6 HERBS FOR ANXIETY AND STRESS RELIEF

6 Herbs for Anxiety and Stress Relief



By Kelsey Greer
Posted Wednesday, July 8, 2015 at 06:27pm EDT
Keywords: alleviate stress, herbs for anxiety, natural herbs for anxiety
Anxiety affects everyone’s lives. Whether it’s a frequent visitor or rare occurrence, the onset of anxiety can cripple your daily routine. While some might turn to prescriptions or over-the-counter aid, there are multiple natural remedies that can help, many of which have been used for thousands of years.

Passionflower
Across multiple studies, passionflower continues to be one of the best natural remedies for anxiety. In a blind study by the University of Maryland, passionflower worked as well as prescription anxiety medication without the side effects. Passionflower also helps reduce feelings of nausea, making it perfect for those who feel sick when nervous. In more serious cases, it is used to treat seizures, attention deficit disorders and high blood pressure. However, passionflower should not be taken by those that are pregnant as it can cause muscle relaxation and contractions.

Lemon Balm
Lemon balm is one of the oldest natural remedies for anxiety, dating back to the ancient Mediterranean. Shown to decrease blood pressure, calm nerves and aid digestion, lemon balm is a popular addition in a wide variety of teas. In its oil form, it can be used to flavor foods or even as a topical treatment for cold sores. Lemon balm can be the perfect herbal answer to infrequent strong bouts of stress but should be used in moderation. Studies have shown that too much lemon balm or too frequent use can upset the stomach and, in fact, increase anxiety.

Chamomile
Chamomile is one of the most popular teas and has been for centuries. Available at nearly every coffee shop and grocery store, chamomile is the home remedy of choice for the common cold and upset stomachs. The active ingredient, matricaria recutita, works directly with receptors in the brain to help lower heart rate and anxiety. Chamomile is technically part of the ragweed family so take with caution if you suffer from seasonal allergies.

Lavender
Lavender is a popular scent used in household cleaning products and is often used in aromatherapy for depression. Ingesting lavender through teas or supplements can also help relieve stomach pain and other digestive problems. Lavender works best in an oil form where it has few side effects. When too much is ingested, it can cause headaches. It also has small amounts of natural hormones and should not be fed to children.

Skullcap
Skullcap is the go-to natural remedy for people that suffer from side effects associated with hypertension and anxiety. Skullcap is a strong natural muscle relaxer and can help treat ailments from restless legs and insomnia to teeth grinding. As such, Skullcap does cause a considerable amount of drowsiness and is best used in the late evenings. When looking for a skullcap supplement or tea, it’s important to make sure you are selecting the right kind. There are multiple subspecies of skullcap and only scutterlaria lateriflora has stress relieving properties.

Valerian Root
Valerian root is one of the most popular natural sleep aids. Often working in combination with lemon balm in teas, valerian root can help cure migraines, stress disorders and abdominal discomfort. It is also used to help with joint pain and is a natural alternative to pain medication for pregnant women. Multiple studies have shown that 600 mg of valerian a day can greatly reduce high blood pressure and depression associated with stress. Users should be careful when taking valerian root to avoid alcohol as its natural properties can combine with alcohol’s intoxicating effects and cause heavy sedation. Valerian root is a powerful herbal supplement that should only be used for short term relief from anxiety.

There are many different herbal treatments for anxiety, and you may find one works better for you than others. Whether relaxing after a long day or treating recurrent anxiety disorders, it’s important to talk to your doctor before beginning any prolonged treatments. While herbal supplements are the perfect natural way to stay healthy, they can interact in unpredictable ways with any medications you are currently taking.

Sources
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/generalized-anxiety-disorder/expert-answers/herbal-treatment-for-anxiety/faq-20057945
http://foodmatters.tv/articles-1/5-herbs-to-calm-anxiety-without-being-drowsy
https://www.nuphorin.com/21-herbs-for-anxiety/

http://blogs.naturalnews.com/6-herbs-anxiety-stress-relief/