Herbal Treatment For Anxiety
Anxiety can take many forms, from butterflies in your stomach prior to a show to the jitters you experience when you visit the dentist. It's normal for people to feel anxious from time to time but chronic anxiety could lead to health problems.
Herbal treatments can ease anxiety symptoms. But, just like prescription medications, it's essential to talk to your doctor before introducing any herbal supplement into your regimen.
Chamomile
Chamomile, a flowering plant, is used to treat a broad variety of health problems, including insomnia and anxiety. It's also used to treat skin conditions and also as mild sedative. Chamomile can ease stress and relax muscles, which can be beneficial in reducing anxiety. It can also help with digestive issues. It's believed to relieve gastroesophageal acid reflux disease and indigestion. It is also effective in reducing stomach spasms that cause diarrhea.
Numerous studies have proven chamomile to improve sleep quality and decrease anxiety symptoms. In a small study that was published in the journal Phytomedicine in 2016, chamomile proved to be a reliable long-term treatment of generalized anxiety disorder. The researchers found that chamomile lowered the severity of GAD symptoms, but did not completely eliminate the symptoms completely. It has been proven to reduce symptoms of PTSD, phobias and PTSD.
This herb has been used for ages and has a relaxing effect on the body and mind. It can be taken in tea form or capsules, and can help people with insomnia, as well as other issues such as depression and gastrointestinal issues. It is a powerful natural remedy for anxiety, and can be used in conjunction with other herbs like valerian.
Chamomile can cause side effects such as headaches or drowsiness and can interact with certain medications. Consult your doctor if you are taking prescription medication or combining herbal remedies.
Another remedy for anxiety that can be used to treat various ailments is passionflower. It is a more potent herbal remedy than chamomile and has been shown both to decrease insomnia and anxiety. It is also effective in treating nervous disorders and headaches as well as blood-related illnesses like hypertension. Passionflower can be used in conjunction with chamomile to treat more severe anxiety.
Like the chamomile plant, this one can be used in tea or in capsules. It can be purchased at all major health food stores and can be purchased online. It's also believed to boost immune function and prevent bone loss, however, these claims aren't supported by scientific research.
Passionflower
The use of passionflower by herbalists goes back to the beginning of time to ease anxiety and promote calm. It contains a mix of phytochemicals, which include flavonoids and alkaloids. Sterols, maltol and sterols, which are calming for the muscles, nervous system, and mind. It has also been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety levels, based on nine clinical trials. These studies analyzed the effect of Passiflora incarnata (Passionflower) preparations on the level of anxiety during medical procedures such as spinal anesthesia or dental surgery and on sleep quality. Various commercial products containing passionflower extracts were utilized in the analyzed trials which included syrup, drops and tablets.
The sedative properties of the plant are thought to be due to flavonoids, which have been demonstrated in animal studies to bind to receptors in the brain that increase the amount the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This neurotransmitter inhibits certain brain signals and produces the feeling of peace. Passionflower has also been proven to alleviate symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder in a few studies.
Some people use it in the form of tea or in capsules that are sold in a variety of health food stores and on the internet. It can be consumed at any time of day, but it's best to drink it at least an hour prior to the time of bed. Tea can be made with dried or prepackaged herbs in water that is boiling. The tea is then boiled for 10 to 15 minutes. Passionflower can cause dizziness or confusion in some people, but these are usually mild side effects.
To minimize the risk of negative effects, be careful when choosing your supplements and follow the recommended dosages. In general, you should not exceed 3.5 grams a day of passionflower extract for a period of two days. More than this amount can cause dangerous side-effects, like ataxia, or difficulty moving. Also pregnant women should not use this herb because it can trigger uterine contractions. The herb can interact with alcohol and some medications. If you are taking any medication, you should consult with your doctor before trying this herb.
Valerian
Valerian root has been used as an herbal sleep aid for centuries, but it can also ease anxiety. It is a mild sedative that increases levels of GABA in the brain, which helps reduce stress and anxiety. I Am Psychiatry may also improve sleep quality reduce menstrual cramps, stomach pain and relieve tension in muscles.
Researchers aren't aware of what valerian does however, they believe it can work with neurotransmitters to lessen anxiety and stress. It's believed to function by binding to the gamma aminobutyric acids (GABA) receptors in the brain, causing them to increase in activity. This is similar to way prescription medications like diazepam and alprazolam work.
The plant contains volatile oils and lignans that can boost serotonin levels, adenosine levels and other chemicals that control mood and sleepiness. It also has several other compounds, such as valerenic acids that inhibit the breakdown of GABA and increase its levels, resulting in an overall more relaxed state. In a variety of studies it has been proven that valerian/hops works as a sleeping aid. One study included a double-blind, placebo-controlled study in which patients suffering from insomnia were offered 400 mg of the valerian/hops formula or a placebo. The treatment enhanced the participants' subjective experiences of sleep and reduced their sleep time.
The research is promising but more research is required to better understand the mechanisms of action. A lot of studies employ small samples and inconsistent dosage regimens, making it difficult to generalize results. In addition, the herbs can cause drowsiness, which is why it is important not to take the herbs while driving or performing dangerous activities.
Talk to your doctor prior to taking any herbal supplements. Also, make sure that you're buying high-quality herbs and supplements from reliable businesses. It is important to know that not all supplements and herbs have been thoroughly tested, which is why you must always read the labels and stay clear of products that aren't properly regulated by the FDA. If you are experiencing anxiety-related symptoms you may want to consider psychological counseling (psychotherapy) to learn techniques to manage your anxiety and reduce your symptoms.
St John's Wort
Hypericum perforatum (also called St John's Wort) is a plant with antidepressant properties. It helps relieve mild to moderate depression symptoms and some individuals with these conditions might also suffer from anxiety. But it's not been found to be effective in treating anxiety disorder by itself. St John's Wort can also reduce the effectiveness of certain medications, including birth control pills, medications used to stop rejection of organ transplants, and certain heart-related medications. Speak to your doctor about this before you begin taking it.
It is available as St John's wort in herbal teas, tablets, capsules, and ointments. It is best to buy it from a reputable retailer and then use it under the supervision of your doctor. It's not a safe medication for children, pregnant women, or the elderly. It could cause side effects like nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, diarrhea, and skin rashes in some people. If you experience any adverse effects, stop using St John's Wort and consult with your doctor.
St John's wort can also be used to treat a number of other ailments, such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. It is also used to treat burns, shingles and Irritable colon. It can also aid in quitting smoking and ease some menstrual issues, like constipation and cramps.
Some studies suggest that St John's wort can boost mood for people who don't suffer from a mental health condition. It's not known if this is due to a change in emotional processing or a different impact, such as aiding people in remembering things more easily.
St John's Wort can help relieve anxiety symptoms, such as anxiety, stress, and feeling overwhelmed. It may also help with obsessive-compulsive disorder and social phobia but more research is needed to make certain.