Natural
Herbal Remedies for Anxiety
Worldwide millions of people
suffer from the problem of anxiety and depression, which forces them to take
prescribed drugs. Allopathic medicines only offer a temporary relief and come
with a lot of harmful side effects. Several different kinds of herbs like
kava, passion flower, brahmi and ginkgo help to reduce the stress hormone and
offer a sense of relaxation without any harmful side effects on the body or
mind. The extracts of these plants are easily available as supplements in
various health stores around the world.
Every day thousands of medical
professionals prescribe drugs to patients suffering from anxiety, depression or
hypertension. The total sale of these drugs amounts of millions of rupees spent
worldwide, often at par with other allopathic medicine used for treating
problems related to other physical conditions. The sad part of the bargain is
that these drugs do little to solve the problem. They offer a temporary relief and
result in many other serious side effects if consumed for a prolonged period of
time.
Often diagnosing problems
related to anxiety in a country like India, takes a long time. If you
experience one or more than one of these below-mentioned symptoms, chances are
high that you might be suffering from anxiety.
Common symptoms of
Anxiety
- Tension in the muscles
- Heart palpitations
- Inability to sleep
- Hypertension
- Chest tightness
- Unreasonable panic attacks
- Difficulty in concentrating
- Digestive problems
- Excessive sweating
- Restlessness
- Inability to socialise
Natural Remedies
for Anxiety
Artic Root
Artic root as the name
suggests is found in the colder parts of the world like the Scandinavian
countries or the mountains of central China. These roots contain a substance
called adaptogen which is known to strengthen the body’s overall resistance to
emotional stress. It works by increasing the activity of major
neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine. This
root is particularly very helpful in reducing problems related to anxiety and
fatigue.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is the herb which
has been used by Ayurvedic practitioners for ages as sure shot herbal
remedy for anxiety. This plant is believed to provide a
person with the strength and stamina of a horse and reduce the stress hormone
by as much as 25%.
Brahmi (
Bacopa monieri)
Brahmi is another important herb in the Ayurvedic system
of medicine which is widely used for increasing the power of the human brain.
However, patience is the key when it comes to getting treated
using brahmi. Effects of this herb might take months to show.
Ginkgo ( Ginkgo
Biloba)
This is one of the most
ancient herbs known to mankind. The earliest known species of Ginkgo was
found 270 million years ago. These herbs were used by ancient practitioners for
thousands of years and are believed to reduce the secretion of cortisol, the
stress hormone. This herb is also known to calm down the mind without causing
any excessive stimulation.
Ginseng (Panax
ginseng)
According to the Chinese, the
Ginseng is believed to be the elixir of life. This herb helps the mind to
stay alert and the body strong. This 5000-year-old Ginseng herb
is used for treating problems related to stress, anxiety and sleep disorder.
Kava (Piper methysticum)
Kava is a medicinal plant
which originated in the South Pacific and is known as one of the most
potent natural remedies for anxiety. People in northern part
of India and Pakistan make a traditional kava tea which is known to
provide the drinker with a sense of clarity and deep mental relaxation. Today
it is used in many prescription medicines for treating problems related to
anxiety. While consuming Kava, be careful to not mix it with anti-anxiety
medications, antidepressants, or sleeping pills.
Passion Flower (Passiflora
incarnata)
Passion flower is a beautiful
flower with bright purple hues, which grows in North America. Originally used
by native Red Indians, this flower is now widely used by people all over the
world to treat problems related to anxiety and insomnia. It is also used for
manufacturing prescription sedatives like Serax.
Along with all these natural
remedies, it is important to have a clean and healthy diet and practice yoga
and pranayama if you wish to reap the complete benefits of these herbs.