Mental health issues have become very common nowadays. According to statistics 70% of Americans are on some kind of prescription drug and it is estimated that most of them take 2 or more prescription pills.
In fact, 1 in 4 Americans will suffer from some mental health disorder in one year. Anxiety and depression are the most common disorders along with the rest of the mental disorders thereby making antidepressants the second most common prescription in the U.S.
The common prescribed antidepressant is Benzodiazepines which incorporates severe adverse effects like the following ones:
- Seizures
- Lack of coordination
- Mood changes like suicide thoughts and hallucinations
- Memory issues
- Yellow eyes or skin
- Slurred speech or trouble talking
- Difficulty walking
Therefore, try to avoid theses artificial products and go for the natural solutions.
10 NATURAL HERBS FOR ANXIETY
- Ashwagandha
This herb is frequently used in the Ayurvedic medicine. It is ideal in the treatment against agoraphobia which is a kind of anxiety triggered by large crowds and open spaces.
It can significantly lower the serum levels of cortisol, a powerful stress hormone which was proven by a study in 2002, involving 64 volunteers. You can take it either as a tea or as a supplement.
- Chamomile
Many studies have showed that this flower contains substantial antidepressant activity, as measured by Hamilton Depression Rating (HAM-D) questionnaires, when compared to a placebo.
Chamomile contains the following active compounds: luteolin, apigenin, and α-bisabolol which lower the blood pressure steadily and as well as promote relaxation.
In fact, a warm cup of chamomile tea will relax you making you easily to fall asleep or manage an anxiety attack.
- Lavender
This herb incorporates neuro-protective properties; it can also manage numerous neurological disorders, and can stabilize our mood.
Likewise, it can treat mild to moderate depression and nervous disorders. For that reason it is included in aromatherapy as a natural way of healing.
It can be applied topically like in your bath or used orally in a form of tea. You can also place a pouch of dried flowers in your pillow case and thereby very soon experience its remarkable relaxing properties.
- Lemon balm
This is very pleasant, citrusy leaf used to soothe anxiety which can substantially improve the quality of life particularly in patients with serious dementia.
It boosts memory functions, calmness and attention. It can be grown in your home and extremely safe for use contrary to the numerous drugs.
- Passion Flower
It is an exotic, sweet smelling flower displaying sedative activity. Traditionally is used as tea in order to soothe anxiety, insomnia, seizures, and hysteria.
It is scientifically confirmed that passionflower elevates the levels of a chemical known as gamma aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain. This chemical can reduce the activity of some brain cells thus making you feel more relaxed.
This herb has the efficacy as oxazepam (Serax); however it shows less negative impact on your focus and also on the cognitive ability contrary to other taken drugs.
- Rosemary
It contains neuro-protective properties thus soothing your nervous tension. You can either smell it or ingest it to boost your cognitive performance and you’re your memory. Aside the fact that it smells very nice it is also delicious thus used in various dishes.
Rosemary essential oil will help you to gradually stop the use of antidepressants or painkillers such as for instance morphine.
- Rhodiola
This herb is traditionally used in Scandinavian and Chinese medicine for the treatment of fatigue, lowering stress, and as well as promoting happiness.
It reduces the activity in the sympathetic nervous system which controls symptoms such as fast heartbeat, dizziness, shaking, shortness of breath or nausea, and as well as stimulates the release of serotonin, hormone for happiness and relaxation.
- St. john’s wort
It is available in most health food stores, but if you want to have it all the time fresh, you can grow it in your own backyard.
According to the physician Klaus Linde of the Munich Technical University this herb is as effective as antidepressants such as Prozac, but with less adverse effects.
Note that this herb can interact with prescription pills like birth control; therefore you need to consult a doctor or a naturopath prior using it.
- Vanilla
The scent of vanilla provokes relaxing feelings to almost all people. In fact, a particular study showed that vanilla-like scents were related to 63% less anxiety than administration of humidified air alone.
For that reason, vanilla is frequently utilized in candles spa products and creams.
- Valerian
The root of valerian can treat insomnia, headaches and anxiety disorders. Itcan be taken either as tea or in a form of pills. The smell of valerian is very strong, therefore take it swiftly and eliminate its taste by taking a tablespoon of molasses or maple syrup.
NOTE: Prior taking any of these herbs, you must consult a doctor or a naturopath.
Implementing these herbs into your diet will help you to naturally treat nervous disorders and anxiety. However, to improve your mental condition you need to lead a healthy lifestyle, workout, meditate and even getting some professional counseling will do you good.
