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 lead to health problems.
Herbal remedies can help ease anxiety symptoms. Similar to prescription drugs, it is important to consult your doctor before adding any herbal supplements to your routine.
Chamomile
Chamomile, a flowering plant is utilized to treat a wide variety of health issues, including anxiety and insomnia. It's also used to treat skin issues and as a mild sedative. Chamomile is a great way to reduce anxiety and stress. It can also be helpful in treating digestive issues. It is 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 proven that chamomile can improve sleep and reduce anxiety symptoms. In a study of a limited size published in the journal Phytomedicine in 2016, chamomile was found to be a long-lasting and effective treatment for generalized anxiety disorder. Researchers found that chamomile was able to reduce the severity of GAD, but not eliminate it completely. It has also been found to alleviate symptoms of PTSD and phobias.
This herb has been used for ages and has a relaxing effect on the mind and body. It can be consumed in tea form or capsules, and is able to help people with insomnia, as well as other issues like depression and gastrointestinal issues. It is a natural remedy for anxiety and can be used in conjunction with other herbs such as valerian to make an effective combination.
There are some side effects of chamomile that include drowsiness and headaches, and may interact with other medications. Talk to your doctor if you are taking prescription drugs or if you are 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 the chamomile and has been proven to decrease insomnia and anxiety. It also helps to treat nervous disorders and headaches, as well as blood-related maladies like hypertension. Passionflower is often paired with the chamomile plant to combat more severe forms of anxiety.
Like chamomile, this plant can be used in tea or in capsules. It can be purchased at most major health food stores, and can be purchased online. It's also known to boost immune function and prevent bone loss, however, these claims haven't been supported by scientific research.
Passionflower
Passionflower has been utilized by herbalists since ancient times to ease tension and to promote calm. It contains a mix of phytochemicals with calming effects for the muscles, mind and nervous system, such as flavonoids, alkaloids, sterols and maltol. Nine clinical trials have shown that it is effective in the reduction of anxiety. These studies examined the effects of Passiflora (Passionflower), preparations that are used to reduce anxiety during medical interventions like spinal anesthesia and dental surgery as well as the quality of sleep. A variety of commercial products containing passionflower extracts were tested in the analyzed trials that included syrup, drops and tablets.
The sedative properties of the plant are believed to be the result of flavonoids that have been demonstrated in animal studies to interact to brain receptors that increase the amount of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This is a neurotransmitter that inhibits certain brain signals and creates a sense of calm. In addition, some studies have found that passionflower may reduce symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder.
Many health food stores and websites offer it in capsules or tea. It can be taken at any time, but is best taken an hour before the time you go to bed. Tea can be made with dried or prepackaged herb in water that is boiling. The tea is then boiled for between 10 and 15 mins. Passionflower may cause dizziness and confusion in some people, however these are usually mild side effects.
To avoid these adverse effects, you should choose your supplements with care and adhere to the recommended dosages. In general, you should not exceed 3.5 grams a day of passionflower extract over a period of two days. If you exceed this limit, it can cause serious side effects, such as ataxia and difficulty moving around. Also pregnant women should not take this herb as it could stimulate uterine contractions. The herb is not recommended to be used in combination with other medicines, and it could interfere with alcohol. If you are taking any medication, check with your doctor before trying this herb.
Valerian
Valerian root has been used as a herbal sleep aid for centuries, but it can also help with anxiety. It functions as a mild sedative and increases the levels of a substance in the brain known as GABA which can help reduce anxiety and stress. The herb can also improve the quality of sleep as well as reduce menstrual cramps and stomach pain and relieve tension in muscles.
Researchers aren't sure exactly what the valerian root does, but they believe it might be able to interact with neurotransmitters in the brain to lessen feelings of stress and anxiety. It is believed to work by interacting to gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors (GABA) in the brain, causing them to increase in activity. This is similar to how prescription drugs like alprazolam (Xanax) and diazepam (Valium) function.
The plant contains volatile oil and lignans that can increase serotonin, adenosine and other chemicals that control mood and sleepiness. It also has several other compounds, including valerenic acid, which slow down the breakdown of GABA and increase its levels, resulting in a more relaxed state. In numerous studies, it has been shown that valerian/hops can be effective as a sleeping aid. One study involved a double-blind placebo-controlled trial where people suffering from insomnia were given 400 mg of the valerian/hops preparation or a placebo. The treatment improved the participants' subjective sleep experiences and reduced their sleep duration.
The research is promising, but more research is required to understand the mechanisms of action. Many studies use small amounts and inconsistent dosage regimens, making it difficult to generalize the results. In addition, the herb can cause drowsiness, so it's crucial not to consume the herbs while driving or performing hazardous activities.
Consult your physician prior to taking any herbal supplements. Also, make sure that you purchase quality supplements and herbs from reliable businesses. It is important to know that not all supplements and herbs have been thoroughly tested, which is why it is essential to read labels and stay clear of products that haven't been properly regulated by the FDA. If you continue to experience anxiety-related symptoms, you might think about psychotherapy (psychotherapy), which can teach you how to cope to reduce your symptoms.
St John's Wort
Hypericum perforatum (also called St John's Wort) is a herb with antidepressant properties. It is a great remedy for mild to moderate depression symptoms and some individuals with those conditions may also have anxiety. But it's not been proved effective in treating anxiety disorder by itself. St John's is also known to reduce the effectiveness of certain medicines, such as birth control pills, medicines used to prevent rejection of organ transplants, and certain heart drugs. Talk to your doctor about it before you start taking it.
St John's Wort is available in herbal teas and capsules. It is best to buy it from a reputable retailer and use it under the supervision of your physician. It's not a safe medication for children, pregnant women or those who are elderly. Some individuals may experience adverse reactions such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. If you experience any of these adverse reactions stop taking St John's herb and talk to your doctor.
In addition to its effects on mental health, St John's wort is used to treat a variety of ailments, including fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome pain that is transmitted through the sciatic nerve in the leg (called neuropathy) and burns, shingles, and irritable bowel syndrome. It can also be used to help quit smoking cigarettes, and reduce menstrual symptoms like cramps and swelling.
Certain studies suggest that St John's Wort may improve mood even in people without mental illness. However, it's unclear if this is because of an improvement in the way people process emotions or due to a different effect, like helping people remember things better.
There is evidence that suggests St John's plant may help relieve some of the symptoms of anxiety disorders, such as anxiety and feeling overwhelmed. It could also aid in social phobia and obsessive compulsive disorder, but more research is needed to make sure.