best herbs or natural treatments to cure social phobia?

Some might look at natural treatments of social phobias/ depression as ‘voodoo’, pseudo-science and the other stock adjectives but as for me I too had a very bad run of doctors giving me meds that did not provide relief. I do not know if my problems are bad enough to only be treated by professionals but since it seems that they are just throwing darts at a board in treating me through meds what can it hurt for me to try some plant based treatments? Much cheaper and way less side effects.

Valerian, wild lettuce, hops, passionflower, chamomile, catnip, linden, st. john’s wort are some of the herbs that can help relax a body gently. Won’t stop a panic attack in its tracks mind you but that’s not how this stuff works- consistent use for a few weeks or months will show results if it is right (except valerian root- the basis of Valium without the addictive quality nor hangover effect after usage). A detox program can help as well to get things started but beware- if you have collected a whole bunch of bad stuff (heavy metals, ‘toxins’, debris in the colon) the detox process will dredge up some bad feelings and thoughts as your body sheds these unwanted poisons. Don’t know your situation, your diet nor your health so can’t give firm advice but once again if doctors are shooting blanks in giving you meds to help what can it hurt?

I would go and see a natruopathic doctor and see what they can do for you.
I have social anxiety too.
She gave to two things to take for it.
Pharma gaba plus and Neuro 5 htp.
It improves my mood,helps me sleep and helps my anxiety.
It took a while for it to help me.
It doesn’t just suck all the anxiety out of me.
I still have to do some work.
But it defiantly makes things easier.
I also get B12 shots which gives me more energy and helps me feel better.
good luck.

Right now im on lexapro 20 mg for severe depression and anxiety, thats not really natural but everyone has a different effect to it, im doing much better now that im on it, but lavender oil is great to calm you down if you start to get anxious, rub it on your temples or if your at home take the time to massage it into your feet or neck, the smell of it relaxes and calms you to a level where its easier to think and fix things. Before i got onto lexapro i bought some St. Jhon Worts herbal supplement make sure to look for "emotional balance" on the bottle its not as powerful or chemically insane as lexapro and other meds but it did help, jsut after about a month the sympoms continued. Im also in therapy, peopole think they are just crooks and a waste of money, but i have a strong connection with my counselor and its really nice to talk to someone about anything without worrying about friends or family members judging you. just a suggestion that has hellped me get over my hurdles.

Marijuana.

You won’t find any herbs that are legal that have any medicinal effect for psychiatric issues. Whilst you may have had a bad run with some doctors, I recommend staying within the realms of science and leaving pseudoscience and hoodoo to the ignorant who believe in anecdotal claims.

Whilst mind altering illegal drugs or hops (ie: booze) will rid you of your social phobia, you don’t want to be stoned and drunk all the time. You are most likely just in a rut in life, and feel you can’t go forwards without external help and need that ‘help’ before you can go forwards. That help is usually just an excuse or rationalisation construct to excuse your unwillingness to move forward on your own.

There are many groups out there that help with this stuff, but as I said, steer clear of alternate medicine and pseudo science.

Hello Rain, I just read some of the other answers and they have some very good advice… aroma therapy, message, etc.. try everything.

I took Zoloft and I had a terrible reaction, I took some of the others and I don’t like them… I am coming from the same place as you, I suffer from social phobias and depression… it is not an easy road to travel… I know about cognitive and behavioral therapy and they are good things, do positive things for yourself. There are no easy answers, no panaceas, it is a war where you won’t win every battle…. Hang in. Don’t give up.

Sometimes things will look hopeless… hang in.. that is what depression is, hopelessness, really unfounded guilt, every thought may be painful.. hang in. It is easier said than done but … hang in.

I am an advocate of kefir, kombucha, omega 3′s. They are like folk medicines that toughen you up. You can make them part of the answer along with some of the other suggestions. To be as healthy and postive as you can be. Exercise, good food etc..

There is a new classification of herbs called "Adaptogens" they offer a non specific response to stresses… environmental, emotional, etc… they make you feel better. Google adaptogens and see if you can get some of the herbs they mention..Tulsi tea and gensing are very good adaptogens. They are worth the price you may have to pay.

You can get kefir and kombucha at the health food store… If you want to you can make them yourself. That is what I do… I sell them and teach about how to make them yourself…I recommend them… like I said.. there is no one answer and you won’t win every battle…I am 57 years old and I suffer but I hang in… please hang in … if you want to you can email me when you need someone… for what it is worth. There don’t seem to be groups for people who suffer like we do; but if you want I will be your support group… don’t give up.

Try not always comparing and measuring the world…. and yourself. I’m serious about this, it is not a small thing…. give yourself a break, remember it … don’t always be comparing and measuring the world and yourself. Save energy by not opinionating and speculating about the world…let it go. Enjoy the moments one at a time and when things look bad… reach out and don’t give up… all the best Mike

medical marijuana is your best bet. all natural and safe.

I would see a homeopath or a naturopath for sure. You can tell them you’ve heard that Ignatia is excellent for depression, and ask if it might be helpful for social phobia. One thing I know that is great for high anxiety situations and panic attacks is Kali Phosphoricum 6x – the dosage is on the bottle and it really helps to calm you down. I find it really mellows me out and numbs the effects of anxiety and panic. Now I take it even when Im anticipating stress (i.e. an argument). You can actually find it at good pharmacies that have a natural meds section. But, as with all homeopathic medicines, avoid coffee (especially before and after) and keep the pills away from strong scents. Also, try not to eat or drink anything within 20 mins of taking the pills. Hope this helps.

Sure! There are healthy alternatives to the medications you mentioned. This may suprise you, but there is an organism known as "Candida" that lives inside of just about every creature. Most of the time this "Yeast" is well controlled by our immune system. But sometimes, it can get nasty and cause yeast infections, anxiety, depression ect. The toxins the Yeast and other organism produce is one of the main causes of the symptoms. Yeast can be controlled by eating an almost sugar free diet, and taking supplements like: Oregano Oil. Oregano Oil can destroy Candida with ease. But not all brands are the same. I take an Oregano Oil supplement made by the brand "Now". Their brand is actually pretty effective. But there is also aromatherapy. Putting some Lavender oil in a vaporizer works wonders in calming the nerves. One thing that I recommend for women is Evening Primrose Oil! I find it can be effective in helping with anxiety and depression. Then there is St. John’s Wort. I haven’t taken it, but I have heard others say great things about it.