Herbal Treatment For Anxiety
Anxiety can take many forms, from the butterflies in your stomach before a show to the jitters that you feel when you visit the dentist. It's normal to feel nervous from time to time but chronic anxiety could lead to health problems.
Herbal remedies for anxiety can help relieve the symptoms of anxiety. Similar to prescription drugs, it is important to consult your doctor before adding herbal supplements to your routine.
Chamomile
The flowering plant of Chamomile that is used to treat various health issues like insomnia and anxiety. It is also utilized as a mild sedative to treat skin problems. Chamomile can be a useful way to ease anxiety and stress. It is also beneficial for treating digestive issues. It is believed to relieve gastroesophageal acid reflux disease and Indigestion. It also assists in decreasing stomach spasms that can cause diarrhea.
Numerous studies have proven that chamomile can improve sleep and reduce anxiety-related symptoms. In a small study that was published in the journal Phytomedicine in 2016, chamomile was found to be a reliable long-term treatment for the generalized anxiety disorder. Researchers found that chamomile did reduce the severity of GAD but it did not eliminate it completely. It has also been found to alleviate symptoms of PTSD and phobias.
This herbal remedy has been used for centuries and can have a calming effect on the body and mind. It can be consumed as a tea or in capsules, and can help those suffering from insomnia and other ailments like depression and digestive issues. It is an effective natural remedy for anxiety and can be used in conjunction with other herbs like valerian.
Chamomile can cause adverse effects like headaches or drowsiness, and may interact with certain medications. It's essential to talk to your doctor before mixing herbal treatments or taking a new medication, especially in the case of prescription medications.
Another herbal treatment for anxiety that is utilized for a wide range of ailments is passionflower. It is a more potent herbal remedy than the chamomile and has been proven to ease insomnia and reduce anxiety. It is also effective in treating nervous disorders, headaches, and migraines and blood-related conditions like hypertension. It is frequently used in conjunction with chamomile to combat more severe forms of anxiety.
Like chamomile, this plant can be used in tea or in capsules. It can be found at all major health food stores and is available online. It's also known to improve immune function and prevent bone loss, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Passionflower
Herbalists have used passionflower since the beginning of time to ease nervous tension and promote tranquility. It contains a cocktail of phytochemicals that provide tranquilizing effects on the mind, muscles and nervous system, such as flavonoids, alkaloids and sterols and maltol. It has also been shown to reduce anxiety levels, as per nine clinical trials. These studies investigated the effects of Passiflora (Passionflower) and preparations, on anxiety levels during medical procedures like dental surgery, spinal anesthesia as well as sleep quality. Different commercial products that contain passionflower extracts were used in the research studies which included syrup, drops and tablets.
The sedative properties of the plant are believed to be derived from its flavonoids, which have been proven in animal studies to associate to receptors in the brain that increase the amount gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This neurotransmitter impedes certain brain signals, resulting in an atmosphere of calm. Furthermore, anxiety treatment medicines have found that passionflower can reduce symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder.
Many health food stores and websites offer it in capsules or tea. It can be consumed at any time of day, but it is best to take it an hour prior to the time of bed. Tea can be prepared with dried or prepackaged herbs in water that is boiling. The tea is then boiled for between 10 and 15 minutes. Certain people may experience adverse effects when taking high doses of passionflower such as dizziness or confusion however, they are usually mild and short-lived.
To avoid these adverse effects to minimize the risk of these side-effects, choose your supplements carefully and stick to the recommended dosages. In general, you shouldn't exceed 3.5 grams a day of extracts of passionflower over a period of 2 days. A higher amount could cause dangerous side-effects, like ataxia, or difficulty moving. Also pregnant women shouldn't use this herb because it can trigger contractions in the uterus. The herb may be a problem when combined with alcohol and certain medicines. If you are taking any medication, consult with your doctor before trying this herb.
Valerian
Valerian root is a well-known herbal sleep remedy, but it can also aid in relieving anxiety. It is an infrequent sedative that boosts levels of GABA in the brain, which helps reduce stress and anxiety. The herb can also enhance the quality of sleep as well as reduce menstrual cramps and stomach pain and relieve tension in the muscles.
Researchers aren't aware of what valerian does, but believe it could interact with neurotransmitters to decrease anxiety and stress. It is thought to work by binding to the gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain, which causes them to become more active. This is similar to how prescription drugs such as alprazolam (Xanax) and diazepam (Valium) perform.
The plant is a source of volatile oils and lignans, which can increase serotonin and adenosine, two chemicals that control mood and sleepiness. It also contains valerenic acids which block GABA breakdown and boost GABA levels. This leads to a relaxed state. In a number studies it has been proven that valerian/hops is effective as a sleeping aid. One study included an experiment that was double-blind and placebo-controlled. patients suffering from insomnia were offered 400 mg of the valerian/hops formulation, or a placebo. The treatment improved the participants' perceptions of sleep, and also reduced their sleep time.
The research is promising, however more research is required to understand the mechanisms of action. It's hard to generalize the results of many studies because they are based on small amounts of samples or inconsistent dosage regimens. Additionally, the herbs may cause drowsiness. Therefore, it is important not to take them when driving or doing dangerous activities.
Before taking any herbal supplements, be sure to talk to your physician. It is also important to ensure that you purchase high-quality herbs and supplements from trustworthy businesses. It is important to know that not all herbs and supplements are carefully tested, so you should always read labels and avoid products that aren't properly controlled by the FDA. If you still experience anxiety symptoms, you may think about psychological counseling (psychotherapy) which can help you develop coping strategies to ease your symptoms.
St John's Wort
St John's wort, also called Hypericum perforatum is a plant that is antidepressant in nature. It can help relieve mild to moderate depression, and some sufferers from these disorders may also experience anxiety. But it hasn't been proved to be effective in treating anxiety disorders on its own. St John's is also known to reduce the effectiveness of certain drugs, including birth control pills, medications used to prevent rejection of organ transplants, and certain heart drugs. Consult your physician about it before you start taking it.
There is St John's wort in herbal teas, tablets, capsules, and Ointments. It is recommended to purchase it from a reliable retailer and use it under the supervision of your physician. It's not recommended for children, pregnant women or for the elderly. Some sufferers may experience adverse effects like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you encounter any of these adverse effects, stop taking St John's herb and talk to your doctor.
St John's wort can also be used to treat a number of other ailments like fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome. It is also used to treat shingles, burns and Irritable bowel. It can also be used to help quit smoking and ease menstrual symptoms such as cramps and swelling.
Certain studies suggest that St John's wort can boost mood in those who don't suffer from a mental health condition. It's not clear whether this is due to changes in how people manage emotions or due to some other effect, such as a boost in memory.
St John's Wort may relieve anxiety symptoms, such as tension, overwhelm and feeling overwhelmed. It could also aid in social phobia and obsessive-compulsive disorder but more research is needed to be certain.