Whether it is chest tightness, feelings of agitation, sweating, and losing control over our mind, we are all well aware that anxiety is no fun. Those who suffer from it can be highly debilitated from its effects. In 2013, 8.2 million anxiety incidents had been reported in the United Kingdom, with women being two times as likely as men to be dealing with mood disorders.
Although with the growing advancement in science, there are countless medicines that can reduce your anxiety in a matter of minutes, but these synthetic medicines have their side effects.
If you are looking for a natural solution, herbs have been proven to have a soothing effect, whether it is an anxiety attack or just general nervousness. Below is a list of 10 natural herbs and spices that will bring relief to your anxiety.
Ginger:
Besides adding taste and freshness to your dishes, Ginger acts as an excellent treatment for general anxiety. This is because the antioxidant gingerol tends to combat the harmful chemicals generated by our bodies while we are anxious. For example, stress can lead to an upset stomach when stomach acid processing, which is essential for digestion, is hindered. In this situation, Ginger saves the day by enhancing the synthesis of stomach acid.
How to use Ginger in your everyday life to reduce anxiety?
- Take a pot, add two cups of water to it.
- Boil the water for some time.
- Add 1tsp of chopped Ginger and let it boil for some time.
- Strain and add 1tsp of honey and lemon juice according to your taste. Now, wait till this magic herb starts showing its magic!
Ashwagandha:
Ashwagandha is a revitalizing herb that enhances your body’s natural ability to deal with mental and physical discomfort. Usually, when a person is stressed, the cortisol levels of the body start skyrocketing. Other hormones also become unbalanced, leading to irregular sleep patterns, mood swings, and depression. This miraculous herb enables your body to reduce cortisol production, also known as the stress hormone.
Regular intake of Ashwagandha can make one feel less stressed and mentally calm.
How to use Ashwagandha in your daily life to reduce anxiety:
- Take one cup of lukewarm milk an hour before bedtime.
- Add 1 ½ tsp of Ashwagandha powder to your cup.
- Mix and enjoy a peaceful sleep.
Brahmi:
Brahimi, AKA the brain booster, is a unique herb found 4000 ft above sea level. It is the anti-anxiety properties of this small herb that makes it the Ayurvedics’ favorite. A study has shown that Brahmi increases serotonin levels, also known as “the happy chemical,” that aids in relaxing. It has a one-of-a-kind capacity to improve brain performance while also assisting the body in coping with stress. It brings in the sense of calm and relieves irritability. It’s a gentle sedative that improves mental control and concentration rather than dulling the mind.
How to use Brahmi in your daily life?
- Take one cup of lukewarm water or milk.
- Add 1tsp of Brahmi powder and let it rest for 10 minutes.
- Add 1tsp of honey (if required) and enjoy your drink.
Lavender:
Lavender is much more than just an aromatic plant. Today, people use it to fight physical and mental problems, including anxiety, depression, and insomnia. According to the studies, massaging Lavender oil soothes your stress and brings a sense of positivity and freshness. In addition, the herb is known to reduce the stress-causing hormone- cortisol.
How to use Lavender in your daily life to reduce anxiety?
1. Boil 2-3 cups of water.
2. Add 2-5 drops of Lavender oil.
3. Start inhaling its vapors.
Holy Basil:
Inflammation, free radicals, and oxidative stress are also possible outcomes of extreme stress. Holy Basil boosts antioxidant levels and function, allowing them to safely associate with free – radicals and combat their harmful effects. This miraculous wonder of soil is successful in the treatment of anxiety and depression. Ayurveda also recommends Tulsi as a protective measure for helping the body respond to both physical and emotional stress and preventing the onset of stress-related diseases.
How to use Holy Basil in your daily life?
1. Take 2 cups of water and let it boil.
2. Add a few Tulsi leaves.
3. Allow it to boil for a few minutes and strain.
4. add 1tsp of honey and lemon juice as per your taste. Enjoy!
