Herbal Treatment For Anxiety
Anxiety can take many forms, from butterflies in your stomach before going to a performance to the jitters that you feel when you visit the dentist. Although it's natural to feel anxious at times, prolonged anxiety can lead to health problems.
Herbal treatment for anxiety can ease the symptoms of this condition. Similar to prescription drugs, it is important to consult your physician before adding herbal supplements to your regimen.
Chamomile
The flowering plant of Chamomile that is used for medicinal purposes to treat various health issues such as insomnia and anxiety. It's also used to treat skin conditions and also as mild sedative. Chamomile can ease stress and relax muscles, which is useful in reducing anxiety. It is also beneficial for treating digestive issues. It's believed to relieve gastroesophageal acid reflux and the symptoms of indigestion. It also helps in decreasing stomach spasms that can cause diarrhea.
Various studies have shown that chamomile may help improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety symptoms. In a study of a limited size published in the journal Phytomedicine in 2016, chamomile was found to be an effective long-term treatment of generalized anxiety disorder. Researchers found that chamomile did reduce the severity of GAD however it was not able to eliminate it completely. It was also discovered to alleviate symptoms of PTSD and phobias.
This herbal remedy has been used for ages 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 and other ailments such as depression and gastrointestinal issues. It is an effective natural remedy for anxiety and can be combined together with other herbs such as valerian.
Chamomile can cause adverse effects like headaches or drowsiness and can interact with certain medications. It is important to consult your doctor before taking herbal remedies together or beginning any new medication, particularly if you're taking prescription medications.
Passionflower is a different herbal remedy for anxiety. It is used to treat a range of ailments. It is a slightly stronger herbal remedy than chamomile, and has been shown to decrease anxiety as well as insomnia. It also helps to treat headaches and nervous disorders as well as hypertension-related blood disorders. Passionflower can be used in conjunction with chamomile to treat more severe anxiety.
Like chamomile, this plant can be used as a tea or in capsules. It is available at most major health food stores, and can be purchased online. It's also believed to improve immune function and reduce bone loss, but these claims haven't been confirmed by scientific research.
Passionflower
Passionflower has been utilized by herbalists since the earliest times to relieve nervous tension and to promote calm. It is a mixture of phytochemicals with relaxing effects on the muscles, mind and nervous system, which include flavonoids, alkaloids and sterols and maltol. Nine clinical trials have shown that it is effective in reducing anxiety. These studies analyzed the effect of Passiflora incarnata (Passionflower) preparations on anxiety levels during medical procedures like dental surgery or spinal anesthesia and on sleep quality. Different commercial products that contain passionflower extracts were tested in the study which included syrup, drops and tablets.
The effects of the plant that induce sedation could be due to its flavonoids. Animal studies have demonstrated that these compounds bind to receptors in the brain and increase the amount of gamma aminobutyric acid. This neurotransmitter inhibits certain brain signals and induces an atmosphere of calm. Passionflower has also been found to reduce the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder in a few studies.
Some people use it as capsules or tea available at a wide range of health food stores and on the internet. It can be consumed at any time, but it is recommended to take it an hour prior to bedtime. Tea can be prepared by adding dried or prepared herbs to boiling water, and then letting it steep for 10 to 15 minutes. Some people may experience side effects when taking large doses of passionflower, such as dizziness or confusion, but they are generally brief and not long-lasting.
In order to minimize these side effects, you should be aware when choosing your supplements and adhere to the recommended dosages. In IamPsychiatry , you shouldn't exceed 3.5 grams a day of extracts of passionflower over a period of two days. In excess of this, you could result in dangerous adverse effects, like ataxia and a difficulty moving around. Also pregnant women should not take this herb, because it can trigger uterine contractions. The herb can 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 remedy for sleep It can also aid in relieving anxiety. It functions as a mild sedative and increases the levels of a substance in the brain called GABA, which helps reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. The herb may also enhance the quality of sleep as well as reduce menstrual cramps and stomach pain, and ease tension in the muscles.
Researchers aren't sure exactly what the valerian root does however they believe it may interact with neurotransmitters in the brain to lessen feelings of anxiety and stress. It is believed to work by interacting with gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors (GABA) in the brain and causing them increase their activity. This is similar to the way prescription drugs such as diazepam and alprazolam perform.
The plant is a source of volatile oil and lignans that can boost serotonin levels, adenosine levels and other chemicals that control mood and sleepiness. Additionally, it contains valerenic acid that inhibit GABA breakdown and increase GABA levels. This results in relaxation. In a number studies, it has been shown that valerian/hops can be effective as a sleeping aid. One study included a double-blind, placebo-controlled study in which patients suffering from insomnia were offered 400 mg of the valerian/hops preparation or a placebo. The treatment enhanced participants' subjective sleep experiences and reduced their sleep time.
Although the research is promising however, more research is needed to understand the mechanisms behind how and why it may be effective. It's hard to generalize the results of a variety of studies since they are based on small amounts of samples or inconsistent dosage regimens. The herb can also cause drowsiness. It's best to avoid taking them while driving or performing dangerous activities.
Talk to your doctor prior to taking any herbal supplements. It is also important to ensure that you're purchasing top-quality supplements and herbs from trustworthy businesses. It is important to know that not all supplements and herbs are carefully tested, so you must always read the labels and avoid products that aren't properly regulated by the FDA. If your anxiety symptoms persist you may want to think about psychotherapy (psychotherapy) to develop coping skills that can help alleviate your symptoms.
St John's Wort
St John's wort, also called Hypericum perforatum is a plant that has antidepressant action. It can ease mild to moderate depression and some people suffering from these conditions might also experience anxiety. It hasn't been shown to be effective in treating anxiety disorder on its own. St John's Wort can also affect the effectiveness of certain medications, such as birth control pills, drugs used to prevent rejection of organ transplants, and certain heart medicines. Speak to your doctor about it prior to beginning taking it.
There is St John's herb in herbal teas, tablets, capsules, and Ointments. It is best to purchase it from a reputable store and use it under doctor's supervision. It's not recommended for pregnant women, children or for the elderly. Some sufferers may experience adverse effects like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. If you experience any adverse effects, stop taking 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 neuropathic pain), shingles, burns and irritable bowel syndrome. It can also be used to help stop smoking, and ease menstrual cramps and swelling.
Certain studies suggest that St John's Wort can improve mood, even in those without a mental illness. It's unclear if this is due to a change in the way people respond to emotions or if it is due to some other result, like a better memory.
Some evidence suggests that St John's plant may help relieve some of the symptoms of anxiety disorders, such as tension and feeling overwhelmed. St John's Wort may help with social phobia and obsessive compulsive disorder however more research needs to be conducted.