Herbal teas that can help with anxiety

[Kazimiera]

Peppermint

Peppermint is a common herb used in candy, gum and toothpaste, as well as tea. Peppermint has several medicinal qualities. In addition to helping to calm anxiety, (mostly associated with other issues like depression), peppermint is also known to help relieve symptoms associated with the common cold, upset stomach, skin irritations, indigestion and headaches. To drink in a tea, combine 1 cup of boiling water and 1 teaspoon of dried peppermint leaves and let it steep for 10 minutes. You can drink peppermint tea about four or five times a day (between meals). However, it's a good idea to check with a doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Chamomile

A study in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology shows that patients who received chamomile treatment experienced a significant change in the severity of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) symptoms. The herb has been used to calm nerves, decrease indigestion and calm the stomach. Steep 1 tablespoon of dried chamomile in a cup of boiling water, three times a day for about two months.

Lemon Balm

Lemon balm has been used to help reduce stress and anxiety, as well as increase appetite, improve sleep, heal wounds, ease pain, treat stings and other insect bites. The herb is commonly combined with other herbs, such as chamomile, to help calm nerves. Steep about a quarter to 1 teaspoon of dried lemon balm in hot water up to four times a day.

Passionflower

Passionflower has been used for many years to relieve anxiety, insomnia and stress. The herb is known to be as successful at treating Generalized Anxiety Disorder as the commonly prescribed medication Oxazepam. While there are side effects such as upset stomach, drowsiness and headache, these typically only occur if someone is allergic to passionflower or takes the herb in large doses. Overdosing can be avoided by drinking it in a tea. Combine 1 teaspoon of dried passionflower and 1 cup of boiling water.
Lavender

Research by the University of Maryland Medical Center shows that lavender's "calming, soothing, and sedative effects" can help treat insomnia, anxiety, depression, fatigue and agitation, among other ailments. Lavender incorporated into a massage can also help anxious people feel more positive and less anxious. You can drink the tea one to three times a day. Place 1 to 2 teasoons of the herb in a cup of hot water and let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes before drinking. Pregnant women or women who are breastfeeding should avoid consuming lavender.

http://www.ehow.com/list_6040417_her...s-anxiety.html

[Kazimiera]

Valerian Tea

Valerian tea helps soothe feelings of tension associated with anxiety by increasing the gamma aminobutyric acid, or GABA, in your brain. This tea may also help reduce speedy heart rate and nervousness when you experience anxiety. The roots of valerian plants are dried and crushed to make valerian tea. Valerian tea is often combined with herbs like lemon balm, passionflower and skullcap in preparations to overshadow the sharp smell of valerian's roots.

Kava Kava Tea

Kava kava is commonly used in commercial brands of tea for relaxation. Kava tea generally helps calm your nerves and helps you relax without having a sedating effect. The Mayo Clinic reports that research has shown kava may cause liver problems. Therefore, you should not drink kava tea if you have a liver condition, drink moderate amounts of alcohol or take medications that are hard on your liver.

St. John's Wort

St. John's wort is one of the most extensively studied herbs, and it has been found to be effective in treating fatigue, anxiety, insomnia and pain, according to a report from Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York. Like passion flower, the effective extract of St. John's wort is taken from the plant's flowers. St. John's wort not only helps relieve anxiety, but it also can relieve symptoms of depression that accompany anxiety and stress. In fact, a report from the Center for Complementary Medicine Research in Munich, Germany, states that St. John's wort is as effective at treating depressive symptoms as leading anti-depression medications. The report, published in the German edition of "Research in Complementary Medicine," also warns that St. John's wort is highly interactive with other medications, so you must inform you physician if you plan to use St. John's wort tea or other preparations of the herb.

http://www.livestrong.com/article/12...#ixzz1ul7bdDJy

[Corraidh]

Thanks for this!

Not mentioned is vervain. The leaves of this plant were given to warriors by the druids to chew on for emotional balance and worry.

Futher on St. John's Wort. It's a fantastic plant; however, you should check with your doctor before using it if you are on any kind of antidepressant or pharma anxiolytic. Mixing it with said drugs can potential cause a serotonin disorder which could be fatal.

[Kazimiera]

Thanks for this!

Not mentioned is vervain. The leaves of this plant were given to warriors by the druids to chew on for emotional balance and worry.

Futher on St. John's Wort. It's a fantastic plant; however, you should check with your doctor before using it if you are on any kind of antidepressant or pharma anxiolytic. Mixing it with said drugs can potential cause a serotonin disorder which could be fatal.

Thank you!

If you would like to post other teas and more details it would be much appreciated.

Perhaps you have some other info that I haven't covered. Please share!

[Thorns]

Well, you also forgot to mention kratom. Nowadays it is quite popular and it is easy to find it even online. I used to have depressions, and by using kratom from www.payspi.org really helped me to feel better. Could you please include it also to the list and make a short description?

Kratom can certainly help with anxiety but it works similar to Opioids. It isn't really dangerous in any kind of overdose sense (that I'm aware of) but long term daily use will lead to dependence and withdrawals similar to opioids (for many). Basically, you don't want to take it everyday, but I suppose it's a better alternative than opioids or benzos. In fact, many people use it to help deal with opioid withdrawals.

I wouldn't be surprised if it ends up being banned, since some people are having real addiction issues with it.

All that being said, it is quite effective for pain and anxiety.