Anxiety is the normal reaction to anything that threatens one's body, lifestyle, values, or loved ones. It is characterized as a vague feeling of apprehension, worry, uneasiness, or dread. The source of these feelings are often unknown to the individual. A certain amount of anxiety is normal and stimulates the individual to purposeful action; however, excess anxiety may interfere with efficient functioning. Anxiety disorder is excessive anxiety and worry lasting for at least 6 months. Symptoms include restlessness, physical and emotional exhaustion, difficulty in concentrating or sleeping, muscle tension, and irritability. Adults with excessive anxiety often worry about normal, everyday circumstances such as job responsibilities, finances, the health of family members, and even minor matters such as being late or completing chores. They may even experience clammy hands, dry mouth, sweating, nausea or diarrhea, trouble swallowing or a "lump in the throat", exaggerated startle responses, or depressive symptoms. The intensity, duration, or frequency of the anxiety and worry is far out of proportion to the actual likelihood of the feared event.

NIMH: Anxiety Disorders

illions of Americans are affected by some form of anxiety or anxiety disorder. Some anxiety is normal, and most people have experienced at least a "fight-or-flight" response in reaction to a perceived threat. The heart beats faster, palms sweat, and a feeling of nausea may occur. The body's nervous system is signaling the adrenal glands to prepare your body to run away or fight back. When this occurs, large amounts of stress hormones including epinephrine, are secreted into the bloodstream. Your heart rate increases, blood sugar spikes upward, blood is diverted from skin and internal organs to the muscles and brain. Breathing becomes faster and more sweat is produced. All of these changes occur so that the body is prepared and able to exert enough strength to fight back or flee.
While all of this is a normal response to a perceived threat, unfortunately it also occurs even when the source of anxiety will not require physical action. It may be related to specifics, called phobias, such as flying in an airplane, climbing a ladder, or seeing spiders. Some people feel anxious almost constantly because their nervous systems and adrenal glands are overactive. When chronic anxiety is experienced, a medical evaluation may be necessary as occasionally, anxiety can have a physical or biochemical basis.
There are many plants with a history of traditional use for calm and relaxation. Chamomile, Wild Oat, St. John's Wort, and Hops Strobiles are some of the better known herbs. Chamomile has been around for many years as a traditional calming tea. Wild Oat is traditionally regarded as both soothing and nourishing. St. John's Wort has gained popularity in recent years as an overall tonic. Hops Strobiles is traditionally used as a relaxant.
Other herbs with a history of traditional use are Scullcap, Kava, whose primary active constituents are kavalactones, Valerian, whose active constituents are valepotriates, Passion Flower, Siberian Ginseng, and Licorice. See also AlphaOmega Labs' Anti-Stress, a combination of traditionally used herbs.

Note: This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the use of a qualified health care professional. We strongly recommend the use of a physician for the diagnostic phase of any treatment. With an accurate diagnosis in hand, we believe the consumer, at that point, has a basic, unalienable right to seek out factual information on all therapeutic approaches, both orthodox and alternative, and choose those approach(es) that are right for them. Nonetheless, a "good doctor" should be considered a requisite starting point.

To U.S. Users: None of the products mentioned on this page have been evaluated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration; therefore, they are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

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