Herbal Alternatives to Xanax

Here are some great ways to manage anxiety by keeping yourself healthy overall. Unlike Xanax, all natural xanax natural alternatives can provide most of the same benefits with far fewer side effects. They also aren’t addictive in nature, so people can use them without having to worry.

Backed by research studies, yoga and meditation have earned a great reputation as effective herbal methods to reduce anxiety and improve physical and emotional wellness. Serotonin promotes physical and mental relaxation and provides relief from stress and anxiety. Deep breathing also lowers levels of cortisol, the primary stress hormone in the body, which then leads to reduced anxiety (64). With modern scientific methodologies, we’re now beginning to understand its profound beneficial effects and its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. Omega-3s also influence the release and function of neurotransmitters such as serotonin and dopamine, which are both essential for optimal mental health (45). Studies have shown that chamomile extract can help reduce symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) (28).

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These nootropics can be used to replace any anti-anxiety medication including Ativan. What Big Pharma doesn’t want you to know is that there is a wealth of natural compounds that are every bit as effective at relieving anxiety and depression as prescription anxiolytics. But there are many reasons one should avoid taking these prescription medications. Anxiety disorders cost the United States over $42 billion a year, nearly one-third of the country’s entire mental health bill. A treatment team can build a taper schedule based on dose, length of use, mental health history, and physical health—making the process more manageable and less overwhelming. Originally developed for people with intense emotional swings, DBT combines mindfulness with skills for emotional regulation and distress tolerance.

Passionflower has no known adverse effects when combined with other sedative drugs, although there is concern that it may interact with monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, states the UMHS. With these two traits and other side effects in mind like brain fog and fatigue, some people would rather deal with anxiety than take a prescription for it. Of course, addiction can have very serious consequences for all aspects of life, whether schooling, your career, or personal life.

• Originally developed for people with intense emotional swings, DBT combines mindfulness with skills for emotional regulation and distress tolerance.
• Some seem to be calming while others seem to be anti-depressants or adaptogens (more stimulating for me).
• We provide residential care, outpatient treatment, co-occurring disorder treatment, sober living, and mental health services in St. Joseph, MO.
• Furthermore, CBD may also be able to helpreduce cortisol levels, a stress hormone responsible for producing feelings of stress and anxiety.

Maybe you want to get treatment but you’re scared that treating anxiety with prescription drugs like Xanax can result in long-term negative side effects. It works by enhancing GABA, a neurotransmitter that inhibits brain activity and produces a calming effect. Given the potential side effects and risk of dependency on Xanax and other anxiety medications, many people look for natural alternatives. Meditate | If you’re feeling super stressed and anxious, one of the best things you can do for your health is to simply take a moment to meditate.

Studies have shown that it works just as well as selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors. Studies have also found that it is a viable treatment for those suffering from OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder). On the contrary, drugs like Xanax have found themselves on a list of the top ten toughest drugs to quit, sharing space with such illicit substances as heroin.

Xanax Should Not Be Mixed With Alcohol and Other Drugs

It activates certain serotonin receptors in the brain to create a feeling of relaxation. SNRIs help manage anxiety by preventing the quick reabsorption of serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Higher dosages can lead to withdrawal and dependency issues in the long run.

Natural Xanax Alternatives to Calm You Down

You don’t have to choose between suffering in silence or becoming dependent on a drug like Xanax. Natural alternatives, when combined with expert support, can help you reclaim peace, clarity, and control over your life. Meditation and mindfulness practices rewire the brain to manage stress better. Even a few minutes a day can make a significant impact on mental clarity and emotional resilience. At DeNovo Recovery, we offer Xanax Addiction Treatment as part of a full continuum of care. This includes residential treatment, sober living programs, and family support.

• It has been used as a meditation aid because of its ability to restore balance to the hemispheres of your brain.
• By increasing BDNF levels, Aniracetam acts as a neuroprotective agent, enhancing cognition and improving mood.
• The use of natural Xanax and choosing healthy lifestyle practices can help you avoid stress and anxiety and reduce your risk of depression.
• Scheduling regular aromatherapy massages can result in reduced stress and anxiety levels, improved sleep, and increased feelings of relaxation and calmness.

But one its most praised benefits is its ability to vanquish depression and anxiety. There is no shortage of benzo drugs including Dalmane, Librium, Klonopin, Restoril, Valium, and Serax. These drugs are effective at combating anxiety or alleviating panic attacks.

Valerian root

Exercise also increases nerve-growth factor, orexin, GABA, GDNF, and reduces inflammation in the brain. Whether it’s walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, dancing, or weightlifting, personal preference plays a crucial role in adherence. While many find anxiety relief through yoga, it might not resonate with everyone. For beginners, guided deep breathing sessions, available through apps or online videos, can also be helpful. There are various deep breathing techniques, such as the method (inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 7, exhale for 8), box breathing, and paced respiration.

Xanax Has Serious Side Effects

Deep breathing exercises, sometimes referred to as diaphragmatic or abdominal breathing, have been practiced across various cultures and traditions as a method to calm the mind. An imbalanced gut can also lead to chronic inflammation, which is increasingly linked to various mood disorders, including anxiety. Omega-3 fatty acids are considered “essential fatty acids”, meaning your body cannot create them. As you may know, chronic inflammation has been linked to mood disorders, including anxiety. Many studies show that they significantly reduce brain inflammation; improve memory, mood and cognition; and protect against mild cognitive impairment, dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

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There are various forms of meditation, including mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR), transcendental meditation, and loving-kindness meditation. Like physical exercise, the benefits of meditation are often most pronounced with regular and consistent practice. Neuroimaging studies have shown that consistent meditation can lead to changes in the structure and function of the brain.

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). As a result, it has been a staple in traditional medicine across various cultures, and it’s a potential alternative to pharmaceuticals like Xanax. Studies have shown that Ashwagandha can significantly reduce cortisol levels (25).