Anxiety and stress should be seen as normal, because it is. From the occasional anxiety that are circumstantial like the butterflies in the stomach before an important presentation to the diagnosed anxiety disorders packed with panic attacks. Regardless of what type it is, it’s always great to have a natural remedy ready to help yourself cool down after a stressful day filled with nothing but anxiety. Thankfully, there are more than one herb that can be your best friend for that!
Table of Contents
What causes Anxiety?
There are numerous reasons as to what can cause anxiety, which occurs when one feels disappropriate levels of stress. Some are more common while others are specific to certain people. No two people react the same to the same situation, and that’s sort of the beauty of anxiety. Anxiety can happen even without external stimuli, but the more generic causes include environmental factors like stress from a job, personal relationships, school and financial situations. Stressful experiences like life adjustments can also cause anxiety.
Anxiety can also come from genetics, and people with family members known to have it are more likely to have it themselves. It is also possible to get anxiety due to the brain chemistry. Experiences, genetics, hormones and other such factors can alter the brain structure, causing one to react more vigorously to triggers.
The Effects of Having Anxiety and Stress
Having anxiety and stress can bring about multiple of effects like insomnia, fatigue, depression and sleepless These can disrupt daily life, relationships and work. For some, anxiety can be fleeting as it comes and goes on occasion and events. For others, it might be a condition that comes more often than not. If one doesn’t act on their anxiety, it may impact physical health as well as mental well-being.
1. Chamomile
Chamomile is one of the best herbs for anxiety. It’s known for its gentle effect on the mind. This herb encourages sleep as well as ease digestion issues. A good cup of chamomile tea will definitely put one’s mind away from the stress and anxiety of the day and on to a good night’s sleep.
There are also chamomile capsules for those who aren’t into tea. Studies have shown that the chamomile herb is extremely effective when it comes to calming anxiety symptoms. Best of all, chamomile is safe during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.
2. Valerian Root
The valerian root is more often than not taken in its pill form because of its natural aroma, but this herb is well-known for its wondrous effects for anxiety. It has been used for centuries, dating back to the Greek and Roman times, as an effective solution to stress. Valerian root is a natural remedy that is commonly used as a sleeping aid. This herb increases the amount of gamma aminobutyric acid that regulates the nerve cells and thus calming down one’s anxiety and promotes relaxation to the consumer.
3. Ashwagandha
Often referred to as the “Indian ginseng”, this powerful herb stabilises the body’s response to stress without any side effects like drowsiness. Ashwagandha is a rejuvenating herb that naturally reduces anxiety, and has been used for a very long time in the Ayurvedic medicine. This herb assists in balancing the hormones that may have contributed to the anxiety, as well as promote relaxation and sleep. There have been numerous studies that proved the effectiveness of Ashwagandha for anxiety as well, making it a reliable natural remedy.
4. Tulsi
A herb that’s found in almost every Indian household, Tulsi has powerful antioxidant properties that are helpful in treating anxiety and stress. It promotes regular blood sugar level and calmness, and its antioxidants reacts safely with inflammation and increase in free radicals and oxidative stress caused by anxiety, creating a healthy and regular balance for the consumer. While it is effective to take during times of anxiety and stress, it is recommended to consume on a regular basis so that the body can adapt to the psychological and physical stress with the help of this herb.
5. Passionflower
A native herb to Peru, passionflower promotes calmness and relaxation to consumers. Those who have anxiety or are overwhelmed with stress and restlessness are recommended to take this herb to calm themselves down. Some studies have suggested its effectiveness to stress, but because it is known to cause drowsiness and sleepiness, it’s best to take passionflower in the evening or before bed.
6. Kava Root
The kava root is an extremely well known natural remedy for anxiety. It’s non-addictive and non-hypnotic, making it a perfect, safe solution to help with the effects of stress and anxiety. Kava root promotes muscle relaxation and improves cognitive ability, and this herb has been studied by countless sources to make sure it is a safe herb to consume for this specific situation.
Kava root — in recent days is mostly taken in the pill form — is known to interact with other medications as well as alcohol, so this herb should be taken under the guidance of a health care provider.
7. Brahmi
This herb has numerous benefits to it. Apart from being a powerful antioxidant that are capable of treating conditions such as diabetes and cancer, brahmi is known to increase the levels of serotonin in the brain, a chemical that helps to promote relaxation. Because of that, this herb boosts cognitive function, provides a sense of calmness and peace, as well as assists the body to cope with stress. Brahmi doesn’t dull the mind, instead, it enhances the mental clarity and focus of the consumer, allowing them to react better to stressful and anxious situations.
8. Chasteberry
Chasteberry is also known as Vitex, and studies have shown its effectiveness in helping with anxiety and stress. This herb is known to eliminate symptoms of depression and anxiety especially during the hormonal times for the females. Most consumers take this herb in capsule forms twice a day or in tinctures.
9. Lavender
Lavender is extremely known for its calming effects and use in aromatherapy. It has been tested by several studies and all of them show positive results in its effectiveness on anxiety symptoms. Lavender promotes relaxation and calmness, and the plant’s essential oil is known to encourage sleep, improve mood and lessen anxiety. Whether it is consuming lavender in pill form or on its own as essential oil, lavender is a sure method to help with anxiety.
10. Lemon Balm
This herb has been used since the Middle Ages or even before in relieving symptoms and promoting relaxation, as well as treating digestive issues and headaches. Lemon balm’s soothing properties is effective as a natural anxiety remedy and studies have shown that it also improves one’s mood on top of reducing stress and relieving anxiety. Lemon balm does have a mild sedation effect that can reduce processing speed and one’s alertness, hence it is best to take it during the evenings or before bed so it doesn’t disrupt one’s day. Most people take lemon balm as a herbal tea, but there are also other forms like capsules that are just as effective.
Additional Natural Methods to Conquer Anxiety
On top of the natural remedies that can assist anxiety and stress, there are also other methods that are perfect to include in one’s day so as to be more effective. Exercise is always promoted as one of the best ways to tackle anxiety. By getting pumped and hyped up, it releases chemicals in the brain that will counter the anxious ones, providing a stable balance of chemicals and thus tackling the anxiety factor.
Aromatherapy is also extremely effective when it comes to fighting anxiety and stress. There have been numerous studies that prove the positive results that some essential oils have on anxiety, calming down the mind and body and thus eliminating the stress and anxiety from the person.
Meditation is also another wonderful way to get rid of anxiety. Focusing on the mindfulness that is taught during meditation is effective in decreasing the negativity that comes from anxiety and stress. If you’re not that knowledgeable on the subject, there are countless of videos and free tutorials online to help you get on your feet with it. It’s more of a mind-over-matter approach, and taking control of your own mind will definitely help in tacking the symptoms of anxiety and stress.
It’s no doubt that anxiety has become a common situation we face, especially in such a fast-paced world with constant problems coming from all directions. The stress that comes along with it is almost impossible to avoid, but there is one thing we can do and that is to fight against it. While there are medications for such situations, it’s always a good thing to have natural remedies by your side whenever you need them. These herbs are as easy to get as a bottle of milk, and making them as well as consuming them daily should not be a hassle. With time and effort, you’ll be thanking these herbal natural remedies when you’re up on your feet on your own for their push towards a more controlled mind and body.
