Plants For Anxiety: How To Cure Panic?

2023 Author: Lynn Laird | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-05-21 21:10

For some people who experience moderate to severe anxiety attacks, the idea of looking for an herbal remedy that works effectively may be more appealing than taking prescribed medications. While medication is a good solution for some, the possibility of side effects is not excluded and can be daunting. It is essential that you consult your GP first, when considering using any herbal remedy for anxiety or otherwise. We have already presented, some time ago, the Bach flowers whose diluted extracts are absolutely harmless. A new alternative is before you!

Why choose herbs for anxiety over conventional drugs?

Even if you know the synergies of essential oils and the favorable influence of aromatherapy on general health and well-being, herbs for anxiety are one more alternative.

Unfortunately, anxiety disorders are not uncommon, but luckily there are many ways to work against them. On the one hand, conventional medicine prescribes drugs whose effect is rapid, but which in most cases lead to undesirable consequences. On the other hand, we can rely on natural products, from plants against anxiety whose results come slowly, but are almost harmless and without side effects.

Of course, there are complementary methods and approaches that include regular exercises and interventions based on meditation techniques. A systematic review indicates that physical training and regular walking can reduce symptoms of anxiety in sedentary patients with long-term medical conditions.

Which herbs for anxiety are considered the best natural remedies?

Quite different from Bach flowers, anti-anxiety plants act as anti-depressants on the nervous system, relieve stress and ensure good quality sleep. In addition, they relax the nerves by allowing combinations between them.

St. John's Wort, a perennial plant with beneficial effects in the fight against anxiety

Used for nervous disorders for over 2,000 years, St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum L) is a perennial plant with bright yellow flowers that grows wild in Europe, Asia and America. A number of studies have shown that St. John's Wort has a beneficial effect on those with mild anxiety and depression, although it is not known exactly how. The substance is believed to have the ability to prolong the effects of serotonin - a chemical in the body which, when in short supply, can cause mood imbalance. What to know before taking St. John's Wort:

• It can be purchased without a prescription.
• It can interfere with other medicines, including contraception and antidepressants, so you should always consult your doctor first.
• It should not be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
• Taking St. John's Wort may increase your sensitivity to the sun.

The recommended dose of St. John's Wort is 450 milligrams twice a day. It is best to start at a half dose for a few days and then increase to 450 mg. St. John's Wort takes 4 weeks to reach full effect and its major risk involves interactions with other drugs and supplements. If you are taking chemotherapy drugs, blood thinners, and birth control pills, you should absolutely be monitored by your doctor to make sure there are no toxic side effects.

Valerian helps the body relax and fight stress and anxiety

Native to Europe and North America, valerian has long been used to treat anxiety, stress, muscle tension, and insomnia. The plant contains valerenic acid and valeranon which help the body to relax. Naturally, serene calm leads to good sleep.

Before taking valerian, be aware that it should not be combined with other drugs that improve sleep. It is absolutely prohibited during pregnancy and breastfeeding.

• Valerian can cause drowsiness and should therefore not be taken before driving or during any activity that requires you to be alert.
• It is not suitable for children.
• It can be combined with other herbs such as lemon balm, hops and passionflower.

Valerian can be taken during the day in very small doses, 20 milligrams or less. In fact, it's widely available in "sleep teas" at a dosage of around 20 milligrams. For sleep or more severe anxiety at night, you can use high doses up to 600 milligrams. It is important not to combine valerian with alcohol or other depressant drugs.

Passion flower: the flower that evokes the nails of the Passion is a remedy against anxiety

Like valerian, passionflower is known for its calming and sedative actions, effective in the fight against anxiety, fatigue and sleep disorders. It contains alkaloids, glycosides, and steroids, with alkaloids being the main active ingredient. Do not use if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Combinations are possible with valerian and / or hops.

Lavender with a divine scent is an anxiety solution

A number of studies suggest that lavender is effective in relieving stress and anxiety, calming nervousness, and helping induce sleep. Lavender not only smells divine, but its scent alone can reduce tension. She stands on the list of aromatic herbs to grow in her garden.

• Using lavender can be harmful to young boys and girls as it could affect their hormones. Consult a physician before using lavender on prepubescent children.
• You should consult your doctor before using lavender if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• You should also consult your doctor before using lavender if you have recently had surgery, as it can slow down the nervous system and not help healing.

