Herbal Treatment For Anxiety
From the butterflies in the stomach prior to an event, to the anxiousness to go to the dentist, anxiety can manifest in different forms. Although it's natural to feel anxious at times, chronic anxiety can cause health problems.
Herbal remedies can help ease anxiety symptoms. Like prescription medications it is essential to consult your doctor before adding herbal supplements to your regimen.
Chamomile
Chamomile is a flowering plant that's used medicinally for a variety of health problems like insomnia and anxiety. It can also be utilized as a mild sedative and to treat skin problems. Chamomile is a good method to lower stress and anxiety. It is also beneficial for treating digestive issues. It is believed to ease the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease as well as indigestion. It also helps in reducing stomach spasms that cause diarrhea.
generalized anxiety disorder treatment have shown that chamomile can improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety symptoms. In a small study published in the journal Phytomedicine in 2016, chamomile was found to be an effective long-term treatment for generalized anxiety disorder. The researchers found that chamomile reduced the severity of GAD symptoms but did not completely eliminate them. It has been shown to alleviate symptoms of PTSD, phobias and PTSD.
This herbal remedy is used for centuries and has a calming affect on the body and mind. It's available as a capsule or tea and can help with insomnia, as well as other ailments like depression and gastrointestinal problems. It is a natural remedy for anxiety, and can be combined with other herbs like valerian to make an effective combination.
There are some side effects of chamomile that include drowsiness and headaches, and it can interact with some medications. It is important to consult your doctor prior to mixing herbal treatments or taking a new medication, especially in the case of prescription medications.
Another remedy for anxiety that is used for a wide range of conditions is passionflower. It's a tad stronger remedy than chamomile and has been proven to decrease anxiety and insomnia. It is also effective in treating nervous disorders and headaches as well as blood-related illnesses like hypertension. It is frequently used in conjunction with the chamomile plant to treat more severe forms of anxiety.
Like chamomile, this plant can be used as a tea or capsules. It is available in a variety of health stores and also online. It is also known to improve immune function and help prevent bone loss however, these claims haven't been supported by scientific research.
Passionflower
Passionflower has been utilized by herbalists since ancient times to ease tension and to promote calm. It is a mixture of phytochemicals that provide relaxing effects on the muscles, mind and nervous system, including flavonoids, alkaloids and sterols and maltol. It has also been proved to reduce anxiety levels, based on nine clinical trials. These studies looked at the effects of Passiflora (Passionflower) and its preparations, on anxiety levels during medical interventions like spinal anesthesia and dental surgery as well as the quality of sleep. Various commercial products containing passionflower extracts were used in the study, including drops, syrup and tablets.
The sedative properties of the plant are believed to be due to its flavonoids, which have been shown in animal studies to associate to receptors in the brain which increase the amount of the gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This is a neurotransmitter that blocks certain brain signals and produces the feeling of calm. Passionflower has also been shown to decrease the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder in a few studies.
Many health food stores and websites offer it in capsules or tea. It can be taken at any time, but is recommended to drink it at least 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 mins. Passionflower can cause dizziness and confusion in some individuals, but they are typically mild adverse effects.
In order to minimize these adverse effects, it is important to be aware when choosing your supplements and follow the recommended dosages. Generally you should not exceed 3.5 grams of extract of passionflower daily over a two-day period. A higher amount could cause dangerous side-effects, like ataxia or difficulty moving. This herb is not recommended for women who are pregnant, as it can stimulate uterine contractions. The herb should not be used in combination with certain medications, and it may interact with alcohol. If you are taking any medication, consult with your doctor before trying this herb.
Valerian
Valerian root has been used as an herbal sleep remedy for centuries, but can also ease anxiety. It is an infrequent sedative that boosts levels of GABA in the brain, which decreases anxiety and stress. The herb can also improve sleep quality, reduce stomach pain and menstrual cramps.
Researchers don't know how valerian works, but believe it could interact with neurotransmitters to decrease anxiety and stress. It is believed to work by binding to the gamma aminobutyric acids (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 help control mood and sleepiness. Also, it contains valerenic acids which block GABA breakdown and raise GABA levels. This creates an euphoric state. In a variety of studies, it has been shown that valerian/hops works as a sleeping aid. One study was an experiment that was double-blind and placebo-controlled. people suffering from insomnia were given 400 mg of the valerian/hops preparation, or a placebo. The treatment improved the participants' subjective sleep experiences and reduced their sleep duration.
Although the research is promising however, more research is needed to better understand the reasons behind why and how it could be effective. It's difficult to generalize the findings of numerous studies due to the fact that they are based on tiny samples or inconsistency in dosing regimens. Additionally, the herbs can cause drowsiness, so it's crucial not to consume them when driving or doing dangerous activities.
Before you take any herbal supplement, be sure to speak with your physician. Also, ensure you are buying high-quality supplements and herbs from reputable businesses. It is important to know that not all supplements and herbs are carefully tested, so you should always read labels and stay clear of products that haven't been properly regulated by the FDA. If you are still experiencing anxiety-related symptoms, you might be interested in psychological counseling (psychotherapy) which can help you develop coping strategies to reduce your symptoms.
St John's Wort
Hypericum perforatum (also called St John's Wort) is a herb with antidepressant properties. It can relieve mild to moderate depression, and some people suffering from these conditions might also experience anxiety. It's been found to not be effective in treating anxiety disorders by itself. St John's Wort can also decrease the effectiveness of certain medications, including birth control pills, drugs used to prevent rejection of organ transplants, and certain heart medications. Speak to your doctor about it before you start taking it.
St John's Wort is available in herbal teas and capsules. It is best to buy it from a reputable retailer and then use it under the supervision of your doctor. It is not safe for pregnant women, children, or elderly people. It can cause adverse reactions such as nausea, vomiting, rapid heartbeat, diarrhea and skin rashes in some 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 variety of other illnesses like fibromyalgia, and chronic fatigue syndrome. It is also used to treat burns, shingles and Irritable colon. It can also be used to help stop smoking cigarettes, and reduce menstrual symptoms such as cramps and swelling.
Some studies suggest that St John's wort may improve mood in those who don't have mental health issues. It's not known if this is due to an improvement in the way people process emotions or a different impact, such as helping people remember things better.
There is evidence that suggests St John's wort can relieve some of the symptoms of anxiety disorders, like tension and feelings of being overwhelmed. It could also aid in obsessive-compulsive disorder and social phobia however more research is needed to be certain.