Some medications used to reduce anxiety come with unpleasant side effects. Therefore, people with anxiety may consider herbal medicine as an alternative. Examples include chamomile, valerian, etc.
It is important to consult your doctor before reducing or discontinuing prescription medications or starting herbal supplements. Many medicines derived from herbal ingredients are powerful, can cause side effects, and can interact with other medicines.
Here we discuss nine herbs and supplements that can help reduce anxiety.
Different herbs can have different effects on the body.
For example, some ashwagandha can lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol in the blood. Prolonged exposure to high circulating cortisol levels can increase your risk of developing anxiety.
Other herbs can help you relax by changing signal processing in the brain. For example, valerian root extract may modulate gamma-aminobutyric acid receptors in the brain.
Ashwagandha or something Withania somnifera It is one of a group of herbs called “adaptogens.”
Adaptogens affect the systems and hormones that regulate a person’s stress response. Ashwagandha has a long history of use in traditional Indian, or Ayurvedic, medicine.
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The eight-week study involved 58 participants who were experiencing stress. Each participant was randomly assigned to receive one of three treatments: ashwagandha extract at doses of 250 milligrams (mg) per day, 600 mg per day, or a placebo.
Participants who took ashwagandha showed lower cortisol than participants in the placebo group. I also experienced improved sleep quality.
Participants who took 600mg of ashwagandha reported significantly lower stress levels. However, participants who took lower doses of ashwagandha did not report stress relief.
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Ashwagandha can be taken in tablet or liquid tincture form.
Chamomile is an herb with flowers that resemble daisies. Two types of chamomile can be used medicinally: Roman chamomile and German chamomile.
Some people use chamomile to relieve stress and anxiety in the following ways:
- tea
- Extract
- Tablet
- skin cream
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All 93 participants took 1,500 mg of chamomile daily for 12 weeks. Some people continued to take chamomile for 26 weeks, while the rest switched to a placebo.
The researchers observed that participants who continued taking chamomile were no less likely to experience a recurrence of GAD symptoms than those who switched to a placebo. However, when it relapsed, the symptoms were not as severe.
Some people may experience
It is important for people taking any type of medication to consult their doctor before taking chamomile tea or supplements.
valerian, or Valeriana officinalis, a plant native to Europe and Asia. For centuries, people have used its roots to treat sleep disorders, anxiety, and depression.
To date, there are only a few high-quality studies on the effects of valerian.
Research suggests that valerian is generally safe. However, NCCIH notes that there is no information regarding the long-term use or safety of valerian in the following groups:
- pregnant person
- Parents in care
- children under 3 years old
Lavender is a flowering plant that belongs to the Lamiaceae family. Many people use lavender to calm the nerves and reduce anxiety.
People may use lavender to make tea or as an essential oil.
Lavender essential oil (LEO) contains chemicals called terpenes.a
This review suggested that LEO may be an effective short-term treatment for anxiety disorders. However, research on the long-term effects of LEO is lacking.
Galfimia glauca It is a plant species native to Mexico. People traditionally used it as a tranquilizer to reduce anxiety.
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Passiflora and passionflower is a family of about 550 different plants.
people can take P. incarnata In tablet form or as a liquid tincture.
Kava kava, or simply kava, is a shrub native to the islands of the Pacific Ocean.Its scientific name is Piper mesisticum.
Kava helps reduce stress and anxious feelings. however,
Cannabidiol (CBD) is one of the active ingredients in the cannabis plant.
A 2019 study suggests that CBD may have a calming effect on the central nervous system.
Researchers concluded that CBD may be beneficial for people with anxiety-related disorders. However, clinical trials are needed to confirm these results.
Although the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has not currently approved the use of CBD, this natural chemical is widely available in the following forms:
- Tablet
- liquid extract
- vape liquid
- topical cream
Other supplements that may help reduce symptoms of anxiety include:
Many herbs can interact with over-the-counter and prescription medications. Some medicines can increase or decrease the effects of certain medicines, which can cause serious health effects.
People taking medications should consult their doctor or pharmacist before starting any herbal supplements.
It is also important to note that herbal medicines may take longer to take effect than prescription drugs.
If you need further advice about herbal products, you can talk to a qualified herbalist about brands, strengths, and amounts.
The FDA does not monitor herbal remedies, so herbs that are mislabeled or contaminated with heavy metals pose potential safety concerns.
People have used herbs to treat many health conditions for thousands of years. Scientific research shows that certain herbs may help reduce symptoms of anxiety.
Like prescription drugs, some herbal products can cause side effects. Herbal products may also take some time to take effect. These factors should be considered when weighing the pros and cons of a particular treatment.
Serious interactions can exist between certain herbs and medications. People taking medications should consult their doctor before starting to take herbal products.
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