5 Herbs For Anxiety

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Anxiety, stress and depression often lead to other serious health disorders. These mental conditions often become the root cause of health problems and hence should be treated at the earliest.

While antidepressant medications are easily available, they often come with unwanted side effects which are corrosive to health.

So, if you want side-effects free remedies for treating your anxiety, you may invest in some of these below mentioned herbs, but of course with the prior recommendation of an herbalist.

Best Herbs For Anxiety

Passion Flower

Passion flower is well known for its anxiety and depression relieving properties. Passion flower also known as passiflora or passion vines is the flower of a herbaceous plant, which is often used to treat anxiety, insomnia, depression, hysteria, spasm, tension, epilepsy and nervousness. The arousing aroma of this flower also helps to relieve associated pain and seizures.

Beta-carboline harmala alkaloids found in passion flowers are natural anti-depressants, which work by blocking the activity of monoamine oxidase enzyme family, which are responsible for the oxidation of a type of neurotransmitter called monoamines. Apart from the flower, other aerial parts of passion flower plant can be used for making tea. However, you can also use passion flower extracts in the form of essential oil, capsules, tincture or even as juice. 45 drops of passion flower essential oil can be used for reliving anxiety.

Chamomile

Chamomile is one such herb that can be used for treating an array of health disorders including anxiety, insomnia and stress. The plant possesses antixiolytic (anti-anxiety) properties due to the presence of anti-depressants which help modulate the activity of monoamine neurotransmitters. Other than that, chamomile also helps to relax the stressed nerves and promote sleep.

Chamomile is mainly used as a tea by steeping chamomile in warm water. One-fourth cup of this tea can be consumed daily to get relief from anxiety, stress and sleeplessness. Other than that, it can also be used in the form of essential oil, tincture, topical creams and capsules.

Kava

Kava or kava kava is an herb which is used to treat mild to moderate anxiety. The anti-anxiety or antixiolytic properties exhibited by kava are mainly due to the presence of a type of chemical known as kava-lactones. Kava has a soothing effect on the disturbed mental state which in turn helps to relieve anxiety.

It is believed that kava is as powerful and effective as medications designed for treating anxiety like benzodiazepines. Kava works by soothing the nerves and relaxing the muscles. Although this herb doesn’t possess any side effects, it should be used only by consulting a doctor in case of pregnant and breastfeeding women and patients who suffer from liver diseases and depression.

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St. John’s Wort

St. John’s wort is an herb which is primarily used for treating mild depression and anxiety. Reports suggest that St. John’s wort has the same effectiveness as antidepressant medications but have fewer side effects than the later one. This herb can be used as an alternative to valerian extract. St John’s wort is believed to possess antidepressant properties due to neurotransmitter reuptake inhibition properties.

Every part of this plant can be utilised to treat anxiety and depression; however, the leaves, stem and the flowers are considered to be most potential. Dried leaves can be brewed to prepare tea for regular consumption. Other than that, you can also consume this herb in the form of tincture or capsules. However, people who are photosensitive should stay away from this herb.

Lavender

An extremely popular and adorned herb, this plant has medicinal properties which are potent enough to treat various mental disorders like depression, anxiety, insomnia and stress. Lavender is extensively used in aromatherapy to soothe and relax muscles and to uplift the mood. Apart from its medicinal properties, a recent clinical trial has revealed that lavender possesses antixiolytic properties which aid in relieving anxiety and insomnia.

The stress relieving properties of lavender are exhibited mainly due to the presence of stress relieving chemicals like linalyl acetate and linalool. Lavender oil can be used as a massage oil to get relief from anxiety, insomnia and headache while it can also be consumed in the form of capsules and supplements.