Herbal Treatment For Anxiety
Anxiety can manifest in a variety of forms, from the butterflies in your stomach before going to a performance to the jitters that you feel when you visit the dentist. It's normal to feel anxious from time to time however, chronic anxiety may lead to health problems.
Herbal treatments for anxiety can help relieve the symptoms of anxiety. Similar to prescription drugs it is essential to consult your doctor before adding herbal supplements to your routine.
Chamomile
The flowering plant, known as chamomile is used to treat a wide range of health issues such as anxiety and insomnia. It can also be used as a mild sedative and to treat skin issues. Chamomile can help reduce stress and relax muscles which is beneficial in reducing anxiety. It's also helpful for treating digestive issues. It is believed to ease gastroesophageal acid-reflux disease and Indigestion. It's also effective in reducing stomach spasms which cause diarrhea.
Various studies have shown that chamomile can improve sleep quality and lessen anxiety-related symptoms. In a small study published in the journal Phytomedicine in 2016, chamomile was proven to be a long-lasting and effective treatment for generalized anxiety disorder. The researchers found that chamomile reduced the severity of GAD symptoms, but did not completely eliminate these symptoms. It has been proven to alleviate symptoms of PTSD, phobias and PTSD.
This herbal remedy is used for centuries and has a calming affect on the mind and body. iampsychiatry.com can be taken as a tea or capsules, and is able to help those suffering from insomnia, and other ailments like depression and gastrointestinal issues. It's an effective natural treatment for anxiety, and can be paired with other herbs such as valerian to form an effective combination.
There are some side effects of chamomile, such as drowsiness and headaches, and may interact with some medications. It's important to talk to your doctor before mixing herbal treatments or taking any new medication, particularly if you're taking prescription medications.
Passionflower is a different herbal remedy for anxiety. It is used to treat a variety of illnesses. It is a slightly stronger herbal remedy than chamomile, and has been shown to decrease anxiety as well as insomnia. It is also effective in helping to treat headaches and nervous disorders, as well as blood-related maladies like hypertension. Passionflower is often used in conjunction with chamomile to treat more severe anxiety.
This plant, like chamomile can be used in teas or capsules. You can purchase it in a variety of health stores and online. It's also believed to reduce bone loss and improve immune system function, although these claims haven't been supported by scientific research.
Passionflower
Herbalists have used passionflower since long ago to ease tension and improve tranquility. It contains a cocktail phytochemicals, which include flavonoids and alkaloids. Sterols, maltol and sterols, all of which can have calming effects on the nervous system, muscles, and mind. Nine clinical trials have demonstrated that it works in decreasing anxiety. These studies examined the effects of Passiflora incarnata (Passionflower) preparations on the level of anxiety during medical procedures like spinal anesthesia or dental surgery and on sleep quality. A variety of commercial products containing passionflower extracts were used in the analyzed trials that included syrup, drops and tablets.
The effects of the plant on sedation could be due to flavonoids. Animal studies have shown that these substances bind to receptors in the brain and increase the amount of gamma aminobutyric acid. This neurotransmitter impedes certain brain signals, which creates an atmosphere of calm. Passionflower has also been shown to reduce the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder in some studies.
Many people take it in the form of capsules or tea that are sold at a wide range of health food stores and on the internet. It can be consumed anytime of the day, however it's recommended to drink it at least an hour before bedtime. Tea can be prepared using dried or prepackaged herbs in boiling water. The tea is then boiled for 10 to 15 minutes. Certain people may experience adverse effects when taking high doses of passionflower like confusion or dizziness, but they are generally brief and not long-lasting.
To minimize these side-effects You should select your supplements with care 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. Using more than this can cause serious side effects, such as ataxia and difficulty moving around. This herb is not recommended for pregnant women, as it can stimulate contractions in the uterus. The herb should not be used in combination with some medications, and it may interfere with alcohol. Consult your physician for any medication before using this herb.
Valerian
Valerian root has been used as a herbal sleep remedy for centuries, but it can also relieve anxiety. It functions as a mild sedative, and increases the levels of a substance in the brain known as GABA which can help reduce feelings of anxiety and stress. The herb can also improve the quality of sleep as well as reduce menstrual cramps and stomach pain, and ease muscle tension.
Researchers aren't sure exactly how valerian root works, but they believe it could interact with neurotransmitters within the brain to reduce anxiety and stress. It is believed to function by binding with gamma-aminobutyric acids receptors (GABA) in the brain, and causing them to increase in activity. This is similar to how prescription medications such as alprazolam (Xanax) and diazepam (Valium) work.
The plant is a source of volatile oils and lignans which can increase serotonin as well as adenosine, two chemical compounds that help control mood and sleepiness. There are a variety of other substances, such as valerenic acid which can slow down the breakdown of GABA and increase levels, leading to an overall more relaxed state. In a number studies it has been demonstrated that valerian/hops is effective as a sleeping aid. One study included a double-blind placebo-controlled trial where people with insomnia were given 400 mg of the valerian/hops preparation or a placebo. The treatment improved the participants' subjective perceptions of sleep and reduced their sleep time.
The research is promising, however more research is required to better understand the mechanisms of action. It's hard to generalize the findings of a variety of studies since they use small samples or inconsistent dosing regimens. In addition, the herb can cause drowsiness, so it's important not to take them when driving or doing dangerous activities.
Talk to your doctor prior to taking any herbal supplements. Also, ensure that you are purchasing high-quality supplements and herbs from trustworthy companies. You should be aware that some supplements and herbs haven't been thoroughly tested. Always read labels and avoid products that are not regulated by FDA. If you are still experiencing anxiety symptoms, you may want to consider psychological counseling (psychotherapy) which can teach you how to cope to ease your symptoms.
St John's Wort
Hypericum perforatum (also known as St John's Wort) is a herb with antidepressant properties. It can help relieve mild to moderate depression, and some people suffering from these disorders may also suffer from anxiety. But it hasn't been found to be to be effective in treating anxiety disorders on its own. St John's is also known to decrease the effectiveness of some drugs, including birth control pills, drugs used to prevent rejection of organ transplants and certain heart medications. Consult your physician 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 doctor's supervision. It's not safe to take for pregnant women, children or those who are elderly. Some individuals may experience adverse reactions like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If you experience any adverse effects, stop using St John's Wort and consult your doctor.
In addition to its positive effects on mental health, St John's wort is used to treat a variety of illnesses, such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome and pain that runs through the sciatic nerve in the leg (called neuropathic pain) as well as burns, shingles and irritable bowel syndrome. It is also used to aid in quitting smoking cigarettes, and reduce menstrual symptoms like cramps and swelling.
Some studies suggest that St John's wort can improve mood in those who don't suffer from any mental health issue. It's not known if this is due to changes in how people manage emotions or due to a different effect, such as a boost in memory.
Some evidence suggests that St John's wort can relieve some of the symptoms of anxiety disorders, like anxiety and feeling overwhelmed. St John's wort may also help with social phobia and obsessive-compulsive disorder, but more research must be done.
