According to a report, over 90 percent of all doctor visits in primary care are due to stress and anxiety. A small amount of stress can be beneficial by improving concentration and alertness. However, constant exposure to high levels of stress can lead to chronic diseases and leave lasting scars on your mental and physical health. Stress can also lead to weight gain, type 2 diabetes, premature aging, and heart disease.
Many people around the world are turning towards calming techniques such as meditation and herbal remedies to counter stress. These natural remedies using herbs are a natural and healthier way to deal with stress and anxiety issues in everyday life.
Through this article, let us look at the nine herbs that can help you fight stress and calm your mind.
1. Tulsi Or Holy Basil
Tulsi is a common herb that you can find in almost every Indian household, and it is renowned from ancient times for its plethora of medicinal properties. Tulsi is a member of the mint family and is an ingredient in Indian cuisine. Consuming the Tulsi leaves can help balance blood sugar levels and digestion and boost the immune system with its antimicrobial and antioxidative properties.
Excessive stress causes the formation of free radicals and inflammation in the body due to oxidative stress. The antioxidants in Tulsi leaves can neutralize the free radicals and fight stress and anxiety when you consume it regularly. Tulsi even protects the internal organs and tissues from chemical stress emanating from industrial pollutants. You can make Tulsi tea by boiling Tulsi leaves in a cup of water and stirring two teaspoons of lemon juice in it.
2. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is a powerful rejuvenating medicinal herb that has a profound place in Ayurveda and in use as medicine for treating a variety of ailments for over 2500 years. Ashwagandha belongs to a group of herbs called Adaptogen, which can regulate the hormone levels and systems in a human body synergistically. Ashwagandha also promotes endurance, stamina, and energy while improving ease and quality of sleep.
According to a study by the Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine, there is a significant reduction in the levels of the primary stress hormone, cortisol, while administering Ashwagandha. High cortisol levels are usual while experiencing stress, and it can cause the neurotransmitters and other hormones to unbalance in the body. Ashwagandha can significantly reduce stress and anxiety in the short term, and it is useful in fighting chronic anxiety and stress with regular daily intake.
3. Cannabis
The Cannabis plant is extremely effective in fighting stress and anxiety due to the presence of the active ingredient Cannabidiol or CBD. The CBD molecules directly interact with the endocannabinoid receptors in the central nervous system leading to relief from stress and anxiety.
According to a study by Washington State University, there is a significant reduction in depression, anxiety, and stress among people who smoke different Cannabis strains at home. There are also a wide variety of CBD products without THC, such as topical cream, vape liquid, and tablet, allowing you to enjoy the anti-anxiety effects. You can easily find a good source to buy cannabis online or at a dispensary, to help treat stress and anxiety disorder with the use of the herb at home.
4. Valerian
Valerian is a herb that finds application in the treatment of anxiety, depression, and insomnia throughout the world. The herb grows commonly in most parts of Europe and Asia, and it is a primary ingredient in making a remedy that promotes peace and tranquility. The Valerian herb roots find application in making medicine in the form of tinctures, tablets, and tea.
You may consume the herb by making a tea with its root or in the capsule form as a supplement. However, there is a lack of sufficient scientific studies on the effect of Valerian to prove their effectiveness, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health.
5. Lemon Balm
Lemon balm has an exquisite flavor and citrusy scent that makes it soothing upon consumption. Drinking lemon balm tea can relieve stress and anxiety within minutes of drinking it, and they also help in treating mood disorders while promoting alertness and calmness. According to researchers, lemon balm reduces insomnia by 42 percent and anxiety and its symptoms by 18 percent in participants.
The GABA receptors in the brain are responsible for maintaining harmonious balance and avoiding excitement. Lemon balm increases the GABA receptors’ activity in the brain, thus aiding sleep and keeping stress levels low. Lemon balm also has a long history in treating intestinal colic and flatulence.
6. Chamomile
Chamomile is a flowering herb used by Romans and Greeks from ancient times to treat a variety of ailments and their calming effect. Chamomile tea is the most popular form of herb consumption, and it cures headaches and loss of appetite that originate from stress. Chamomile contains several antioxidants, phenolic acid, quinones, and flavonoids. These compounds help relieve anxiety and stress, relax the nerves, calm the muscles, and improve digestion.
7. Lavender
Lavender is most popular in the form of essential oil in its use for aromatherapy, and the herb is in use as a remedy for nervousness and anxiety from times immemorial. You can also use the oil while preparing baths or as a base oil for massaging. The lavender essential oil contains linalyl acetate and linalool that acts on the chemical receptors in the brain, producing a calming effect.
According to a study in Florida, the students who smell Lavender before entering an examination experience less anxiety than those who do not. Another way to enjoy the medicinal effects of Lavender is by making tea with its leaves. Lavender aids in
8. Kava Root
The roots of the kava plant may be the most effective remedy in fighting anxiety and stress. The medicinal shrub originates from the islands in the Pacific ocean, and unlike other medicinal herbs that fight anxiety symptoms, the kava root also removes anxious thoughts. Kava binds itself to the GABA neurotransmitters in the body and promotes calmness and relaxation immediately.
9. Passion Flower
Passionflower is a herb belonging to a family of 550 different species of plants that provides a safe and effective treatment for stress, nervousness, and anxiety. Passionflower works by increasing the production of GABA in the body, which aids in calming the nerves. According to a study, the herb is as effective as the prescription drug, Benzodiazepine, in treating anxiety.
Conclusion
The modern work culture puts individuals in a constant state of overwhelm and overwork, leading to chronic stress and anxiety. Prescription medications such as Valium, Xanax, and Klonopin can quickly resolve your anxiety and provide a calming effect. However, you will experience several side effects, and the symptoms return once the effects of the drug wear off in a few hours.
Reference Links –
https://food.ndtv.com/food-drinks/6-natural-herbs-for-anxiety-to-calm-you-down-1674389
https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2018/04/180419100110.htm
https://solisbetter.com/feeling-stressed-out-how-cbd-can-help-with-stress/
https://wisdom.thealchemistskitchen.com/8-herbs-for-calm/
https://www.theactivetimes.com/fitness/n/7-natural-remedies-stress-and-anxiety
https://drmaryskataylor.com/2018/07/5-calming-herbs-to-reduce-stress-and-soothe-the-mind/
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