Herbal Treatment For Anxiety
Anxiety can manifest in a variety of forms, from the butterflies in your stomach prior to going to a performance to the jitters you get when you go to the dentist. Although it's normal to feel nervous at times, prolonged anxiety can cause health problems.
Herbal treatment for anxiety can help relieve the symptoms of anxiety. Similar to prescription drugs, it is important to consult your physician before adding herbal supplements to your regimen.
Chamomile
Chamomile, a flowering herb is used to treat a broad variety of health problems, including insomnia and anxiety. It can also be used as a mild sedative to treat skin problems. Chamomile is a great remedy for stress and relax muscles, which can be beneficial for anxiety. It can also be helpful in treating digestive issues. It's believed to relieve gastroesophageal acid-reflux disease and indigestion. It also assists in the reduction of stomach spasms, which can cause diarrhea.
Numerous studies have proven that chamomile can improve sleep and decrease anxiety symptoms. A small study published in the journal Phytomedicine discovered that chamomile is effective as a long-term treatment 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 fears.
This remedy from nature has been used for centuries, and has a calming affect on the body and mind. It is available in the form of tea or capsules and can be used to treat insomnia as well as other conditions such as stomach and depression. It's an effective natural treatment for anxiety and can be paired with other herbs, such as valerian to make an extremely powerful combination.
The effects of chamomile may be adverse that include drowsiness and headaches, and it can interfere with certain medications. It is important to consult your physician prior to combining herbal treatments or starting a new medication, especially in the case of prescription medications.
Passionflower is another herbal remedy for anxiety. It is used to treat a range of illnesses. It's a more potent remedy than chamomile, and has been shown both to decrease insomnia and anxiety. It also helps to treat headaches and nervous disorders, as well as hypertension and blood-related illnesses. Passionflower is often paired with the chamomile plant to treat more severe forms anxiety.
Like chamomile, this plant can be used in teas or capsules. It is available at most major health stores and also online. It's also known to prevent bone loss and boost the immune system's function, but these claims aren't supported by scientific research.
Passionflower
Passionflower has been utilized by herbalists since ancient times to relieve nervous tension and embrace tranquility. It is a mixture of phytochemicals that provide tranquilizing effects on the mind, muscles and nervous system, including flavonoids, alkaloids and sterols and maltol. It has also been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety levels, based on nine clinical trials. These studies examined the effects of Passiflora incarnata (Passionflower) preparations on anxiety levels during medical interventions such as spinal anesthesia or dental surgery and on the quality of sleep. In the research studies drops, syrups, and tablets containing passionflower extracts were utilized.
The sedative properties of the plant are thought to be the result of its flavonoids, which have been demonstrated in animal studies to associate to receptors in the brain that increase the amount the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This neurotransmitter inhibits certain brain signals and creates a sense of calm. Passionflower has also been found to decrease the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder in some studies.
Many people take it as tea or in capsules available at many health food stores and on the internet. It can be consumed at any time, but it is best taken an hour before the time you go to bed. A tea can be made by adding dried or pre-packaged herbs to boiling water and steeping for about 10 minutes. Passionflower can cause dizziness and confusion in certain people, however these are usually mild adverse effects.
To minimize these side-effects, you should choose your supplements carefully and adhere to the recommended dosages. Generally, social anxiety treatment should not exceed 3.5 grams of passionflower extract per day for a period of two days. A higher amount could cause serious side effects, like ataxia, or difficulty moving. This herb is not recommended for women who are pregnant, as it can stimulate the uterine muscles. The herb may be a problem when combined with alcohol and certain medications. If you are taking any medication, you should consult with your doctor before trying this herb.
Valerian
Valerian root is a traditional herbal sleep remedy however, it can also relieve anxiety. It functions as a mild sedative, and increases the levels of a chemical in the brain known as GABA, which helps reduce anxiety and stress. The herb can enhance sleep quality, reduce stomach pain and menstrual cramps.
Researchers aren't sure how valerian works however, they believe it can interact with neurotransmitters to decrease stress and anxiety. It's believed to work by binding the gamma aminobutyric acids (GABA) receptors in the brain, which causes them to become more active. This is similar to how prescription medications like alprazolam (Xanax) and diazepam (Valium) work.
The plant is rich in volatile oils and lignans which can boost serotonin and adenosine, two chemicals that control the state of mind and sleepiness. Additionally, it contains valerenic acid that inhibit GABA breakdown and increase GABA levels. This leads to an euphoric state. In a variety of studies it has been proven that valerian/hops is effective as a sleep aid. One study involved an experiment that was double-blind and placebo-controlled. people with insomnia were given 400 mg of the valerian/hops preparation or a placebo. The treatment enhanced the participants' perceptions of sleep and reduced their sleep duration.
The research is promising, but more research is required to understand the mechanism of action. A lot of studies employ small samples and inconsistent dosing regimens, making it difficult to generalize results. The herbs can cause the feeling of drowsiness. It is recommended to avoid taking them while driving or performing dangerous activities.
Consult your physician prior to taking any herbal supplements. Also, make sure that you're purchasing quality supplements and herbs from reputable companies. It is important to be aware that not all supplements and herbs are carefully tested, so it is essential to read labels and avoid any products that aren't controlled by the FDA. If you continue to experience anxiety symptoms, you might think about psychotherapy (psychotherapy), which can teach you coping skills to ease your symptoms.
St John's Wort
St John's wort also known as Hypericum periforatum, is an herb that is antidepressant in nature. It can help relieve mild to moderate depression, and some sufferers from these disorders may also suffer from anxiety. But it's not been proven effective in treating anxiety disorder alone. St John's also has the potential to reduce the effectiveness of certain medicines, such as birth control pills, drugs used to prevent rejection of organ transplants, and certain heart drugs. Talk to your doctor before you begin taking it.
St John's Wort is available in capsules and herbal teas. It's best to buy it from a trusted store and then use it under medical supervision. 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 in a few people. If you experience any side effects, stop taking St John's Wort and consult your physician.
St John's wort can also be used to treat a number of other illnesses, such as fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. It is also used to treat burns, shingles and irritation of the digestive tract. It can also be used to help stop 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 have mental health issues. However, it's unclear if this is due to changes in emotional processing or because of some other impact, such as helping people remember things more easily.
Some evidence suggests that St John's plant may help relieve some of the symptoms of anxiety disorders, such as tension and feelings of being overwhelmed. It could also aid in obsessive-compulsive disorder and social phobia, but more research is needed to make sure.