Anxiety Is Everywhere Right Now: One Natural Tool That Many People Have Found Helpful

By Dustin Strong, CHN, ACN

Anxiety has become a daily struggle for many individuals - young and old alike.

People describe:

• racing thoughts

• difficulty sleeping

• feeling “wired”

• chest tightness

• overwhelm

• inability to relax

• constant tension

• feeling emotionally exhausted

And while there are many possible contributors to anxiety that deserve deeper exploration; neurotransmitter balance, nutrient deficiencies, chronic stress, inflammation, trauma, blood sugar instability, poor sleep, overstimulation, microbiome imbalance, and nervous system dysregulation ...sometimes people simply need something that helps them feel relief while they begin rebuilding their foundation.

One option that has been praised repeatedly by people I trust deeply is Kava.

Why Kava Continues to Stand Out

My colleague, Dr. David Hogsed, has been a major advocate for Kava for years. He regularly teaches about it at seminars and has shared many stories about the meaningful impact it has had in both his own life and the lives of his patients.

And honestly, I have heard similar feedback repeatedly from many people over the years.

Kava has a long traditional history of use, especially within the islands of the South Pacific, including Vanuatu, where it has been used ceremonially and socially for generations.

One fascinating aspect of Kava culture is the emphasis placed on “Noble Cultivars” - specific varieties traditionally valued for their calming and balancing effects and for their historical safety profile.

This matters because with herbal medicine, sourcing matters tremendously.

Not all Kava is equal.

And this is one reason why my own personal preference and clinical experience has consistently leaned toward MediHerb, because quality, sourcing, preparation, and standardization matter greatly when it comes to herbs.

What the Research Shows

One study published in Phytotherapy Research found that Kava demonstrated significant effects in reducing anxiety symptoms compared to placebo. Researchers noted improvements in anxiety, tension, and restlessness without significant concerns regarding dependency. (pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov)

Now, I want to be very clear about something important:

I do not view Kava as “the answer” or something a person should simply rely on forever without deeper investigation.

To me, if something like Kava helps significantly…

…that is informative.

It may suggest that the nervous system is craving greater balance and support within pathways related to calming neurotransmitters such as GABA.

And that opens the door to asking better long-term questions:

• Why is the nervous system overstimulated?

• What nutrients may be depleted?

• Is the body stuck in chronic stress physiology?

• Is blood sugar unstable?

• Is sleep restorative?

• Is the microbiome contributing?

• Is inflammation involved?

• Is the person living in constant sympathetic “fight-or-flight” mode?

The goal is not just temporary relief.

The goal is rebuilding resilience.

One of the Most Interesting “Anxiety Studies” I Share With People

There is another fascinating piece of research I often share with individuals struggling with anxiety.

It involves a song called Weightless by Marconi Union.

Researchers studying relaxation and anxiety found that this specific sound composition appeared to significantly reduce anxiety levels in participants - in some reports by as much as 65%. (psychiatrist.com)

Now whether the exact percentage matters is less important to me than what this represents:

The nervous system responds to inputs.

Sound.

Light.

Nutrition.

Breathing.

Environment.

Thoughts.

Relationships.

Rhythm.

Safety.

Rest.

This is why we often play Weightless in our clinic.

And whenever I host retreats, I intentionally create spaces dedicated entirely to calming the nervous system while listening to this music.

Because healing is not only biochemical.

Sometimes healing begins with helping the body finally feel safe enough to exhale.

There Are More Options Than People Realize

One of the greatest tragedies I see is when people begin believing they are simply “an anxious person.”

As though anxiety is their identity instead of a signal.

I believe the body is often communicating.

And while there may not always be one single answer, there are often far more supportive options available than people realize.

Nutrition.

Sleep.

Breathwork.

Herbs.

Music.

Connection.

Movement.

Minerals.

Neurotransmitter support.

Stress reduction.

Nervous system regulation.

Purpose.

Restoration.

Sometimes hope begins with discovering that you are not trapped.

And that your nervous system may simply be asking for support.

In the meantime, here is my best source for Kava if you are curious enough to investigate this on an experiential level.