Anxiety

My mother has anxiety which has lately manifested itself in episodes of vertigo and vomiting. These can all be traced directly to anxiety, should I encourage her to try St John's Wort?

In regards to the herb St Johns Wort for this condition it may be of benefit to your mother due to its anti-depressant and serotonin (happy brain hormone) effects, however, there are other herbs which you can use in conjunction. Herbs when taken together to support particular symptoms can work synergistically and have a broader therapeutic effect than taking a single herb by itself.

Symptoms of anxiety

Symptoms of anxiety can be overwhelming for many people and they often contribute to other symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, heart palpitations and inability to cope with life's pressures.

Stress hormones and the nervous system

Stress hormones produced by the adrenals (cortisol and aldosterone) are released when we are experiencing a situation such as an argument, working long hours, illness, fatigue etc. These hormones stimulate the nerves (neuro-excitory) and may cause additional symptoms of anxiety, restlessness, nervousness, fear, panic and distress. Long term production of these hormones is detrimental to the health and wellbeing of an individual due to the overstimulation and overactivity of the adrenals causing adrenal burnout.

Lifestyle factors for anxiety

Manage stress
Seek counseling help and talk about any issues you are currently experiencing
Begin an exercise program as a good work out helps to increase happy hormones in the brain
Avoid triggers to emotional disturbances (alcohol, cigarettes, unhealthy relationships, stress)
Learn breathing practices, walking, yoga, meditation and swimming to settle the nerves

Natural remedies for anxiety

Withania reduces cortisol production from the adrenals and has adaptogenic, anti-stress, anxiolytic, anti-depressant and mild sedative qualities to help calm the mind and spirit.
Magnolia is a gentle nervous system herb that may help to ease feelings of anxiety due to its anxiolytic, anti-depressant, carminative effects
Chamomile is a very nourishing herb for the nervous system. Chamomile is a relaxant and calminative
Zizyphus has a tonifying effect on the nervous system and is a gentle sedative and relaxant
Passionflower is indicated for people whom experience nervousness, palpitations and sleep problems, its effects are anxiolytic, relaxant and work to calm the overactive nerves
Bush Flower Essences or Bach Flower Esesnces
Magnesium is an essential nutrient for the health of the nervous system and many people exhibiting symptoms of stress, tension or anxiety tend to be deficient in this mineral
B Vitamins are required for the nervous system to find a balance and also promotes the synthesis of happy hormones in the brain