Given the fast-paced life these days, people are often caught up with never-ending work deadlines and mounting social obligations. It adversely impacts their health and wellness, resulting in psychological issues like anxiety and depression. While there are synthetic medicines and therapies available to treat these issues, people are now resorting to alternative holistic remedies.
Is anxiety or depression affecting your life? Are you wondering how herbal remedies can help you combat these issues? Keep reading to find out more about using herbs for anxiety and depression.
How can herbs help you combat anxiety and depression?
While the use of plants for treating health issues dates back to around 3000 BC, they have become increasingly popular these days. Today, a growing number of people embrace herbs and natural supplements to combat health issues, both physical and mental. Some people switch to herbs because of the exorbitantly high cost of prescription drugs, and others believe it to be a safer alternative.
Herbs are becoming a go-to solution for mental health issues like anxiety and depression. There are plenty of herbs that can work as natural relaxants. They can induce a calming effect on both your body and mind to help lift the feelings of stress, anxiety, or depression. It not only focuses on a particular health issue instead promotes overall wellbeing. The active ingredients present in the herbs can fight stress-inducing factors, regulate mood, and also keep you happy. Many people are using herbs along with conventional medicines and therapies to help them fight psychological issues.
Which herbs can help with your mental wellbeing?
Healing herbs have become a mainstay for treating anxiety and depression because of their therapeutic properties. If you’re suffering from an anxiety disorder or depression symptoms, you can take the help of natural herbs. Here are a few that may help reduce psychological troubles and improve the quality of your life:
1. Kratom:
Kratom is a unique herb native to Southeast Asia, but now it is widely consumed worldwide. It has many therapeutic properties. It contains an active ingredient called ‘mitragynine,’ which interacts with the opioid receptors. Due to this communication, kratom can work as an anti-anxiety and anti-depressing agent. It can also help take away the stress and ensure you stay in a happy mood. You might feel more joyous and enthusiastic after using kratom. If you want to try kratom for increasing stress in your life, you can opt for trusted red Bali kratom to feel relaxed.
2. Chamomile:
Chamomile is a famous flowering herb known for its calming effects. There are two distinct types of chamomile – English, and German. It may help resolve moderate and severe symptoms of Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). In many cases, excessive stress and anxiety can also disrupt the sleep schedule, leading to insomnia. People often drink chamomile in the form of tea before going to bed to calm their nerves and get a sound sleep. The flower may also provide significant relief from depressive symptoms.
3. Ashwagandha:
Touted as the king of medicinal herbs, Ashwagandha is gaining popularity as a potential treatment for anxiety and depression. The ayurvedic herb is classified as an adaptogen that can regulate physiological processes and stabilize your body’s response to stress. Cortisol, a stress hormone, is produced by your adrenal glands. Using Ashwagandha can substantially reduce cortisol levels to calm your senses when faced with a stressful situation.
4. St. John’s Wort:
St. John’s Wort is a bright yellow plant with star-shaped flowers that grow in the wild. People have been using the plant as a herbal treatment for depression for centuries now. Experts believe that St. John’s Wort may help increase the level of serotonin in our body. Serotonin is the feel-good or happy hormone that regulates mood, and it is low in people who have depression. It contains active ingredients like hypericin and hyperforin, which act as natural antidepressants.
5. Lavender:
Another herb commonly used for alleviating stress and anxiety is lavender. It is a popular essential oil that many people use for relaxing after a tiring day. Lavender can work as a mood stabilizer with its anti-anxiolytic properties. The fragrance of lavender can help promote calmness, alleviate stress, and even reduce sleep issues caused by anxiety.
6. Kava:
Kava comes from the roots of a plant found majorly in the Pacific Islands. The active ingredient present in it, called kavain, can help people deal with anxiety symptoms by affecting the mood receptors. It induces a state of calmness that may also make you feel drowsy. You can mix this powder in any drink or even brew it to make a cup of kava tea.
7. Ginger:
Ginger is an aromatic herb present in almost every household. Gingerol, an active antioxidant in the herb, can counteract the harmful chemicals that your body produces in stressful situations. Ginger can also influence the level of serotonin, thereby helping reduce depressive thoughts.
8. Holy Basil:
Holy Basil or Tulsi occupies a revered position in many cultures, and it can also have benefits for your body, mind, and spirit. Commonly known as ‘The incomparable one’ or ‘The queen of herbs,’ it is also considered sacred and divine. Evidence suggests that it contains anti-anxiolytic and anti-depressing properties, which may come to your aid. Considered as an adaptogen, Holy Basil can also promote wellbeing and resilience. It restores a natural balance in the body by adapting to the physical, emotional, and environmental stress. Regular consumption of the herb can help in maintaining cortisol levels in the body to mitigate stress.
Final thoughts
With a busy and demanding lifestyle, people are often hard-pressed for time, leaving no time to unwind. It has led to psychological problems becoming more common. Stress, anxiety, and depression pose a significant health burden on people. These days people organically treat these issues by using herbal remedies. If you’re planning to use herbs for your mental health, consult an expert, and take regulated doses.