Lavender oil has been used as an inhalant in sachets, sprays, oils, and lotions for centuries. It is now available in oral form, collected in microscopic bubbles and placed in a capsule that allows it to cross the intestinal barrier. Once it does, it induces calm and reduces anxiety. It is neither addicting nor dangerous.

Country chamomile as a homeopathic treatment for anxiety

It has long been used as a remedy for illnesses including stomach aches, colds and fevers. Now, chamomile is most often consumed in the form of tea and well known for its relaxing properties and calming effect. There are two main species of chamomile used medicinally, German or wild chamomile (Matricaria recutita) and Roman or English chamomile (Chamaemelum nobile).

A recently conducted study compared chamomile extract to a placebo for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder. After 8 weeks of this randomized, double-blind study, the results showed that people with generalized anxiety disorder felt a significant improvement in their condition.

Lemon balm from the mint family

This pungent fragrant herb is actually part of the mint family and is said to create a feeling of calm. Like lavender and chamomile, lemon balm is also known to promote restful sleep and is found to be a powerful antioxidant.

The contested cannabidiol (CBD)

It is a type of cannabinoid, a chemical found naturally in cannabis plants. The use and popularity of CBD oil to help relieve anxiety and promote relaxation has increased in recent years. This is a relatively new field of science, however, so be sure to ask your doctor before using it.

Gingko biloba not only for memory loss

Ginkgo extract is widely used in Europe where it is available by prescription or as an approved over-the-counter medicine. In just one year, West German doctors wrote 5.24 million prescriptions for ginkgo leaf extract. In the United States, ginkgo is sold as a nutritional supplement, usually as a standardized extract of Ginkgo biloba made from the dried leaves of the tree. The extracts are currently used to treat a wide range of conditions, including memory loss which may be due to lack of magnesium, problems with concentration, mental confusion, depression, anxiety, dizziness, tinnitus, and tinnitus. headache. It is believed that ginkgo works by increasing the blood supply, reducing the viscosity of the blood,by stimulating neurotransmitters and reducing harmful free radicals. It can help treat depression by increasing the absorption of serotonin and dopamine, neurotransmitters that are often weak in people with depression. Ginkgo extract can also reduce symptoms of anxiety and stress by lowering levels of the stress hormone cortisol.

Since ginkgo leaves contain long-chain alkylphenols which are highly allergenic, these are similar to the irritating compounds found in poison ivy, poison oak, and poison sumac. If you have an allergy responding to any of these plants, it is best to avoid taking ginkgo.

A typical dose of ginkgo is 40 mg three times a day for a total of 120 mg. It is generally advised to start at a low dose and take with meals to avoid gastrointestinal upset. Doses of up to 240 mg per day are often recommended for therapeutic purposes.

Except spice, rosemary is a plant with calming qualities

Rosemary as an anti-depressant remedy shows a good anxiolytic effect. It is a woody plant and its leaves are used to flavor meats, potatoes, cooking oils and many other seasonings. This spice shows good effects as an antidepressant and anxiolytic. The active ingredients are rosmanol, circimaritin and salvigenin and make it a great addition to lamb, veal, and fish.

Thyme stabilizes mood

Being an excellent source of lithium and tryptophan, thyme stabilizes mood and aids sleep and soothing in the small doses available simply by using the spice in cooking. Use thyme with garlic to rub the roasts. It also accompanies dishes of eggplant with peppers.

In what forms to take herbal remedies for anxiety?

There are a number of different ways to take herbal remedies for anxiety.

Either as tea, supplements or original flower, or as essential oils. These can be inhaled straight from the vial or rubbed into the skin after checking for skin problems. Added to the bath, the oils provide a relaxing comfort to envy.

Another great way to spread essential oils throughout the room is to use an electric diffuser (many have soothing noises and lighting).

The statistics are ruthless

According to statistics, the rate of use of antidepressants among adolescents and adults is increasing year by year.

While specialists approve of taking medication, is it a good thing for mental health and are antidepressants really effective? Of course, the criticisms are numerous and also ruthless. They claim that the benefits of drugs are overestimated and that pharmaceutical company marketing is responsible for the surge in prescriptions.

Some experts believe that our stressful lifestyle makes us more depressed, but regardless of the point of view, more people than ever are taking antidepressants and effective natural options are needed more than ever.