List Of Herbs For Anti-Anxiety

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Some of the best herbs for eliminating anxiety include lavender, kava, chamomile, ashwagandha, passionflower, ginkgo biloba and valerian root.

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Chamomile

Numerous studies have been done on the effects of chamomile on stress hormone levels in the body, and it has been found to soothe the nervous system and help to induce sleep and feelings of calm. This can be consumed in the form of a tea or a supplement, and its anxiolytic effects are well known.

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Passionflower

Primarily used to help people get uninterrupted sleep, this ancient sedative is known to counter the feelings of anxiety and can provide a sense of relief from overwhelming emotions. This herbal remedy is primarily used as a tea, although there are also tablets and herbal supplements available.

 

Gingko Biloba

It can counter the negative hormones that cause feelings of anger, sadness, anxiety, and loneliness that often accompany anxiety. As a mood booster, it can provide energy and aid you in overcoming negative thoughts.

 

Valerian Root

Many of the same active ingredients present in valium can be found in natural form within valerian root, and it is frequently recommended as a sedative, helping people achieve deep and restful sleep. The chemical compounds in this herb can settle the central nervous system and balance your hormone levels.

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Lavender

Lavender is packed with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant compounds, but it is perhaps best known for its scent, which alone can help calm down a busy mind and release physical and mental tension. Even a few drops of this essential oil on your pillow can work wonders, or lavender tea can be brewed and consumed regularly.

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Kava

For people who suffer from social anxiety disorder, using kava can be extremely effective. Also known as kava kava, this natural solution to feelings of nervousness, anxiety or stress has been used in traditional medicine as a sleep aid for centuries. You can steep a chopped up bunch of kava root, as you would a tea, and then drink this soothing beverage at any time of day.

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Ashwagandha

In Ayurvedic medicine, ashwagandha is widely praised for many health conditions, but it is particularly well known as an adaptogen, meaning that instead of regulating certain hormones or metabolic functions in one way or another, it helps the body adapt to different stressful environments and improve our natural response to anxiety triggers.

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List Of Herbs For Depression

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Some of the most effective herbs for anxiety and depression are St. John’s Wort, skullcap, lemon balm, hawthorn, California poppy, omega-3 fatty acids and green tea.

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Lemon Balm

Formally known as Melissa officianalis, lemon balm improves appetite, aids in healthy sleep, and can cure the inflammation or discomfort that often accompanies depression. It is known to uplift mood, while still allowing enough peace and relaxation to induce healthy sleep.

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California Poppy

Used successfully for mental and physical exhaustion, as well as acting as a general analgesic in the body, this little known herb is often recommended for people suffering from depression. It can provide a better mindset by altering neurotransmitter levels, while also stimulating the metabolism and energizing users.

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St. John’s Wort

One of the most famous herbs for anxiety and depression, St. John’s Wort has impressive antidepressant powers, which can help clear the mind, without impacting cognition, unlike so many pharmaceutical solutions for depression. For severe depression, however, professional help is recommended.

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Skullcap

If you are suffering from occasional bouts of serious depression, you can take skullcap to reduce inflammation, soothe the stomach, and stimulate cognition in a positive way, which can help with depression. This herb should only be used for short periods of time, as continual use could result in a worsening of your symptoms.

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Green Tea

Packed with many antioxidants, particularly L-theanine, green tea supplements or green tea as a beverage can stimulate the production of GABA (Gamma-aminobutyric acid), which controls a great deal of our central nervous system activity, including the release of “feel good” hormones.

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Omega-3 Fatty Acids

Many studies have linked low levels of omega-3 fatty acids to higher rates of depression and anxiety. You can get your fill of these critical fats in certain types of fish, such as salmon, as well as herbal supplements and tablets.

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Hawthorn

Capable of calming deep-seated emotions of fear, anger, sadness or uselessness, this powerful herbal remedy for depression is packed with saponins, catechins and anthocyanins that can positively alter the chemical balance in your body.

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How Are Herbs Useful?

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Herbs for anxiety and depression are useful because they can be effective treatments without forming habits or altering the chemical balance in your body to a dangerous level. There are many different herbs that can be used to treat these conditions, so even if you are overly sensitive or allergic to one method, there is likely another option that can help provide relief. Herbs have many of the same effects on hormone levels, metabolism and neurotransmitters that more traditional drugs provide, but tend to cause less negative side effects. Herbs for anxiety and depression also have hundreds or even thousands of years of anecdotal evidence backing up their ability to improve mood and relieve the signs of these mental conditions.

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Dosage For Anti-Anxiety Herbs

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Every herb for anxiety and depression has slightly different qualities, as they each have different active ingredients and effects on the body. It is important to note that despite their general safety and efficacy, herbs can often have concentrated amounts of certain compounds, so use these remedies in moderation and as recommended by herbalists or medical professionals.

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Note: Before deciding on a dose for any of these herbs for anxiety and depression, speak with your doctor about potential risks, interactions with other drugs, or possible complications with pre-existing conditions.