Herbal Treatment For Anxiety
Anxiety can take many forms, from butterflies in your stomach before a show to the jitters that you feel when you visit the dentist. Although it's normal to feel anxious at times, long-term anxiety can lead to health problems.
Herbal remedies can help ease anxiety symptoms. But, just like prescription medications, it's important to consult with your physician prior to including any herbal supplement in your treatment regimen.
Chamomile
The flowering plant, known as chamomile is used to treat a wide range of health issues such as anxiety and insomnia. It's also used to treat skin conditions and also as mild sedative. Chamomile can help reduce stress and relax muscles, which is useful for anxiety. It is also useful for treating digestive issues. It is believed to ease gastroesophageal acid reflux disease and the symptoms of indigestion. It also helps in reducing stomach spasms that cause diarrhea.
Numerous studies have proven chamomile to improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety symptoms. A small study from 2016 in the journal Phytomedicine discovered that chamomile is effective as a long-term treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Researchers found that chamomile was able to reduce the severity of GAD but it did not eliminate it completely. It was also found to improve symptoms of PTSD and phobias.
This herbal remedy is widely used over the years and has a relaxing effect on the mind and body. It can be taken as a tea or in capsules, and is able to help those suffering from insomnia as well as other conditions such as depression and gastrointestinal issues. It is a natural remedy for anxiety and can be used in conjunction with other herbs like valerian.
Chamomile can cause negative side effects, such as headaches or drowsiness, and may interact with certain medications. It is important to consult your doctor prior to mixing herbal treatments or taking a new medication, especially if you're taking prescription medications.
Passionflower is another herbal remedy for anxiety. It is used to treat a variety of illnesses. It is a stronger herbal remedy than chamomile and has been proven to decrease insomnia and anxiety. It also works for treating headaches and nervous disorders as well as blood-related illnesses 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 teas or capsules. You can buy it at a wide range of health stores as well as online. It is also believed to prevent bone loss and boost the immune system's function, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific evidence.
Passionflower
Herbalists have used passionflower since ancient times to reduce tension and improve tranquility. It is a mixture of phytochemicals, which include flavonoids and alkaloids. Maltol, sterols and sterols, which can have calming effects on the muscles, nervous system, and the mind. It has also been proved to reduce anxiety levels, based on nine clinical studies. These studies assessed the effect of Passiflora incarnata (Passionflower) preparations on anxiety levels during medical procedures such as spinal anesthesia or dental surgery and also on the quality of sleep. Various commercial products containing passionflower extracts were used in the research studies, including drops, syrup and tablets.
The effects of the plant that induce sedation could be due to its flavonoids. Animal studies have shown that these substances bind to receptors in the brain and increase the amount of gamma aminobutyric acid. This neurotransmitter impedes certain brain signals, resulting in the feeling of calm. Passionflower has also been proven to alleviate symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder in certain studies.
Some people use it as capsules or tea, which are available at a wide range of health food stores and online. It can be consumed at any time, but is best taken an hour before the time you go to bed. Tea can be prepared with dried or prepackaged herb in water that is boiling. It is best to let it sit for between 10 and 15 minutes. Some people may experience side effects when taking large doses of passionflower, like confusion or dizziness but they're generally mild and short-lived.
In order to minimize these negative effects, be aware when choosing your supplements and follow the recommended dosages. In general, you shouldn't exceed 3.5 grams a day of passionflower extract over a period of 2 days. In excess of this amount, you could result in dangerous side-effects such as ataxia or difficulty moving. This herb is not recommended for women who are pregnant because it may trigger the uterine muscles. The herb may interact with alcohol and other medicines. Check with your doctor for any medication prior to using 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 chemical within the brain known as GABA which can help reduce anxiety and stress. The herb may also enhance the quality of sleep as well as reduce menstrual cramps and stomach pain and relieve tension in the muscles.
Researchers aren't sure exactly how valerian root works however they believe it may be able to interact with neurotransmitters in the brain to reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. It is believed to work by binding to gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors (GABA) in the brain, causing them to increase in activity. This is similar to way prescription drugs such as diazepam and alprazolam work.
The plant is a source of volatile oil and lignans that can boost serotonin levels, adenosine levels and other chemicals that regulate the state of mind and sleepiness. Additionally, it contains valerenic acid, which inhibit GABA breakdown and boost GABA levels. This results in an euphoric state. It has been shown to be effective as an aid to sleep in numerous studies, including a double-blind, placebo controlled trial where people suffering from insomnia consumed either 400 mg of a valerian/hops mixture or a placebo. The treatment improved the participants' subjective experiences of sleep and decreased their sleep time.
The research is promising but more research is required to understand the mechanism of action. Many studies use small amounts and inconsistent dosage regimens, making it difficult to generalize results. The herbs can cause an increase in drowsiness. It is recommended to avoid taking the herbs while driving or engaging in dangerous activities.
Before taking any herbal supplements, make sure to talk to your doctor. Also, make sure you purchase high-quality supplements and herbs from reputable businesses. It is essential to know that some supplements and herbs have been thoroughly tested, which is why you must always read the labels and avoid any products that aren't monitored by the FDA. If you are experiencing anxiety-related symptoms you may want to consider psychological counseling (psychotherapy) to develop strategies to cope that will help reduce your symptoms.
St John's Wort
St John's wort is also known as Hypericum perforatum, is an herb that has antidepressant action. It helps relieve mild to moderate depression symptoms, and some people with these conditions may also experience anxiety. However, it's not proven to be effective in treating anxiety disorders on its own. St John's Wort can also decrease the effectiveness of certain medications, like birth control pills, medications used to prevent rejection of organ transplants, and certain heart medications. Consult your physician before you take it.
There is St John's herb in herbal teas, tablets, capsules and Ointments. It is recommended to purchase it from a reputable store and then use it under medical supervision. It is not safe for pregnant women, children, or the elderly. Some people may experience side effects like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. If you experience any side effects, stop taking St John's Wort and consult with your doctor.
Besides its effects on mental health, St John's wort is used to treat a range of illnesses, including fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome pain that is transmitted down the sciatic nerve in the leg (called neuropathy) as well as burns, shingles, and irritable bowel syndrome. It can also help quit smoking cigarettes and ease menstrual issues, like constipation and cramps.
Certain studies suggest that St John's wort can boost mood in people who don't have any mental health issue. It's unclear if this is due to changes in how people manage emotions or if it's due to an result, like a better memory.
St John's Wort may relieve anxiety symptoms, such as anxiety, stress, and feeling overwhelmed. It might also help with social phobia and obsessive-compulsive disorder, but more research is needed to be certain.