Herbal Treatment For Anxiety
From butterflies in the stomach prior to a performance, to the going-to-the-dentist jitters, anxiety comes in various forms. It's normal to feel anxious at times, but chronic anxiety can cause health issues.
Herbal treatment for anxiety can help relieve the symptoms of this condition. As with prescription drugs it is essential to consult your physician before adding herbal supplements to your routine.
Chamomile
The flowering plant of Chamomile that is used for medicinal purposes to treat various health issues, including anxiety and insomnia. It's also used to treat skin conditions and also as a mild sedative. Chamomile can help reduce stress and relax muscles, which is useful in reducing anxiety. It's also helpful for treating digestive issues. It's believed to relieve gastroesophageal acid-reflux disease and indigestion. It also assists in reducing stomach spasms which cause diarrhea.
Various studies have shown that chamomile may help improve sleep and reduce the symptoms of anxiety. A small study published in the journal Phytomedicine found that chamomile was effective as a long-term treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Researchers found that chamomile could reduce the severity of GAD however it was not able to eliminate it completely. It was also found to help alleviate symptoms of PTSD and phobias.
This remedy from nature has been used for centuries and has a relaxing effect on the mind and body. It's available in the form of tea or capsules and can help with insomnia as well as other conditions such as stomach and depression. It's an effective natural treatment for anxiety, and it can be combined with other herbs like valerian to form an extremely powerful combination.
Chamomile may cause side effects such as headaches or drowsiness and can interact with certain medications. It's important to talk to your doctor before combining herbal treatments or starting a new medication, especially when you're taking prescription drugs.
Passionflower is another herbal remedy for anxiety. It is used to treat a range of ailments. It's a little stronger herbal remedy than chamomile, and has been shown to reduce both anxiety and insomnia. It's also effective in helping to treat nervous disorders and headaches, as well as hypertension and blood-related illnesses. Passionflower is used together with chamomile to treat more severe anxiety.
The plant, just like chamomile can be used as a tea or capsules. You can purchase it in a variety of health stores and online. It's also known to prevent bone loss and boost the function of the immune system, though these claims haven't been supported by scientific research.
Passionflower
The use of passionflower by herbalists goes back to the beginning of time to ease nervous tension and promote tranquility. It is a mixture of phytochemicals that include flavonoids as well as alkaloids. Sterols, maltol and sterols, which have calming effects on the nervous system, muscles, and mind. Nine clinical trials have demonstrated that it is effective in reducing anxiety. These studies investigated the effects of Passiflora (Passionflower) and its preparations that reduce anxiety levels 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 research studies that included syrup, drops and tablets.
The sedative effects of the plant may be due to flavonoids. Animal studies have proven that these substances bind to receptors in the mind and increase the amount gamma aminobutyric acid. This neurotransmitter inhibits certain brain signals, which creates an atmosphere of calm. Furthermore, studies have revealed that passionflower may reduce symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder.
Many health food stores as well as online offer it in capsules or tea. It can be taken anytime during the day, however it's recommended to consume it an hour prior to the time you go to bed. Tea can be prepared with dried or prepackaged herbs in water that is boiling. It is best to let it sit for between 10 and 15 minutes. Some people might experience side effects when taking large doses of passionflower such as dizziness or confusion however, they are usually mild and short-lived.
To minimize the risk of adverse effects, it is important to be aware when choosing your supplements and adhere to the recommended dosages. Generally, you should not exceed 3.5 grams of extracts of passionflower per day for a period of two days. In excess of this, you could cause dangerous adverse effects, including ataxia and difficulty moving around. This herb is not recommended for pregnant women, as it can stimulate contractions in the uterus. The herb is not recommended to be used in combination with certain medications, and it may interfere with alcohol. If you are taking any medication, check with your doctor prior to attempting this herb.
Valerian
Valerian root has been used as a herbal sleep aid for centuries, but it is able to also help with anxiety. It functions as a mild sedative and increases the levels of a substance in the brain known as GABA, which helps reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. The herb can also improve sleep quality as well as reduce menstrual cramps and stomach pain, and ease tension in muscles.
Researchers aren't aware of what valerian does, but believe it could interact with neurotransmitters to reduce stress and anxiety. It is thought to work by binding gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain, which causes them to become more active. This is similar to the method prescription drugs like diazepam and alprazolam work.
The plant is a source of volatile oils and lignans, which can boost serotonin and adenosine, two chemical compounds that help control the state of mind and sleepiness. There are a variety of other substances, such as valerenic acid that hinder the breakdown of GABA and increase its levels, resulting in an overall more relaxed state. In a number studies it has been proven that valerian/hops is effective as a sleep aid. One study involved a double-blind placebo-controlled trial where people with insomnia were given 400 mg of the valerian/hops preparation, or a placebo. The treatment enhanced participants their subjective sleep experiences and reduced their sleep time.
Although the research is promising however, more research is needed to determine how and why it might be effective. It's hard to generalize the results of many studies because they employ small samples or inconsistent dosing regimens. In addition, the herb can cause drowsiness, which is why it's important not to take the herbs while driving or performing dangerous activities.
Speak to your doctor before taking any herbal supplements. You should also make sure that you're purchasing quality supplements and herbs from reliable businesses. It is important to know that not all herbs and supplements have been thoroughly tested, which is why you must always read the labels and stay clear of products that aren't properly monitored by the FDA. If your anxiety symptoms persist and you are unable to resolve them, you should consider psychotherapy (psychotherapy) to develop coping skills that can help alleviate your symptoms.
St John's Wort
Hypericum perforatum (also known as St John's Wort) is a herb with antidepressant properties. It is a great remedy for mild to moderate depression symptoms and some people with these conditions may also experience anxiety. However, it's not found to be to be effective in treating anxiety disorders alone. St John's is also known to reduce the effectiveness of certain drugs, including birth control pills, medications used to prevent rejection of organ transplants and certain heart drugs. Speak to your doctor about this before you begin taking it.
St John's Wort is available in herbal teas and capsules. It is recommended to purchase it from a trusted store and use it under your physician's supervision. It's not safe to take for children, pregnant women, or the elderly. It could cause side effects like nausea, vomiting rapid heartbeat, diarrhea, and skin rashes in a few people. If treatment anxiety notice any of these adverse effects, stop taking St John's wort and talk to your doctor.
St John's wort can also be used to treat a number of other illnesses like fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. It is also used to treat shingles, burns and Irritable digestive tract. It can also aid in quitting smoking and ease some menstrual symptoms like constipation and cramps.
Some studies suggest St John's Wort may improve mood even for those who don't have a mental illness. It's not clear whether this is due to a change in the way people process emotions or if it's due to some other result, like a better memory.
St John's Wort can ease anxiety symptoms like anxiety, overwhelm and feeling overwhelmed. It could also aid in obsessive-compulsive disorder and social phobia however more research is needed to be sure.