Omega-3 Fatty Acids: – anxiety and depression appear to be linked to lower levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Anxiety and depression appear to enhance the production of pro-inflammatory brain chemicals which not only promote inflammation but also affect mood. Salmon, walnuts, flaxseed oil, and grass fed meat are great sources of Omega-3’s.
B-Vitamin Complex – a high strength mix of B-Vitamins will help feed your brain growth. The more anxious you are, the more B-Vitamins you need. Often getting a formula with activated-B vitamins will help get more B’s into you faster, and get you feeling less anxious also. The type of B Vitamin formula you need will be determined by how well your methylation cycle is performing, and this should be evaluated by your healthcare practitioner.
Gamma-Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) – Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system (CNS). Supplementation with GABA may be beneficial as a natural anxiolytic and antidepressant with the ability to induce relaxation and restful sleep. However it can have the reverse effect, and actually make your anxiety worse, (especially if your methylation cycle is not functioning properly), so it should be taken under supervision of your healthcare practitioner.
Kava-kava – According to a systematic review by Australian National University (ANU) researchers, exercise, relaxation training and the pepper plant kava are the most effective complementary treatment options for generalised anxiety. As a word of caution, there have been reports of serious liver damage or death in people using kava. It is not clear if these problems occurred at high doses or after long-term use. Therefore, kava should only be used under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider. Kava should never be taken at doses higher than recommended, or for longer than two months. Kava should be avoided in people with liver disease, Parkinson’s disease, or lung disease; in pregnant or breastfeeding women; and in children. It should not be used in people taking anti-depressants, barbiturates, sleeping pills, benzodiazepines or drugs that may damage the liver or cause drowsiness.
St. John’s wort (Hypericum perforatum) – for anxiety associated with depression. It needs to be taken with caution, and under supervision, as it can affect levels of other medications, (if you are taking any).
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) – for anxiety with insomnia.
Oatstraw (Avena sativa) – nourishes the nervous system.
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) – for anxiety with depression and heart palpitations. If you do have heart palpitations, please make sure you have this checked out first by a GP.
Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) – for nervous exhaustion and restoring the nervous system. Lavender oil can work really well, but if you get hay-fever, just make sure you aren’t allergic to it!
Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) – can relax and revitalise the nervous system.