Dietary Supplements, Herbs and Vitamins: Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Social Anxiety
Dietary supplements are one of the most popular forms of complementary and alternative medicines for anxiety related conditions. While dietary supplements that include herbs, vitamins and amino acids may not be a permanent cure for social anxiety related emotional disturbances, they may be able to provide some level of emotional support.
Clinical research into specific herbs and vitamins has shown some very positive results over the course of the last three decades. In some cases, supplementing one's diet with certain herbs has been shown to be as effective in helping to relieve anxiety and emotional stress as many prescription medications.
Prior to trying a dietary supplement, herb, vitamin or amino acid, it is recommended that the individual visit with a healthcare professional. This is especially important if the individual with social anxiety is already taking a prescription medication or engaging in some other therapy or treatment.
Specific herbal supplements that are often used for relief of anxiety related chronic conditions may include:
Valerian Root
This natural sedative quickly works to target the central nervous system. Clinical evidence suggests that Valerian supports the availability and the production of a key neurotransmitter called GABA. Users that take Valerian root on a regular basis report feeling less tense, less stressed out and more in control of nervous responses that may be associated with anxiety. Valerian root may also help to improve sleep quality, a lack of which could be an important factor in anxiety and stress related symptoms. Read more about valerian root...
Passion Flower
Passiflora Incarnata, or passion flower, is a well known anxiolytic and mild sedative. Similar to Valerian, it targets the central nervous system to help temporarily relieve some of the symptoms associated with anxiety. In clinical study, Passion Flower is usually combined with complementary herbs like Valerian or Kava Kava, helping to improve mood and assisting in relieving some of the withdrawal symptoms the occur as a result of discontinuing the use of prescription drugs like Oxazepam. Read more about passion flower...
Rhodiola Rosea
Rhodiola Rosea, also known by its common name Golden Root, has been used in Europe and the United States for helping to improve emotional wellness and reduce mental fatigue. Clinical studies suggest that rosavins, the active constituents in Rhodiola Rosea, effect the central nervous system by increasing the ability to concentrate, improving mental performance and reducing physical fatigue. As an adaptogen, Rhodiola rosea may help the body to increase resistance to a variety of chemical, biological and physical stressors.
Read more about rhodiola rosea...
Kava Kava
Kava Kava is one of the most well know natural sedatives in the world. It has been used for centuries in the Polynesian islands of the Pacific and made its way to the America in the last century. Users of the root, in both, supplemental and liquid extract form, report intense feelings of relaxation and calmness as a result of taking Kava on a daily basis. Clinical studies using the Hamilton Anxiety Ratings Scale as a measurement confirm Kava's superiority to placebo, demonstrating that Kava can help to significantly reduce mild anxiety, stress and restlessness.
Read more about Kava Kava...
Winter Cherry
Winter Cherry, also known as Ashwagandha root, is one of the most prominent herbal medicines used in the Indian holistic system of medicine known as Ayurveda. Along with its immunomodulatory effects, winter cherry's traditional effects have been confirmed in laboratory settings. The herb has virtually no toxicity and has been shown to possess both, anxiolytic and anti-depressant activity.
Read more about winter cherry...
Chamomile
Chamomile is a popular calming agent often used by adults, teens and children for helping to calm nerves, relieve stress and support positive mood. It is generally consumed as a tea or herbal supplement.
Read more about chamomile...
B Vitamins
B vitamins play an essential role in the chemical processes throughout the body. In relation to emotional wellbeing, B vitamins help to support important neurotransmitter functions that are partially responsible for the production of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine. In various clinical studies involving different B vitamins like B5, B6 and B9, patients supplementing their diets on a regular basis reported improved overall emotional stability.
Read more about B Vitamins...
Important Information
Dietary supplements, herbs, vitamins and amino acids are not approved by the FDA to treat social anxiety disorder. Always consult a physician prior to beginning dietary supplementation.
Read clinical studies for these and other herbs at the Medicor Labs Clarocet website
