Herbal Treatment For Anxiety
From the butterflies in your stomach prior to an event, to the anxiousness to go to the dentist, anxiety can manifest in many forms. Although it's normal to feel anxious at times, chronic anxiety can lead to health problems.
Herbal treatment can relieve anxiety symptoms. However, as with prescription medications, it's essential to consult your doctor before including any herbal supplement in your regimen.
Chamomile
The flowering plant of Chamomile that is used to treat various health issues, including anxiety and insomnia. It's also used as a mild sedative and to treat skin problems. Chamomile can ease tension and relax muscles, which can be beneficial for anxiety. It is also useful for treating digestive issues. It's believed to relieve gastroesophageal acid reflux and the symptoms of indigestion. It also helps in reducing stomach spasms which cause diarrhea.
Many studies have demonstrated that chamomile can improve sleep and reduce anxiety symptoms. A small study published in the journal Phytomedicine found that chamomile was effective as a long-term treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The researchers found that chamomile reduced the severity of GAD symptoms but did not completely eliminate them. It has been demonstrated to alleviate symptoms of PTSD, phobias and PTSD.
This herbal remedy has been used for centuries and can have a calming effect on the body and mind. It can be taken as a tea or capsules, and can help those suffering from insomnia, as well as other conditions like depression and digestive issues. It is a natural remedy for anxiety and can be used in conjunction with other herbs, such as valerian.
The use of chamomile can trigger negative side effects, such as headaches or drowsiness and can interact with certain medications. It is important to consult your physician prior to taking herbal remedies together or beginning a new medication, especially in the case of prescription medications.
Another remedy for anxiety that is utilized for various ailments is passionflower. It's a more potent remedy than chamomile and has been proven to decrease insomnia and anxiety. It is also effective in treating nervous disorders, headaches, and migraines and blood-related conditions 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 tea or in capsules. It can be purchased at all major health food stores and can be purchased on the internet. It's also believed to reduce bone loss and boost immune system function, although these claims have not been supported by scientific research.
Passionflower
Herbalists have been using passionflower since ancient times to reduce nervous tension and promote tranquility. It contains a cocktail phytochemicals, which include flavonoids and alkaloids. Sterols, maltol and sterols, all of which have calming effects on the muscles, nervous system, and the mind. Nine clinical trials have shown that it is effective in reducing anxiety. These studies investigated the effects of Passiflora (Passionflower), preparations, on anxiety levels during medical procedures such as dental surgery, spinal anesthesia as well as the quality of sleep. Various commercial products containing passionflower extracts were utilized in the study, including drops, syrup and tablets.
The sedative properties of the plant are believed to be derived from flavonoids that have been proven in animal studies to bind to brain receptors that increase the amount of Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA). This neurotransmitter inhibits certain brain signals, creating an atmosphere of calm. In addition, some studies have shown that passionflower may reduce symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder.
Many people take it in the form of tea or in capsules that are sold at a wide range of health food stores and on the internet. It can be taken 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 prepared by adding dried or pre-packaged herbs to boiling water and steeping for 10 to 15 minutes. Passionflower can cause dizziness or confusion in some people, but they are typically mild adverse effects.
To minimize the risk of negative effects, be aware when choosing your supplements and follow the recommended dosages. In general, you should not exceed 3.5 grams of extract of passionflower daily over a two-day time period. Using more than this can cause serious side effects, such as ataxia and difficulty moving around. Also pregnant women shouldn't take this herb as it could stimulate uterine contractions. The herb may be a problem when combined with alcohol and certain medications. Talk to your doctor if you are on any medication before using this herb.
Valerian
Valerian root is a traditional herbal sleep remedy, but it can also aid in relieving anxiety. It is an infrequent sedative that boosts levels of GABA in the brain, which reduces stress and anxiety. The herb can also improve sleep quality, reduce stomach pain and menstrual cramps.
Researchers aren't sure how valerian works however they do believe that it can work with neurotransmitters to lessen anxiety and stress. It is believed to work by binding to gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain, which causes them to increase in activity. This is similar to way prescription medications like diazepam and alprazolam work.
The plant contains volatile oils and lignans which can increase serotonin as well as Adenosine, two substances that control the state of mind and sleepiness. Also, it contains valerenic acids that inhibit GABA breakdown and boost GABA levels. This leads to an euphoric state. In a number 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 with insomnia were given 400 mg of the valerian/hops formula, or a placebo. The treatment enhanced participants in their subjective sleep experience and reduced their sleep time.
Although the research is promising, more research is needed to determine how and why it might work. Many studies use small samples and inconsistent dosing regimens, making it difficult to generalize the results. treatment for anxiety attacks can also cause drowsiness. It's best to avoid taking these while driving or doing dangerous activities.
Before you take any herbal supplements, make sure to talk to your doctor. It is also important to ensure that you're purchasing high-quality herbs and supplements from reputable businesses. You should be aware that some supplements and herbs haven't been thoroughly tested. Always read the label and stay clear of products not regulated by the FDA. If you are still experiencing anxiety-related symptoms, you might want to consider psychological counseling (psychotherapy) which can teach you how to cope to ease your symptoms.
St John's Wort
St John's wort is also known as Hypericum perforatum, is an herb that has antidepressant properties. It is a great remedy for mild to moderate depression symptoms and some people with these conditions may also experience anxiety. But it hasn't 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. Consult your physician about this before you begin taking it.
St John's Wort is available in herbal teas and capsules. It is best to purchase it from a reputable retailer and use it under the supervision of your physician. It is not safe for pregnant women, children or the elderly. It can cause adverse effects such as nausea vomiting, rapid heartbeat, diarrhea, and skin rashes for some people. If you experience any adverse effects, stop using St John's Wort and consult your doctor.
Apart from its positive 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) as well as burns, shingles, and irritable bowel syndrome. It can also be used to aid in quitting smoking cigarettes, and reduce menstrual symptoms like cramps and swelling.
Some studies suggest that St John's wort can boost mood in people who don't suffer from mental health issues. However, it's unclear if this is because of an improvement in the way people process emotions or because of some other effect, like helping people to remember things better.
Some evidence suggests that St John's herb can ease some of the symptoms of anxiety disorders, such as anxiety and feeling overwhelmed. St John's wort could aid in the treatment of social phobia and obsessive-compulsive disorder, but more research needs to be conducted.