Mental health is extremely important as it influences all the activities and functions of the individual, as well as the entire health. According to statistics, around 70% of the population in the United States take some type of prescription drug, and half of them are on 2 or more of them.
According to Dr. Jennifer St. Sauver, one in 4 people in the U.S. suffers from some kind of mental health issue in a year, and consequently, antidepressants are the second most common prescription drugs.
So with all those die effects, you should consider these natural herbs to treat anxiety before thinking of using those drugs:
1. Passionflower
This exotic and sweet smelling flower has been used for long for making tea for easing anxiety, hysteria, seizures and insomnia. Its main benefits come from its sedative activity. According to
scientists, passionflower helps increase gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in your brain.
This chemical helps you feel relaxed by lowering activity of certain brain cells. You can use it in place of Oxazepam (Serax) for the treatment of systems without the negative effects on your cognitive ability and focus.
2. Rhodiola
This herb is part of the stress-reducing traditional medicine used in Scandinavia and China. It helps in treating fatigue and boosting happiness.
Our sympathetic nervous system is the one behind controlling shortness of breath, rapid heartbeat, nausea, dizziness, and shaking. And Rhodiola helps in reducing activity in this system.Another thing it does is to stimulate serotonin release. Serotonin is a hormone that makes you feel happy and relaxed.
3. Lavender
Lavender is used in aromatherapy and natural healing to treat mild to moderate depression and nervous disorders
It also has neuroprotective properties that also stabilize mood and help manage neurological disorders .
Lavender is safe to use on the skin and ingest, so you can enjoy these benefits by adding a few drop of essential oil to your bath, drinking it as a tea or placing a pouch of dried flowers in your pillow case.
4. Ashwagandha
Commonly used in ayurvedic medicine Ashwagandha is specifically known to help agoraphobia (anxiety triggered by large crowds and open spaces) (8).
A 2012 study of 64 volunteers randomized study found that the herb substantially reduced serum levels of cortisol, a powerful stress hormone. Ashwagandha can be taken in supplement form, but it’s more relaxing as a tea.
5. Chamomile
There’s nothing better than a warm cup of chamomile tea to help you sleep or to help manage an anxiety attack.
Several studies have found that the flower has meaningful antidepressant activity, as measured by Hamilton Depression Rating (HAM-D) questionnaires, when compared to a placebo .
Its active compounds, apigenin, luteolin and α-bisabolol, promote relaxation by gradually lowering blood pressure .
6. St. John’s Wort
This beneficial plant can be easily found in the nearest local health food stores. However, you can also grow it in your own garden. The physician Klaus Linde of the Munich Technical University suggests that it is as effective as antidepressants such as Prozac, but it causes no side- effects.
7. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is frequently used in the Ayurveda, but it is particularly used in the treatments of agoraphobia, which is the anxiety stimulated by open spaces and large crowds.
A randomized study conducted in 2012 included 64 volunteers. Its findings demonstrated that Ashwagandha effectively lowers serum levels of cortisol, the hormone associated with stress. You can use this herb in the form of tea, or as a supplement.
Side effects: This plant is regarded safe if consumed orally for a shorter period of time. However, it may provoke side effects like vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach upset.
Yet, note that you must consult your doctor or naturopath before you decide to use it, as it interacts with certain prescription drugs such as birth control.
Side-effects: This plant is beneficial if used no more than 12 weeks, or some suggest, a year. Namely, it is potentially unsafe if excessively used, and it may provoke reactions to sun exposure.
Moreover, St. John’s Wort may also cause is skin rash, diarrhea, restlessness, anxiety, irritability, dizziness, headache, stomach upset, fatigue, tingling, dry mouth, vivid dreams, trouble sleeping.
8. Valerian
You can successfully treat your headaches, anxiety and insomnia by using this beneficial root. Valerian has an intense smell, so make sure you wash it away with molasses or some maple syrup.
Side effects: Valerian is likely safe, but in some rare cases, it may cause excitability, uneasiness, headaches, and even insomnia in some people. Therefore, if you want to stop using it, it is best to gradually reduce the dose over a week or two before stopping completely.
9. Vanilla
The majority of people immediately feel relaxed as soon as the smell vanilla. According to one study, vanilla-like scents are linked to 63% reduced anxiety compared to humidified air alone. This is the reason why numerous spa products, creams, and candles have the sweet vanilla- scent.
Side effects: It is generally safe if consumed in normal amounts in food. However, it may sometimes lead to headaches, sleep problems, swelling and irritation.
10. Lemon Balm
This relaxing leaf effectively reduces anxiety and successfully enhances the quality of life in case of severe dementia. Moreover, it also promotes peace and calmness and improves the memory and attention.
It is a much safer alternative than prescribed medications, it is inexpensive, and you can even grow it at home.
Side effects: If taken in food amounts, it is safe. Moreover, it is generally safe for adults, and in appropriate amounts, it is potentially safe to be used up to a month in the case of infants for up to a week and by older children under age 12.
However, if taken orally, it may cause wheezing, abdominal pain, nausea, dizziness, and vomiting. A report has shown that it may cause an irritation as well as increased cold sore symptoms if applied to the skin.
Nevertheless, while these natural herbs can effectively reduce anxiety and tension, their effects are temporary. Therefore, make sure you exercise, meditate, lead a healthy lifestyle, and get counseling, in order to effectively treat anxiety.
