If you battle with anxiety, then you know firsthand just how hard it can be to find solutions that actually work. Even in 2021, it's still a topic that is not talked about enough.
Whether you're needing to improve your social well-being, emotional, or psychological, herbal alternatives provide solutions.
Anxiety can affect how we react to things and scenarios, how we think, the way we act, and how we generally feel. It is a determinant of how we can handle stress, empathy with others, feelings of wellness, and make healthy and sound choices. If our anxiety is out of control, everything about our lives can be impacted negatively.
But this is not limited only to our mental health, this also includes our physical health.
Mental Health, Herbal Alternatives, and Herb Reviews
As nutrition plays a key role in the regulation of our mental health and overall well-being, the use of herbal alternatives is key too. Herbal alternatives, and herbalism in general, have been studied in the mitigation of depressive and anxiety symptoms to patients and showed promising results.
What is Herbalism?
Herbalism values the gift of nature in the form of herbal plants, being the mother of all medicine. Before there were pharmaceutical pills and medicine herbal medicine existed, commonly found in Asia.
Herbalism or also known as herbal medicine is different from conventional medicine due to the use of herbs and whole plants, technically unpurified herb extracts; a combination of different herbs (polypharmacy); and the diagnostic principle which is mainly based on treating the mother cause or causative agent of the disease.
Herbalism or herbal medicine is the practice of making a combination of herbal plants or sole prescription of herbal/plant-based medicine to treat medical diseases or cases.
Herbal Alternatives or medicine are now widely used by medical professionals, naturopaths, and osteopaths, as well as registered non-physician herbal experts in treating diseases.
Sleep and Anxiety
Anxiety is our body’s natural response to stress. It is characterized by feelings of immense fear, worry, or apprehension of what lies ahead. Anxiety is extremely common.
Anxiety disorder on the other hand is one of the common mental health problems worldwide and approximately 1 out 4 adults will have anxiety disorders at some point in their lives. Anxiety disorder is treated by a combination of neuropsychiatric methods like medicine and therapy, however, the emerging face of herbalism and herbal medicine is something to look into.
Sleep is our body’s natural coping mechanism in terms of daily stress and is a natural cycle that happens over a 24-hour period. Though, during the event of heightened stress levels, and anxiety one could experience sleep difficulty. Sleep disorders could be addressed by various treatments, and one of the most promising ways is herbalism or herbal medicine.
Herbal Plants That Support Anxiety Regulation and Sleep
Though herbal medicines are commonly used as a way to treat anxiety, there's still more research to prove its efficacy to a different demographic. Here are some examples, that you can use, but remember to ask an expert first.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is extremely popular for its calming properties. Due to its rising popularity, scientific sprouted to support its efficacy. Due to its calming effect in our body, it has an effect on our stress response, also tone down anxiety symptoms and alternative medicine for Generalized Anxiety Disorder.
Studies also show it works to lower our cortisol levels (stress hormones), anxiety symptoms, and not to mention blood sugar levels.
Lemon Balm
Commonly used to treat upset in our Gastrointestinal tract, it also has a potent calming effect that may reduce anxiety symptoms and improve sleep. Studies show that lemon balm have a sedative effect that can improve sleep and anxiety symptoms.
If you are not a fan of mint leaves, lemon balm is for you, though it belongs to the mint leave family, it tastes different.
Lemongrass
Lemongrass is best known for its therapeutic effects. Studies show it can assist individuals in feeling more calm, relax, and reduce the stress of an individual.
Studies show this herb, may also help in pain management, and boosting our immunity.
Oatstraw (Atena Sativa)
Say yes to Oatstraw! Oatstraw extract may improve blood circulation and flow, it also can reduce anxiety, and improve sleep.
Studies have shown that oatstraw may increase alpha brain waves which relate to feelings of joy. It can also boost dopamine levels, which boosts joy as well.
THC and CBD
The marijuana plant has become quite popular over the last several years. If you are at least 21, this can be one of the great solutions for anxiety. Out of all the herbal alternatives on the market, these products may be the most popular.
If you are at least 21, you can get these herbal alternatives at a local business, specifically dispensaries, to check out their herbal alternatives. There are locations all over the United States, but just make sure you research the local business first, see what is available and if it's a trustworthy one. They will assist you to choose a strain that works best for your needs.
Valerian Root
In the 17th century, Valerian Root is one the most commonly used herbal medicine in Europe. Valerian root is commonly used as a sleep aid.
Studies show that valerian root can help with restlessness, insomnia, and anxiety. Valerian root is the way to go due to its inhibiting role in the breakdown of GABA, this mechanism or pathway helps us achieve better sleep. You can take this herbal alternative right before bed to relax your body naturally.
Hawthorn
Hawthorn is a potent antioxidant commonly used to reduce anxiety symptoms and even alternatively used to treat heart failure. On top of that, it also contains a calming and sedative effect that helps us get quality sleep.
Spearmint
Spearmint is packed with health benefits, and flavor-wise it is refreshing as it has a minty flavor. It is high in antioxidants and other beneficial phytochemicals that may regulate hormones, lower blood sugar, and improve digestion.
Studies show it can reduce stress, anxiety, and improve memory that in the latter could improve sleep and cognitive performance.
Should You Give Herbal Alternatives A Try?
These herbal alternatives or medicines have been around for a while now and are commonly used to treat various ailments. Many of the herbs provide antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, pain relief, antioxidant, anxiolytic, and relaxant agents. However, do not self-medicate and give yourself your own dosage, consult a local physician to know what treatment and medicine are best for you. You got this hun, knowledge is power.
Contact/Business Hours
Make sure you first consult with a registered physician before opting for herbal alternatives or herbal products. If you have any questions about herbal alternatives, feel free to contact us. Our business hours are 10-4 pm all week days. Our email is hello@drinksymbi, when you contact us, please add your name to the inquiry.
You can shop all of our herbal alternatives on our site, here. We update the products we offer monthly and you can view any of our reviews here.
