General Anxiety disorder
My mother has general anxiety disorder 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 Wo
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 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.
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.
Herbs that promote integrity and strength of the nervous system are:
- 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.
Please remember when taking herbal medicines and pharmaceutical medications to take them at least an hour away from each other. This is a general rule of thumb and we recommend it even if there are no direct contraindications between the herbs and medications. Please also consult your doctor when introducing herbal medicines so that you can monitor her symptoms relating to blood pressure and be aware of any contra indications with any further medications being prescribed .