Medicinal & Aromatic Plants
Open Access

Abstract

Drug-Free Alternatives for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Ernsberger MM

Stress is a primary causative factor that scientific research has shown leads directly to physical and psychological disease and disorder. For our military servicemen and women, it goes without saying that the daily stress they are under can easily develop into post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) by the time they return home. Current treatment options for PTSD are counseling and pharmaceuticals. Unfortunately, the pharmaceuticals bring with them an enormous risk for dangerous and deadly side effects. In most cases, both nervine and adaptogenic herbs are able to respond to the symptoms of PTSD without side effects. This paper explores herbal treatment options for PTSD that can replace selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) medications that support stress reactions within the body, balance the stress response in the body, relieve the symptoms of PTSD, and allow servicemen and women to return to normal lives without dangerous side effects.

Published Date: 2015-06-26; Received Date: 2015-06-03