Herbs are known for their calming properties, which make them great options to use to naturally alleviate anxiety and promote relaxation. They can be ingested in a variety of ways, including by placing drops onto the tongue via a tincture or diluted in liquid such as sparkling water or cocktails.
Chamomile
Herbal remedies have been used for thousands of years to treat a wide range of ailments, including anxiety. Herbs have been known to help support sleep, soothe digestive complaints, and promote calmness.
In fact, one study found that chamomile may be beneficial for people with a variety of anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
It has calming properties that can also ease stress-related symptoms like nausea and vomiting. Inhaling vapors from a tea of chamomile can also relieve respiratory problems.
Lavender
Lavender is known for its calming properties and is used throughout the world to relieve stress and anxiety. It is also an effective herb for sleep support and relaxation.
It can be used in a variety of ways, including aromatherapy and topical application. In addition, it can be taken orally as a tincture.
It is important to remember that essential oils are lipophilic extracts of aromatic terpenoids, and they exhibit many properties of drugs but are not regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This makes it crucial to consult with your healthcare professional before using these products.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha, also known as Indian ginseng and winter cherry, has calming properties. It has been shown to reduce stress levels significantly and improve sleep.
Several studies also show that ashwagandha has mild antidepressant and anxiolytic effects. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study, ashwagandha decreased participants’ self-reported stress by over 77% in 60 days.
Ashwagandha is a member of a class of herbs called adaptogens. They have a range of health benefits when taken as teas, powders, tinctures and supplements. Some of these include reducing blood pressure, suppressing the immune system, enhancing sexual function and decreasing anxiety.
Valerian
The calming properties of Valerian can be infused into a soothing tea or used as an essential oil for the bath. Valerian is a natural way to relieve anxiety, stress and insomnia without resorting to prescription medications or sleep aids.
The herb is believed to help lower anxiety by interacting with GABA receptors in the brain. It also impacts serotonin, a chemical that helps regulate mood and sleep.
Its sedative effects are similar to those of prescription sleep medication, but it’s safe at recommended doses and won’t interfere with other medications you might be taking. However, it’s not recommended for long-term use because of the risk of tolerance and withdrawal.
Turmeric
Turmeric, a spice made from the rhizome of the Curcuma longa plant (also known as ginger), has been shown to be extremely effective in treating anxiety and depression. It is particularly good for regulating mood and boosting serotonin levels, a brain hormone that can help to calm you down.
While turmeric does contain some calming properties, it also has some potential side effects that you should know about. One of the most notable is that it may slow blood clotting. This can make it harder to heal if you have any kind of surgery or major injury.
Reishi Mushroom
The calming properties of Reishi Mushroom are so powerful that mycologists and mushroom enthusiasts alike have nicknamed it the “Queen of the Mushrooms” and the “Mushroom of Immortality.”
Reishi, or Ganoderma lucidum (or ling zhi), is an adaptogenic mushroom that has been used for thousands of years to support the body’s natural ability to heal itself. It helps to reduce stress, balance the endocrine system, and strengthen the immune system.
Studies have shown that Reishi is a calming herb that can help to promote better sleep. It may also help to alleviate anxiety and improve mood, especially in those who are experiencing chronic stress and fatigue.
Frequently Asked Questions
What plant helps with infection?
There are plants out there that help fight infections. Some even contain anti-bacterial properties. One of them is mint.
Mint has been used for centuries to treat respiratory infections such as cold symptoms and flu. Mint also supports digestion and relieves gas pains. You may find relief with peppermint tea if you have an upset stomach. Peppermint oil has antibacterial properties, which make it effective against germs.
Peppermint tea contains menthol, beta-carotene, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, iron, and potassium. These nutrients support healthy immune systems and provide energy to keep your body strong.
You can make peppermint tea at home by adding one teaspoon of dried mint leaves to boiling water. Let steep for five minutes and drink hot three times per day.
Or you can buy peppermint tea bags at any grocery store. Simply add two teaspoons of dried mint leaves to a cup of hot water. Steep for 10 minutes and strain. Drink hot three times per day for best results.
What are the side effects of basil?
Basil is an herb that originated in tropical regions of India, Africa, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, and Chile.
The plant is easy to grow in most climates and requires little maintenance. Basil also thrives in poor soil conditions and is very drought tolerant.
