The primary active compounds in Kava are kavalactones, which are believed to affect neurotransmitters in the brain, particularly GABA and dopamine (19). This method offers immediate relief, especially in acute stress situations. As a result, it can also improve cognitive performance and increase alertness (12). Xanax, also known as alprazolam, has undoubtedly provided relief to countless individuals who struggle with anxiety. It also has the potential for dependency, which prompts many to seek more natural solutions.

Expert care for anxiety is here. See if Talkiatry is right for you.

Not only is it known to produce significant relaxation, but it doesn’t tend to produce the same degree of brain fog or cognitive impairment that often occurs when a person takes Xanax. The anxiolytic effects can be traced to the “kavalactones” of the kava plant; these elicit the relaxing effect. Many people practice yoga to improve their flexibility and tone their body. Consistently practicing yoga is regarded as healthy for the body as well as the mind. Yoga practice helps reduce the level of arousal that a person experiences when they are highly anxious or having a panic attack. If you notice the “fight-or-flight” response and flooding of adrenaline throughout your body, the best way to deactivate this response is to relax.

• While you can get l-theanine from drinking tea, it’s not practical to rely on tea alone to reduce anxiety.
• Toxic mold syndrome causes symptoms like confusion, depression, dizziness, anxiety, and many others.
• Seek medical advice from your doctor or other healthcare provider before using any supplements.
• Several herbal treatments and over-the-counter or holistic medicines are believed to help manage anxiety symptoms.
• Anxiolytic medications target key neurotransmitters in the brain, which serve as chemical messengers that send signals between different nerve cells in the brain.

Are There Natural Alternatives to Xanax?

A foundational principle of mental health and cognitive performance is to supply the body with the best nutrition possible. These over-the-counter treatments are commonly used for anxiety, depression, fatigue, or sleeplessness. Although used to treat anxiety, trazodone may not treat panic attacks as effectively as Xanax. Other antidepressant medications used to treat anxiety not listed here include Lexapro (escitalopram), Prozac (fluoxetine), and buspirone. There are ways to protect your brain from alcohol, but you’re better off avoiding it completely or significantly reducing your consumption if you’re trying to reduce anxiety.

• Studies have shown that even brief interactions with animals can lead to reductions in cortisol, the stress hormone.
• Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive procedure that sends magnetic pulses to the brain, which can alter nerve cell activity in specific areas of the brain that help regulate mood.
• Transparent Labs products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
• For instance, combining it with lemon balm or valerian root can provide a more potent calming effect.
• From sudden bouts of panic to prolonged periods of unease, anxiety affects millions worldwide.
• Regardless of the type of CBT that you try, it should help you at least think about your anxiety differently.

Valerian Root

Much like Valerian and Passion flower, lemon balm is believed to positively influence GABA levels in the brain. As a result, it promotes relaxation and reduces overactivity in the nervous system (10). For instance, combining it with lemon balm or valerian root can provide a more potent calming effect.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

It’s essential to take SSRIs exactly as prescribed by a health-care professional, like a psychiatrist, and to follow their guidance regarding dosage adjustments, tapering, and discontinuation. The only drawback with CBT is that sometimes you may need to shop around and look for a better and/or more compatible psychotherapist. If you don’t feel a good connection with your initial therapist, it may take some shopping around before you find someone that helps. But once you find someone that helps, it can make a significant difference in levels of anxiety.

Some people prefer not to take any prescription medications and would rather try natural methods of treatment. Lastly, remember that every person is unique and may respond differently to alternative treatments. Work with a qualified healthcare practitioner or psychiatrist to determine what’s best for you. Relying on black-market sources for an addictive drug is a slippery slope, and it most certainly won’t lead be a safe and effective long-term solution for treating anxiety disorders.

Impact of fermented foods on gut health and anxiety

A study published in 2022 compared meditation and the antidepressant Lexapro for anxiety and found that the two were equally effective at managing symptoms. The researchers say that meditation works because it combines breathwork with an emphasis on staying present—so you’re not dwelling in worries about the past or the future. Getting adequate sleep is extremely important for mental health, but sometimes anxiety makes it hard to fall or stay asleep. This can create a vicious cycle, because anxiety itself can be exacerbated by poor sleep quality. One way to approach getting better sleep is taking steps to prepare yourself to get the best sleep possible. xanax natural If you’re looking for medical alternatives to Xanax, you might consider, beta blockers, antidepressants, or other anxiety medications like BusPar.