3 (March 2005), published by Elsevier.

The Journal of Pediatrics is a primary reference for the science and practice of pediatrics and its subspecialties. This authoritative resource of original, peer-reviewed articles oriented toward clinical practice helps physicians stay abreast of the latest and ever-changing developments in pediatric medicine. The Journal of Pediatrics ranks in the top 12% of the 5,907 scientific journals receiving the most citations (Science Citation Index). The Journal is published under the Mosby imprint by Elsevier, a leading global publisher of scientific, technical, and medical journals, books, and reference works. It is a member of the Reed Elsevier plc group. URL: http://www.mosby.com/jpeds

Contact: Monica Helton
journal.pediatrics@cchmc.org
513-636-7140
The Journal of Pediatrics
http://www.mosby.com/jpeds

The History of Herbs

by: Parone Dellerb

Herb is the name for any plant that is used for medicinal purposes or as a spice and for the useful product of such a plant. Typically, the green, leafy part of the plant is used. Culinary art is heavily dependent on herbs as condiments and seasonings. Although plants have always been the major source for medicines & drugs, synthetic medicines have replaced herbs to a lot extent.

Herbs can be stores in the following forms - teas, tinctures, capsules, creams, syrups and oils.

According to botanical sources, a herb is a plant that does not produce a woody stem, or is a plant that dies back to the ground at the end of the growing season.

Mankind has known herbs for a very long time. Plethora of evidences have been found where people in early ages had used herbs for medicinal purposes. Old cultures like those in India, China, Egypt and Greece have known the true value of herbs for treating diseases. People living in present days in these cultures are still heavily dependent on herbs, both for medicinal and culinary purposes. Herbal medicines are known to not offer any side effects on the patients's body. It is estimated that one fifth of the population living on planet earth still relies on herbs.

Ayurveda from India is supposed to have lived for 5,000 years now, and still stands tallest on the landscape of herbalism. According to Ayurveda, each person has unique body constitution, and each individual is made of five elements - earth, fire, water, air and ether. A person gets sick when one of these elements in the body is disturbed. In other words, the body balance gets perturbed. This disbalance can be restored to normalcy when the person is treated with proper herbal medicines.

According to Chinese herbalism, a human body can be treated with herbs when there is deficiency is some body system. Chinese doctor would then look for the most appropriate herb needed to restore the deficiency, and prescribe the dose.

Today, herbal products industry has emerged on its own. If herbalists' claims are to be believed, herbs can cure a person from almost all the known diseases, let it be blood pressure, diabetes, insomnia, etc.

Herbs are usually not taken in an individual form, rather as a combination. Herbs are combined to give the benefits needed from each. Remember that in any herbal healing undertaken, diet is also very important. These combinations are not meant to be used in the place of a doctor's advice. When using an herb or herbal combination to combat an illness or strengthen various systems in the body, it is best to start with a small amount, and then wait a few hours to be sure you are not going to have an adverse reaction, before continuing with the therapy.

Herbs shouldn't be taken for an indefinitely long period of time, unless otherwise taken for chronic diseases, as body may build an immunity to the herb itself.

Herbalists also recommend the following if you are taking herbs for medicinal purposes - give the same respect to herbs as given to other medicines, taking more herbs doesn't mean faster relief, one dose doesn't fit all, and inform your doctor about the herbs consumed by you.

About The Author


Parone Dellerb is the owner of AZA Herbs which is a premier resource for herbs information. for more information, go to http://www.azaherbs.com

Herbs Are growing In Popularity

By Paul Ghossain

Nowadays people in general are looking for alternative ways to self improvement and well being. The funniest thing however is that one of the most popular alternative methods has been around since the beginning of time. So what we consider an alternative method is quite far from it.

Herbs, one of the oldest remedies for curing countless problems that mankind has had is now truly becoming popular once again. Whether we suffer from headaches, bad stomachs or even sexual problems, there always seems to be some type of herbal remedy out there that can solve it.

Not everything that herbs can achieve is good however. It is because of this that a good percentage of the human population feel that all herbs are either dangerous or superstitions. Unfortunately things do not get better when opportunists promise you the world with their special remedies.

I think in time however, if we all try to educate ourselves a little more on the subject of herbs, more and more people will realise just how wonderful herbs can actually be when used in the correct manner. More education to the general public with a strong growth in popularity will ensure that herbs reclaim their rightful place on this planet once again.

Until then, people must be careful of those opportunists out there that aim only to fill their pockets with money and have little regard for what true power actually lies within herbs. If only they knew what they are missing.

By Paul Ghossain
http://www.multisect.com/http://www.multisect.com/

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Paul_Ghossain

Offsetting the Effects of Stress

It seems most of us are running so fast through our days, we literally feel as if we’ve completed a marathon when we finally collapse at night. What effect is this stressful existence having on our health and happiness? A negative one it would seem, as it has been estimated that 75 to 90 percent of all visits to primary care physicians are for stress-related problems.

Stress is an unavoidable aspect of life; however it seems that today we are affected by more sources of stress, in more severe forms, than ever before. In fact, a recent United Nations report called stress, “The 20th Century Epidemic.”

Stress is part of a vicious circle that includes anxiety and depression. Each one contributes to the other, with negative effects being seen in the gastrointestinal tract, skin, and several internal organs. When we are stressed our bodies release additional adrenaline, cortisol and other stress-related hormones. Over stimulation of these hormones can lead to a state of severe exhaustion commonly known as “burn out.”

Stress is related to - and greatly affected by - nutrition and diet. Adequate levels of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants can help the body deal with the negative aspects of stress. Healthy foods and optimal protein and fibre intake can help balance blood sugar levels and may help offset the effects of stress and depression.

Nature's Medicine Chest

Did you know that the rainforest of the Amazon River basin in South America is home to more than half of the Earth's living species, including more than 3,000 potentially beneficial fruits and plants?

Did you also know that of all medicines prescribed in the U.S. have active ingredients that are derived from, or are analogues of the Amazon rainforest plants?

Did you also know that of all prescribed medicines come from just 40 of these plants?

Did you also know that of the plants found to be active against cancer cells are found in the rainforest?

It's no wonder that the Amazon rainforest has become known by many as “nature's medicine chest”. But... science has barely begun to probe the possibilities of life-sustaining attributes in more than 99% of the plants that grow there. That's right, 99%.

Even though we know with certainty that the rainforest holds the key to nature's gifts of health and wellness, we have barely begun to tap that abundant resource.

While researchers have only skimmed the surface of the healing powers of these wondrous fruits and plants, a few have emerged that have already earned the right to be ranked among the planet's “best kept health secrets.”

Three of these amazing rainforest plants and fruits are Acai, Cupuacu, and Yerba Mate.

The health beverage industry is a BOOMING market. It's currently producing over $4,000,000,000.00 (Four Billion Dollars) a year in sales, and is forecasted to grow to over $10,000,000,000.00 (Ten Billion Dollars) in just the next few years.

This growth is being fueled by one thing: So, it really should come as no great surprise that many companies are jumping on the “functional health beverage band wagon”.