Herbal Treatment For Anxiety
Anxiety can manifest in a variety of forms, from butterflies in your stomach before going to a performance to the jitters you get when you go to the dentist. It's normal to feel nervous at times, but chronic anxiety can lead to health problems.
Herbal treatments for anxiety can help relieve the symptoms of anxiety. Like prescription medications it is crucial to consult your physician before adding herbal supplements to your regimen.
Chamomile
Chamomile is a flowering plant that's used medicinally for various health issues like insomnia and anxiety. It's also used as a mild sedative and to treat skin problems. Chamomile is a great remedy for stress and relax muscles which can be beneficial in reducing anxiety. It can also be helpful in treating digestive issues. It's believed to relieve gastroesophageal acid reflux and the symptoms of indigestion. It is also effective in reducing stomach spasms that cause diarrhea.
Various studies have shown chamomile to improve sleep quality and reduce anxiety symptoms. A small study published in the journal Phytomedicine discovered that chamomile is effective as a long-term treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Researchers found that chamomile did reduce the severity of GAD, but not eliminate it completely. It was also found to improve symptoms of PTSD and phobias.
This herbal remedy is used for centuries, and has a relaxing effect on the body and mind. It can be taken in tea form or capsules. It can be beneficial to those suffering from insomnia, as well as other issues such as depression and gastrointestinal issues. It is a powerful natural remedy for anxiety, and can be used in conjunction with other herbs, such as valerian.
The use of chamomile can trigger side effects such as drowsiness or headaches and interact with certain medications. It's important to talk to your doctor prior to combining herbal treatments or starting an entirely new medication, especially if you're taking prescription medications.
Another herbal treatment for anxiety that can be used to treat many different conditions is passionflower. It's a tad more potent herbal remedy than chamomile, and has been shown to reduce both anxiety and insomnia. It also works for treating headaches and nervous disorders as well as blood-related illnesses like hypertension. Passionflower is used together with chamomile to treat more severe anxiety.
Like chamomile, this plant can be used in teas or capsules. It can be purchased at most major health food stores, and can be purchased on the internet. It is also believed to prevent bone loss and improve immune system function, although these claims aren't supported by scientific research.
Passionflower
Passionflower has been used by herbalists since ancient times to relieve nervous tension and to promote calm. It contains a mix of phytochemicals, which include flavonoids and alkaloids. Maltol, sterols and sterols have calming effects on the nervous system, muscles, and mind. It has also been proved to reduce anxiety levels, according to nine clinical studies. These studies examined the effects of Passiflora (Passionflower), preparations that are used to reduce anxiety during medical interventions like spinal anesthesia and dental surgery and also on sleep quality. In the studies that were studied drops, syrups, and tablets containing passionflower extracts, were utilized.
The effects of the plant on sedation may be due to its flavonoids. Animal studies have demonstrated that these substances bind to receptors in the mind and increase the amount gamma aminobutyric acid. It is a neurotransmitter that inhibits certain brain signals and creates a sense of peace. Passionflower has also been shown to decrease the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder in certain studies.
Many health food stores as well as online offer it in capsules or tea. It can be taken any time, but it is recommended to take it an hour prior to bedtime. Tea can be prepared with dried or prepackaged herbs in water that is boiling. It is best way to treat anxiety to let it sit for 10 to 15 minutes. Certain people may experience adverse effects when taking large doses of passionflower, like dizziness or confusion, but they are generally brief and not long-lasting.
To minimize these side-effects, you should choose your supplements carefully and adhere to the recommended dosages. In general, you should not exceed 3.5 grams a day of extracts from passionflower for a period of two days. In excess of this amount, you could cause serious side effects, like ataxia, or difficulty moving. Also pregnant women should not take this herb since it may trigger uterine contractions. The herb may interact with alcohol and some medicines. Consult your physician if you are on any medication before using this herb.
Valerian
Valerian root has been used as an herbal sleep remedy for centuries, but can also ease anxiety. It is an sedative with a mild effect that increases levels of GABA in the brain, which decreases stress and anxiety treatment and anxiety. The herb may also improve sleep quality as well as reduce menstrual cramps and stomach pain and relieve muscle tension.
Researchers don't know how valerian works however they do believe that it can work with neurotransmitters to lessen stress and anxiety. It's believed to work by binding the gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors in the brain, causing them to be more active. This is similar to how prescription drugs such as alprazolam (Xanax) and diazepam (Valium) function.
The plant is rich in volatile oils and lignans, which can boost serotonin and adenosine, two chemicals which help regulate the state of mind and sleepiness. There are a variety of other compounds, including valerenic acid which can hinder the breakdown of GABA and increase its levels, resulting in a more relaxed state. It has been demonstrated to be effective as an aid to sleep in a number of studies, including a double-blind, placebo-controlled study where people suffering from insomnia consumed either 400 mg of a valerian/hops mixture or a placebo. The treatment improved the participants their subjective sleep experiences and decreased their sleep latencies.
Although the research is promising, more research is needed to determine the mechanisms behind how and why it may work. A lot of studies employ small samples and inconsistent dosing regimens, making it difficult to generalize the results. The herbs can also cause drowsiness. It is best to avoid taking these while driving or doing dangerous activities.
Talk to your doctor prior to taking any herbal supplements. Also, make sure that you purchase quality supplements and herbs from reputable companies. It is essential to be aware that not all supplements and herbs have been thoroughly tested, which is why you should always read labels and avoid any products that aren't properly monitored by the FDA. If you continue to experience anxiety symptoms, you might think about psychological counseling (psychotherapy) which can teach you coping skills to help reduce the symptoms.
St John's Wort
St John's wort, also called Hypericum perforatum is a herb that has antidepressant action. It can help alleviate mild to moderate depression symptoms and some people with these conditions may also experience anxiety. It's not been proven to be effective in treating anxiety disorder by itself. St John's wort also can reduce the effectiveness of certain medications, including birth control pills, medicines used to prevent rejection of organ transplants and certain heart medications. 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 buy it from a reputable retailer and take it under the supervision of your physician. It is not safe for pregnant women, children, or elderly people. It can cause adverse effects such as nausea, vomiting rapid heartbeat, diarrhea and skin rashes in some people. If you experience any adverse effects, stop using St John's Wort and consult your doctor.
In addition to its effects on mental health, St John's wort is used to treat a variety of illnesses, such as fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome pain that is transmitted through the sciatic nerve in the leg (called neuropathy), shingles, burns, and irritable bowel syndrome. It can also be used to help stop smoking, and ease menstrual symptoms such as cramps and swelling.
Some studies suggest that St John's wort can improve mood in people who don't suffer from a mental health condition. It's not clear if this is due to changes in how people manage emotions or if it is due to a different effect, such as a boost in memory.
St John's Wort can help relieve anxiety symptoms such as anxiety, overwhelm and feeling overwhelmed. St John's wort may also aid in overcoming social anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder however more research needs to be done.
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