As for the health benefits, more than 200 known compounds are found in basil, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans, polysaccharides, essential oils, vitamins, and minerals.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, basil contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties which may help relieve symptoms associated with arthritis, asthma, allergies, bronchitis, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, digestive disorders, depression, eczema, insomnia, infections, migraines, osteoporosis, psoriasis, respiratory problems, stress, and ulcers.
Basil is also a culinary spice and is often added to tomato sauces, soups, salads, pasta dishes, rice dishes, dips, casseroles, pizza toppings, pesto, chicken wings, and popcorn.
However, like all herbs, basil should be consumed in moderation. Too much of anything is not good for you. For example, eating large amounts of basil could lead to stomach upset. And if you have sensitive tummies, avoid consuming basil during pregnancy.
If you are pregnant or nursing, consult your doctor before taking herbal supplements.
You should only take one type of supplement at a time. If you take other medications, make sure they do not interact with each other.
You should never use herbs while on medication unless directed by your doctor.
Some people experience allergic reactions when using herbs, especially those allergic to ragweed. Symptoms include hives, swelling around the mouth or eyes, shortness of breath, chest tightness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, fainting, heart palpitations, blurred vision, loss of consciousness, seizures, or even death.
Some people who take certain medications may develop an allergy to basil. These drugs include:
- Antacids (like Alka Seltzer)
- Anti-anxiety medicines (Valium, Xanax, Ativan, etc.)
- Beta-blockers (like Propranolol)
- Blood thinners (like Coumadin)
- Calcium channel blockers (like Amlodipine)
- Cholesterol-lowering drugs (like Lipitor, Zocor, Mevacor, and Pravachol)
- Diabetes medicine (like Glucophage)
- Diuretics (like Lasix)
- Heartburn medicines (like Prilosec OTC)
- Hormone therapy (like Premarin, Tamoxifen, Femara)
- Insulin (like Humalog, Lantus, Novolin R)
- NSAIDs (like Aleve, Motrin, Advil, Excedrin, Tylenol, Ibuprofen)
- Oral contraceptives (like Ortho Evra, Yasmin, Loestrin, Ovrette, Yaz, and Seasonale)
- Pain relievers (like Aspirin, Celebrex, Vicodin, Percodan, Darvocet, Dilaudid, Fiorinal, Tylenol 3s, Naproxen, Motrin, Tramadol, Ultram, Voltaren
Is it okay to use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?
It is best to pick up fresh herbs whenever possible when using herbs.
Although dried herbs are convenient, they don’t provide the same benefits as fresh herbs.
Fresh herbs contain essential oils that give your food a unique flavor. These oils help preserve the nutrients within the herb.
Dried herbs lose all their flavor after drying, so they cannot replace fresh herbs.
You should only use dried herbs if you absolutely must. Otherwise, you should get your fresh herbs from the market.
Statistics
- Herbs are among the most popular and widely used medicinal remedies. According to a survey conducted by the National Institutes of Health, herbs were used by over 38% of adults in the United States.
- For those with high cholesterol, garlic supplementation appears to reduce total and/or LDL cholesterol by about 10-15% (72Trusted Source73Trusted (healthline.com)
External Links
ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
- Antioxidant capacity of 26 spice extracts and characterization of their phenolic constituents - PubMed
- Cinnamon: A Multifaceted Medicinal Plant - PMC
sciencedirect.com
- Peppermint oil (Mintoil®) in the treatment of irritable bowel syndrome: A prospective, double-blind placebo-controlled randomized trial
- Curcumin reverses the effects of chronic stress on behavior, the HPA axis, BDNF expression, and phosphorylation of CREB
onlinelibrary.wiley.com
mskcc.org
- Ashwagandha | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
- Grape Seed | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
How To
How to use herbs safely?
Many people think that herbs should only be used under medical supervision because they believe that some herbs are poisonous. However, this is not true.
Many herbs have long histories of safe use. For example, garlic has been used for thousands of years to fight infections. It's also been shown to lower cholesterol levels and reduce high blood pressure.
However, if you're pregnant or nursing, avoid taking certain herbs. You should also avoid them if you suffer from allergies or sensitivities to herbs.
You can do several things to ensure you get the best results from your herbs and supplements. First, always read labels before consuming anything containing herbs or spices. Second, take the lowest dose recommended on the label. Third, don't use more than one supplement at any given time. Fourth, talk to your doctor about how to combine specific herbs and supplements. Finally, keep track of your consumption to know whether you need to adjust your dosage.
Resources:
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