Herbal Treatment For Anxiety
From butterflies in the stomach prior to an event, to the going-to-the-dentist jitters, anxiety comes in many forms. Although it's normal to feel anxious at times, long-term 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 routine.
Chamomile
The flowering plant of Chamomile that is used to treat a variety of health problems like insomnia and anxiety. It's also used as a mild sedative and to treat skin issues. Chamomile is a great remedy for tension and relax muscles, which is beneficial for anxiety. It is also useful for treating digestive issues. It is believed to ease the symptoms of gastroesophageal reflux disease as well as indigestion. It is also effective in reducing stomach spasms that cause diarrhea.
Various studies have shown that chamomile may help improve sleep quality and lessen the symptoms of anxiety. A small study published in the journal Phytomedicine found that chamomile was effective as a long-term treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). The study discovered that chamomile decreased the severity of GAD symptoms however it did not completely eliminate these symptoms. It was also discovered to improve symptoms of PTSD and fears.
This herb has been used for centuries and has a calming effect on the body and mind. It can be consumed in tea form or capsules, and is able to help those suffering from insomnia and other ailments like depression and digestive issues. It is a natural remedy for anxiety, and can be combined together with other herbs, such as valerian.
There are anxiety treatment natural Iampsychiatry of chamomile, such as drowsiness and headaches, and can interact with other medications. Consult your physician when you are taking prescription medications or are combining herbal remedies.
Another herbal treatment for anxiety that is utilized for a wide range of conditions is passionflower. It's a little more potent herbal remedy than chamomile and has been proven to reduce both anxiety and insomnia. It also works for treating headaches and nervous disorders and blood-related conditions like hypertension. Passionflower is often paired with Chamomile to combat more severe forms of anxiety.
Like the chamomile plant, this one can be used in tea or in capsules. It is available at most major health food stores, and is available on the internet. It's also believed to boost immune function and help prevent bone loss however, these claims aren't substantiated by scientific evidence.
Passionflower
The use of passionflower by herbalists goes back to ancient times to reduce tension and improve tranquility. It contains a mix of phytochemicals that provide tranquilizing effects on the mind, muscles and nervous system, which include flavonoids, alkaloids and sterols and maltol. Nine clinical trials have demonstrated that it works in reducing anxiety. These studies assessed the effect of Passiflora incarnata (Passionflower) preparations on anxiety levels during medical procedures such as spinal anesthesia or dental surgery and on the quality of sleep. In the trials analyzed drops, syrups, and tablets containing passionflower extracts, were used.
The sedative effects of the plant could be due to its flavonoids. Animal studies have proven that these compounds bind to receptors in the brain and increase the amount gamma aminobutyric acid. This neurotransmitter impedes certain brain signals, resulting in a sense calm. Passionflower has also been proven to reduce the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder in a few studies.
Some people use 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 recommended to take it an hour prior to the time you go to bed. A tea can be made by adding dried or prepared herbs to boiling water and then steeping for 10 to 15 minutes. Some people may experience side effects after taking large doses of passionflower, like dizziness or confusion however, they are usually mild and short-lived.
To avoid these adverse effects You should select your supplements with care and adhere to the recommended dosages. In general, you should not exceed 3.5 grams of passionflower extract per day for a period of two days. In excess of this, you could cause serious side effects, such as ataxia and a difficulty moving around. This herb is not recommended for pregnant women as it can trigger the uterine muscles. The herb can interact with alcohol and other medicines. Talk to your doctor if you are on any medication prior to taking this herb.
Valerian
Valerian root has been used as a herbal sleep aid for centuries, but can also help with anxiety. It acts as a mild sedative and increases the levels of a substance in the brain known as GABA which helps to 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 relieve muscle tension.
Researchers don't know what valerian does, but believe it could interact with neurotransmitters to decrease stress and anxiety. It is thought to work by binding to gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain, which causes them to increase in activity. This is similar to how prescription medications like alprazolam (Xanax) and diazepam (Valium) function.
The plant contains volatile oils and lignans which can increase serotonin and adenosine, two chemicals which help regulate mood and sleepiness. It also contains valerenic acids that inhibit GABA breakdown and boost GABA levels. This results in an euphoric state. In a number studies, it has been shown that valerian/hops works as a sleeping aid. One study included a double-blind, placebo-controlled study in which people with insomnia were given 400 mg of the valerian/hops preparation or a placebo. The treatment improved the participants' subjective sleep experiences and decreased their sleep latencies.
The research is promising, but more research is required to understand the mechanisms of action. A lot of studies employ small samples and inconsistent dosage regimens, making it difficult to generalize results. The herb can also cause an increase in drowsiness. It is recommended to avoid taking them while driving or performing dangerous activities.
Before you take any herbal supplements, make sure to speak with your doctor. Also, ensure that you are buying quality supplements and herbs from reputable businesses. You should be aware that some supplements and herbs haven't been thoroughly tested. Always read labels and stay clear of products not regulated by FDA. If you are still experiencing anxiety symptoms, you might think about psychological counseling (psychotherapy), which can help you develop coping strategies to help reduce the symptoms.
St John's Wort
St John's wort is also known as Hypericum perforatum is a herb that is antidepressant in nature. It can ease mild to moderate depression, and some sufferers from these conditions might also experience anxiety. It's not been proven to be effective in treating anxiety disorders on its own. St John's Wort can also decrease the effectiveness of certain medications, such as birth control pills, medications used to stop rejection of organ transplants, and certain heart-related medications. Consult your physician before you start taking it.
It is available as St John's wort in herbal teas, tablets, capsules, and ointments. It is best to purchase it from a reputable retailer and then use it under the supervision of your doctor. It's not safe to take for pregnant women, children, or the elderly. It can cause adverse reactions 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 like fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome. It can also be used to treat shingles, burns and irritation of the digestive tract. It can also aid in quitting smoking and ease some menstrual issues, like cramps and bloating.
Some studies suggest that St John's wort can improve mood in those who don't suffer from mental health issues. It's unclear whether this is due to a change in the way people manage emotions or if it's due to an effect such as improving memory.
St John's Wort can help relieve anxiety symptoms like tension, overwhelm and feeling overwhelmed. It may also help with social phobia and obsessive compulsive disorder however more research is needed to be certain.