Lemon Balm:
Belonging to the mint family, lemon balm is named after the Greek term for “honey bee.” While this herb is native to Europe, humankind cultivates it globally to obtain its benefits. The individual has long use lemon balm to help with mood and cognitive performance. Still, the magical benefits of this herb don’t end here.
It is said to relieve the effects of stress. It improves the mood and also aids in lessening the symptoms of anxiety that include muscle twitching, nervousness, and nausea.
How to use lemon balm in your daily life?
1. Take a few lemon balm leaves and chop them.
2. Take 2 cups of boiling water and add lemon balm leaves (chopped)
3. Let it boil for a few minutes.
4. Strain the boiled water; now add 1tsp of honey and enjoy!
Valerian:
Individuals know valerian root as nature’s valium from the earlier civilizations because of its mind and body calming properties. People use Valerian root to treat insomnia, which is frequently exacerbated by stress lead by anxiety. A plethora of research proves its ability to cure restlessness by promoting peaceful sleep. This natural herb contains isovaleric acid along with different compounds that promote sleep and dizziness, so make sure you do not consume it when driving or during work. Not only anxiety, but research suggests it can help with other neurological disorders like Parkinson’s too.
How to use valerian in your daily life to reduce anxiety?
1. Take 2-3 roots of dried valerian roots.
2. Soak it in warm water for 10-15 minutes.
3. Strain the water, enjoy your tea.
Ginkgo Biloba:
Ginkgo Biloba is well-known for its memory-boosting properties, particularly among the elderly. However, this herb’s benefits are not limited to that. Ginkgo Biloba is also beneficial for anxiety. This plant has been listed as one of the most effective herbs for curing or avoiding anxiety and depression. It contains antioxidants like flavonoids and terpenoids that reduce free radicals’ impacts, resulting in anxiety relief. In addition, ginkgo has been proven for its capacity to alleviate fear, stress, and other symptoms linked to Alzheimer’s disease and cognitive impairment.
How to use Ginko Biloba in your daily life?
1. Take 2-3 fresh Ginko Biloba leaves.
2. Add them into 2 cups of boiling water.
3. Let it boil for 5 minutes.
4. Strain it in a cup; you can add 1tsp of honey as a sweetener if you want.
Passionflower:
Benzodiazepines are one of the most often used anxiety medications. Researchers used Passionflower in a study on people suffering from anxiety. They discovered that it performs almost as well as synthetic medicines but without the side effects. These synthetic medications have drowsiness as a side effect, but there is none for Passionflower. Passionflower promotes the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid that aids in regulating mood.
How to use Passionflower in your daily life?
1. Take dried passionflower herb.
2. Add into 2 cups of boiling water.
3. Let it boil for 5 minutes.
4. Strain it in a cup; you can add 1tsp of honey as a sweetener if you want.
Rhodiola:
Otherwise known as the golden root, Rhodiola has been serving humankind for centuries. Research suggests that consuming Rhodiola for 10-14 days can decrease the stress-causing hormone cortisol levels. Herbs like Rhodiola boost the body’s stress tolerance, helping you deal with complex, tense situations. The herb aids in relieving stress, hormonal as well as blood pressure issues led by anxiety.
How to use Rhodiola in your daily life?
1. Take dried Rhodiola roots.
2. Put them in 2 cups of hot boiling water.
3. Let it steep, strain the water and enjoy your tea.
Conclusion:
It is essential to consider that excess of everything can be harmful. Where these natural herbs tend to fight your anxiety, excess intake of them can promote it. If you’re thinking about using a herbal remedy to treat anxiety, consult your doctor first — particularly if you’re on any other treatments. Any natural medications and drugs can interfere and cause severe side effects.
Where to buy:
NOTE: Please, seek advice from your health practitioner before adding these herbs and spices to your diet. Because some herbs and spices might contraindicate with prescription medication.
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