We have all experienced anxiety at some point in our life. But do you ever
wonder what is happening inside the body when anxiety strikes? Anxiety
symptoms will present themselves when the brain has a difficulty balancing the
connections of neurotransmitter pathways to the emotional center of the brain.
Symptoms:
Feelings of overwhelm, a fight or flight response, tightness in the chest, heart
palpitations, blurred vision, insomnia are a few of the common symptoms people
will experience. Everyone is different, some will get symptoms that others don’t.
Top 5 Herbs for Anxiety
Lemon Balm ~ Lemon balm is a gentle herbal medicine that is commonly used to
promote relaxation but without having the sedative effect that many other herbs
for stress can have. This herbal remedy has a delicious taste and can be an
excellent herbal tea to sip on while unwinding in a calming bath. Lemon balm also
promotes inner calm, improves digestive function, reduces stress and anxiety,
eases gas and bloating, and supports mental functioning.
How to Use It: Sip on lemon balm in a warm herbal tea, or for a stronger dose, you
can opt for a tincture or supplement instead.
Motherwort ~ This revered herb has the power to calm the nervous system. This
effect has been attributed to the amino acid content in the plant. It has also been
responsible for reliving pain and depression.
How to Use it: Motherwort is available as a rather bitter tea (this would be rather hard to drink as a tea), tincture or oil extract.
Passionflower ~ Passionflower is a mild sedative herb that is commonly used to
improve sleep but can greatly support relaxation when your stress is through the roof. Make sure to use this herb later in the day or right before a calming nap. Passionflower also improves insomnia, promotes relaxation and stress relief. It is known to ease symptoms of ADHD, and supports cardiovascular health.
How to Use It: Preferably taken as a tincture or supplement.
Ashwagandha~ Ashwagandha has recently become one of the most famous herbs
for stress relief and anxiety. This herbal remedy comes from ancient Ayurvedic medicine based in India and has traditionally been used as the best way to promote deep relaxation. Ashwagandha is known to reduces anxiety, improve depression, combats stress, improves insomnia, strengthens the nervous system, and improves immune function.
How to Use It: Ashwagandha is traditionally taken in a powder form mixed with water or warm milk, but it can also be taken as a tincture, tea or dietary supplement.
Chamomile~ This incredible herb acts as a natural stress reliever, soothing your nerves and promoting relaxation. Incorporating chamomile into your daily routine can help you manage stress more effectively and bring a sense of calm to your life.
How to use it: Chamomile is best brewed in tea or used in combination with other herbs.
Additional Treatments for Anxiety:
1. Deep Breathing Techniques: There are several techniques out there these days. Find one that works for you or download a breathing app. Perform these techniques multiple times daily to calm the central nervous system.
2. Aromatherapy: Diffuse the essential oils mentioned above in a diffuser. Another option for aromatherapy is to take a bath with the herb and soak. For an extra therapeutic boost try defusing your oils while taking a bath!
3. Light Exercise: A slow short walk to your routine will help reduce stress and increase blood flow and the body will release endorphins which causes a calming effect in the body.
4. Auriculotherapy: It’s described as reflexology for the ear, there are hundreds of points on the ear that are believed to represent a microsystem of the whole body, with points for areas both physical and emotional. Book your Appointment Here