Herbal Treatment For Anxiety
From the butterflies in the stomach prior to an event, to the going-to-the-dentist jitters, anxiety comes in various forms. While it's normal to feel anxious at times, prolonged anxiety can cause health problems.
Herbal treatment for anxiety can help relieve the symptoms of this condition. Like prescription medications, it is important to consult your doctor before adding any herbal supplements to your routine.
Chamomile
Chamomile, a flowering herb is used to treat a broad range of health issues such as anxiety and insomnia. It's also used to treat skin issues and is a mild sedative. Chamomile can ease stress and relax muscles, which can be beneficial for anxiety. It is also beneficial for treating digestive issues. It is believed to ease gastroesophageal acid reflux and indigestion. It also helps in reducing stomach spasms which cause diarrhea.
Various studies have shown that chamomile can help improve sleep and reduce anxiety symptoms. A small 2016 study in the journal Phytomedicine discovered that chamomile is effective as a long-term treatment option for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The study found that chamomile reduced the severity of GAD symptoms but did not completely eliminate the symptoms completely. It has been shown to alleviate symptoms of PTSD, phobias and PTSD.
This herb has been used for centuries and has a calming affect on the mind and body. It is available in tea or capsule form and can be used to treat insomnia as well as other conditions such as digestive and depression. It is an effective natural treatment for anxiety and can be combined with other herbs, such as valerian.
The use of chamomile can trigger side effects such as drowsiness or headaches and interact with certain medications. Consult your physician when you are taking prescription medication or are combining herbal remedies.
Passionflower is another herbal remedy for anxiety. It is used to treat a range of ailments. It is a more potent herbal remedy than chamomile, and has been shown both to decrease insomnia and anxiety. It is also effective in helping to treat nervous disorders and headaches as well as blood-related maladies like hypertension. Passionflower can be used together with chamomile to treat more severe anxiety.
The plant, just like chamomile can be used as a tea or in capsules. You can buy it at most major health stores as well as online. It is also believed to prevent bone loss and boost immune system function, although these claims haven't been substantiated with scientific evidence.
Passionflower
The use of passionflower by herbalists goes back to ancient times to reduce nervous tension and promote tranquility. It is a mixture of phytochemicals that provide tranquilizing effects on the mind, muscles and nervous system, which include flavonoids, alkaloids and maltol. It has also been proved to be effective in reducing anxiety levels, according to nine clinical studies. These studies looked at the effects of Passiflora (Passionflower) and its preparations that are used to reduce anxiety during medical interventions like spinal anesthesia and dental surgery and also on sleep quality. A variety of commercial products containing passionflower extracts were tested in the analyzed trials that included syrup, drops and tablets.
anxiety depression treatment of the plant may be due to flavonoids. Animal studies have demonstrated that these substances bind to receptors in the mind and increase the amount of gamma aminobutyric acid. This neurotransmitter impedes certain brain signals, which creates the feeling of calm. Passionflower has also been shown to reduce the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder in some studies.
Many people take it as capsules or tea, which are available at many health food stores as well as online. It can be consumed at any time, but it is recommended to take it an hour prior to bedtime. Tea can be prepared using dried or prepackaged herbs in boiling water. It is best to let it sit for between 10 and 15 mins. Passionflower can cause dizziness and confusion in certain people, however these are usually mild adverse effects.
To minimize these side-effects You should select your supplements carefully and stick to the recommended dosages. In general you should not exceed 3.5 grams of extract of passionflower daily over a two-day period. Using more than this can cause dangerous adverse effects, like ataxia and a difficulty moving around. Also, pregnant women should not take this herb since it may trigger the contractions of the uterus. The herb should not be used in combination with other medicines, and it could interact with alcohol. Consult your physician if you are on any medication before using this herb.
Valerian
Valerian root is a well-known herbal remedy for sleep, but it can also help relieve anxiety. It functions as a mild sedative, and increases the levels of a chemical within the brain known as GABA which helps to reduce anxiety and stress. The herb may also improve sleep quality reduce menstrual cramps, stomach pain and relieve tension in muscles.
Researchers aren't certain of how valerian root works, but they believe it could interact with neurotransmitters within the brain to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety. It's believed to function by binding to gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain, which causes them to increase in activity. This is similar to how prescription medications such as alprazolam (Xanax) and diazepam (Valium) perform.
The plant contains volatile oil and lignans that may increase serotonin, adenosine, and other chemicals that control mood and sleepiness. Additionally, it contains valerenic acid that inhibit GABA breakdown and boost GABA levels. This results in relaxation. In a number studies it has been proven that valerian/hops can be effective as a sleeping aid. One study included a double-blind, placebo-controlled study in which people with insomnia were given 400 mg of the valerian/hops preparation, or a placebo. The treatment improved participants in their subjective sleep experience and reduced their sleep duration.
Although the research is promising, more research is needed to determine the mechanisms behind how and why it may work. It's hard to generalize the findings of numerous studies due to the fact that they use small samples or inconsistent dosing regimens. The herbs can cause an increase in drowsiness. It is recommended to avoid taking them while driving or performing dangerous activities.
Speak to your doctor before taking any herbal supplements. Also, make sure you purchase top-quality herbs and supplements from reliable companies. It is important to be aware that not all supplements and herbs are carefully tested, so it is essential to read labels and avoid products that aren't properly regulated by the FDA. If you are still experiencing anxiety-related symptoms, you might be interested in psychological counseling (psychotherapy) which can help you develop coping strategies to ease your symptoms.
St John's Wort
Hypericum perforatum (also called St John's Wort) is a herb with antidepressant properties. It can help relieve mild to moderate depression and some people suffering from these conditions may also experience anxiety. It's been found to not be effective in treating anxiety disorders by itself. St John's is also known to affect the effectiveness of other medications, including birth control pills, medications used to prevent organ transplant rejection and certain heart drugs. Talk to your doctor before you begin taking it.
St John's Wort is available in capsules and herbal teas. It is best to purchase it from a reliable retailer and use it under the supervision of a doctor. It's not recommended for children, pregnant women, or the elderly. Some individuals may experience adverse reactions such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. If you encounter any of these adverse effects stop taking St John's herbal tea and speak to your doctor.
In addition to its effects on mental health, St John's wort is used to treat a range of ailments, including fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome pain that is transmitted down the sciatic nerve in the leg (called neuropathic pain), shingles, burns and irritable bowel disorder. It can also aid in quitting smoking and ease some menstrual issues, like cramps and bloating.
Certain studies suggest that St John's wort can boost mood in those who don't have a mental health condition. It's not known whether this is due to a change in the way people respond to emotions or due to an effect such as improving memory.
St John's Wort can help relieve anxiety symptoms like anxiety, stress, and feeling overwhelmed. It might also help with social phobia and obsessive compulsive disorder, but more research is needed to be sure.