Herbal Treatment For Anxiety
From butterflies in your stomach prior to performing, to going-to-the-dentist jitters, anxiety comes in many forms. Although it's normal to feel nervous at times, prolonged anxiety can cause health problems.
Herbal treatments can ease anxiety symptoms. As with prescription medications, it's important to talk to your doctor prior to adding any herbal supplement to your treatment plan.
Chamomile
The flowering plant of Chamomile that's used medicinally for various health issues, including anxiety and insomnia. It's also used to treat skin issues and also as an effective sedative. Chamomile can be a useful way to reduce anxiety and stress. It is also beneficial for treating digestive issues. It's believed to relieve gastroesophageal acid reflux and the symptoms of indigestion. It is also effective at the reduction of stomach spasms, which can cause diarrhea.
Many studies have demonstrated that chamomile can improve sleep and reduce anxiety-related symptoms. A small 2016 study in the journal Phytomedicine found that chamomile was effective as a long-term treatment option for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The researchers found that chamomile reduced the severity of GAD symptoms, but did not completely eliminate these symptoms. It has also been found to improve symptoms of PTSD and anxiety.
This herb has been used for ages and has a relaxing effect on the body and mind. It's available in tea or capsule form and can be used to treat insomnia as well as other conditions such as stomach and depression. It is a natural remedy for anxiety, and it can be used in conjunction with other herbs such as valerian to create an effective combination.
Chamomile may cause negative side effects, such as headaches or drowsiness, and may interact with certain medications. Consult your physician if you are taking prescription medications or combining herbal remedies.
Passionflower is a different herbal remedy for anxiety. It is used to treat a variety of ailments. It's a more potent remedy than chamomile and has been shown both to reduce anxiety and insomnia. It is also effective in treating nervous disorders and headaches as well as blood-related illnesses like hypertension. It is frequently used in conjunction with the chamomile plant to combat more severe forms of anxiety.
This plant, like chamomile can be used in teas or capsules. It is available in a variety of health food stores and is also available online. It's also believed to improve immune function and reduce bone loss, however, these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Passionflower
The use of passionflower by herbalists goes back to long ago to ease nervous tension and promote tranquility. It contains a cocktail phytochemicals, which include flavonoids and alkaloids. Maltol, sterols and sterols are calming for the muscles, the nervous system and mind. Nine clinical studies have proven that it works in reducing anxiety. These studies analyzed the effect of Passiflora incarnata (Passionflower) preparations on anxiety levels during medical procedures such as spinal anesthesia or dental surgery and on the quality of sleep. In the trials analyzed drops, syrups, and tablets containing passionflower extracts were utilized.
The sedative properties of the plant are believed to be derived from its flavonoids, which have been proven in animal studies to bind with receptors in the brain that increase the amount of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This is a neurotransmitter that inhibits certain brain signals and produces an atmosphere of peace. Passionflower has also been proven to reduce the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder in certain studies.
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 drink it at least an hour prior to the time you go to bed. Tea can be made with dried or prepackaged herb in boiling water. It is best to let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Some people might experience side effects from taking large doses of passionflower, like confusion or dizziness but they're generally light and short-lived.
In order to minimize these negative effects, be careful when choosing your supplements and follow the recommended dosages. In pills to treat anxiety , you shouldn't exceed 3.5 grams of passionflower extract over a period of two days. More than this amount can cause serious side effects, like ataxia or difficulty moving. This herb is not recommended for pregnant women as it can trigger uterine contractions. The herb should not be used in combination with other medications, and it may interfere with alcohol. Consult your physician if you are on any medication before using this herb.
Valerian
Valerian root has been used as a herbal sleep aid for centuries, but it is able to also help with anxiety. It acts as a mild sedative and increases the levels of a chemical within the brain known as GABA, which helps reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. The herb can enhance sleep quality, reduce menstrual cramps and stomach pain.
Researchers aren't sure the mechanism behind valerian however they do believe that it can interact with neurotransmitters to decrease stress and anxiety. It is believed to work by binding with gamma-aminobutyric acids receptors (GABA) in the brain and causing them increase in activity. This is similar to how prescription medications such as alprazolam (Xanax) and diazepam (Valium) perform.
The plant is a source of volatile oil and lignans, which can boost serotonin levels, adenosine levels and other chemicals that control the state of mind and sleepiness. There are a variety of other substances, such as valerenic acid that slow down the breakdown of GABA and increase levels, leading to a more relaxed state. In numerous studies it has been demonstrated that valerian/hops can be effective as a sleeping aid. One study was a double-blind, placebo-controlled study in which people with insomnia were given 400 mg of the valerian/hops formula, or a placebo. The treatment improved the participants their subjective sleep experiences and decreased their sleep latencies.
Although the research is promising however, more research is needed to understand how and why it might be effective. It's hard to generalize the results of numerous studies due to the fact that they use tiny samples or inconsistency in dosing regimens. In addition, the herbs can cause drowsiness, which is why it's important not to take them when driving or doing dangerous activities.
Before taking any herbal supplements, be sure to consult your doctor. You should also make sure that you're purchasing top-quality supplements and herbs from reputable businesses. Be aware that certain supplements and herbs haven't been thoroughly tested. Always read labels and stay clear of products not regulated by the FDA. If you still experience anxiety-related symptoms, you might be interested in psychological counseling (psychotherapy), which can help you develop coping strategies to help reduce the symptoms.
St John's Wort
St John's wort is also known as Hypericum perforatum, is an herb that is antidepressant in nature. It can help alleviate mild to moderate depression symptoms and some people suffering from these conditions might also suffer from anxiety. It's not been proven to be effective in treating anxiety disorder in isolation. St John's is also known to reduce the effectiveness of certain drugs, including birth control pills, medications used to prevent organ transplant rejection and certain heart medications. Talk to your doctor prior to you begin taking it.
You can find St John's wort in herbal capsules, tablets, teas, and Ointments. It is recommended to buy it from a reputable retailer and take it under the supervision of a doctor. It's not recommended for children, pregnant women, or the elderly. It can cause adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, diarrhea and skin rashes in a few people. If you experience any of these adverse effects discontinue taking St John's herbal tea and speak to your doctor.
Apart from its effects on mental health, St John's wort is used to treat a variety of illnesses, such as chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia pain that is transmitted down the sciatic nerve in the leg (called neuropathy) as well as burns, shingles and irritable bowel disorder. It is also used to aid in quitting smoking cigarettes, and reduce menstrual symptoms such as cramps and swelling.
Certain studies suggest that St John's wort can boost mood for people who don't have a mental health condition. It's not known if this is due to a change in the way people respond to emotions or if it is due to some other effect, such as a boost in memory.
St John's Wort can ease anxiety symptoms like tension, overwhelm and feeling overwhelmed. It may also help with social phobia and obsessive-compulsive disorder however more research is needed to be sure.