Interestingly, research confirms that the exercise you do today provides a buffer against anxiety for years to come, even if you eventually stop doing it. The presence of calming l-theanine in tea softens the effects of caffeine, making it a better choice than other caffeinated drinks. Many people find that cutting back on caffeine, or eliminating it completely, is one of the most effective anti-anxiety measures they can take. Any supplement you take to relieve anxiety has an uphill battle if you continue to consume caffeine which inhibits GABA. While GABA supplements are available, their effectiveness is questionable.
- It was most commonly used as a tea dosage form among Pacific Islanders historically.
- Always consult with a healthcare professional before making significant changes to your anxiety management strategy, especially if you’re currently taking medication.
- It all depends on the individual situation and the different side effects of alprazolam and its substitutes.
- It doesn’t make you lose focus, concentration, or have any impact on short or long term memory.
- There are a whole slew of other natural medications that are more indicated for depression such as St. Johns Wort and 5-HTP that I can give you information on if you wish.
- Preliminary findings suggest a mechanism mediated by the HPA axis — a key regulator of the stress hormone cortisol — and the GABAergic system 13.
Natural Alternatives to Xanax
People who do not want to deal with these side effects and risks can either use antidepressants or natural remedies to alleviate anxiety. The reason why this herb is said to alleviate anxiety is that it increases serotonin and decreases cortisol. Increasing serotonin levels is the fundamental underlying principle that is used with antidepressants.
Recent guidelines from mental health experts emphasize the importance of a gradual reduction in prescription medications under medical supervision. Abruptly stopping a medication like Xanax can cause serious side effects, including rebound anxiety, insomnia, and even seizures in some cases. A healthcare professional can help you taper off the medication slowly while integrating natural alternatives, such as herbal supplements, amino acids, or mind-body practices, into your daily routine. This approach not only minimizes the risk of adverse effects but also maximizes the effectiveness of the natural remedies.
Research suggests that Xanax significantly decreases the length of rapid-eye-movement (REM) sleep stages and the frequency of REM burst activity 3. REM sleep is when dreaming typically occurs and paradoxically exhibits similar neurophysiology to being awake. In fact, energy use by the brain during REM sleep is commensurate with energy use during waking hours 4. If you’re struggling with anxiety and are looking for natural alternatives to Xanax or prescription medications, try out these five options.
Sleep & Recover – Melatonin Free
Yes, benzodiazepines are addictive and should be used cautiously and under medical supervision to avoid dependence and potential withdrawal complications. Magnolia bark extract has potent anti-anxiety properties and has been found to have similar effects in the brain to benzodiazepines. In addition, vitamin B12 and folate are needed for the expression of GABA receptors within the central nervous system. Deficiencies in these B vitamins can impair GABA-mediated neurotransmission, which can contribute to anxiety and other mood disorders. Vitamin B6 plays a crucial role in the production of GABA, which may explain why individuals with B vitamin deficiencies are at increased risk of anxiety, panic attacks, and insomnia.
The Benefits of Natural Alternatives to Xanax
This article will delve into these natural Xanax alternatives, presenting a holistic approach to managing anxiety and stress. If you’re looking for a safe AND effective over the counter Xanax alternative, these are DEFINITELY your best options. I’ve done a ton of research on the subject and tested dozens of anti-anxiety supplements, and the vast majority are garbage.
#1. Xanax Alternative – Kratom
The first CBD product I tried was Beekeeper’s Naturals B. Chill honey. This felt like a natural place to start since it was a brand I already knew and trusted. The effect was hard to describe; it wasn’t so much any particular feeling, but the absence of the ever-present anxiety that’s just always there for me. If you struggle with generalized anxiety, CBD oil might be worth a try. While Kava may be quite effective, it is NOT recommended due to the possibility of side effects.
- Research indicates that lemon balm can elevate mood, ease nervousness, and counteract anxiety-related stress (9).
- In some studies, the reduction in anxiety with Ashwagandha supplementation rivalled those achieved by some psychiatric drugs (24).
- While they don’t directly replace medications like Xanax, B vitamins can be an instrumental part of a holistic approach to mental health.
- Taking pills, either drugs or supplements, can get tedious and expensive, so few people want to rely on them forever.
- In contrast, what we specialize in is matching a patient’s profile with the most effective non-pharmaceutical means to resolve symptoms.
- While you can get l-theanine from drinking tea, it’s not practical to rely on tea alone to reduce anxiety.
- Yes, benzodiazepines are addictive and should be used cautiously and under medical supervision to avoid dependence and potential withdrawal complications.
Clean Up Your Diet
The great thing about natural remedies is that they tend to be cheaper and safer. However, it’s still not recommended to experiment with these remedies without consulting a specialist as they may cause allergy or other unpredictable effects. Ashwagandha is considered an “adaptogen,” meaning it helps the body adapt to various problems. Ashwagandha is also used to treat arthritis, anxiety, bipolar disorder, attention deficit natural substitute for xanax hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), balance, trouble sleeping (insomnia), etc. However, the effectiveness of ashwagandha to treat these illnesses is debated.
If you’re interested in supplementing with theanine, this anti-anxiety supplement contains it. Research shows that combining magnesium with vitamin B6 can enhance the absorption and effectiveness of magnesium. And some studies suggest this combination can be particularly effective in alleviating anxiety (36-37). Lastly, chronic inflammation is often linked to anxiety and mood disorders, and chamomile’s potent anti-inflammatory properties can help counteract this (31).
Valerenic acid is an allosteric modulator of these receptors, much like alprazolam (Xanax) 17. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) stands out as one of the most promising adaptogens due to its multifarious benefits in the human body. Alprazolam is an allosteric modulator of the benzodiazepine-GABA-A-chloride ionophore receptor complex expressed in neurons of the limbic, thalamic, and hypothalamic regions of the brain.
EN 
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