Anxiety, Depression, Featured, Health Care, Herbal Remedies

8 Best Herbal Remedies For Depression And Anxiety

[toc]Depression and anxiety are the leading mental problems that people are facing in modern times. Stress has become phenomenal and deadlines and pressures create anxiety and depression in the mind. Anxiety is characterized by the inability to stop worrying. Sweating palms and an elevated heart rate are some of the symptoms of anxiety. Depression is caused due to certain neural activity in the brain as well as psychological trauma.

Depression And Anxiety

Both can be treated quite effectively using herbs. Herbs for healing anxiety and depression include St. John’s Wort, Valerian, Chamomile, Gingko Biloba, Siberian Ginseng, Passionflower, Kava and Lemon Balm. Herbs which are adaptogens reduce the impact of stress on the mind and lessen anxiety. Depression is alleviated by herbal remedies that make a person more alert and positive.


8 Top Herbal Remedies For Depression And Anxiety

Gingko Biloba

Gingko Biloba is very effective for making the mood state pleasant and improving circulation in the body. Good blood flow in the body also ensures that the supply of nutrients and blood to the brain is adequate. This makes the person more alert and active and he or she is able to come out of the depressed mood state with ease and rapidity.

Gingko Biloba is a herb which has been used in traditional Chinese medicine because it is so effective for countering low mood states and this herb also rejuvenates the mind.  It also counters stress and anxiety. You can take this herb in the form of an extract, capsule or supplement for good results. This herb is also available in tincture form.

Gingko Biloba


St. John’s Wort

St. John’s Wort is also called Klamath Weed. The Latin name of this herb is Hypericum Perforatum. St. John’s Wort is very useful for countering depression and anxiety. This herb has even been recommended by doctors to help patients suffering from clinical depression. St. John’s Wort contains active ingredients called hypericin and hyperforin which make the brain more relaxed and help the person to overcome mental agitation and depression.

According to researchers, St. John’s Wort prevents the neurons in the brain from absorbing the neurotransmitter called serotonin in the brain. This raises the level of serotonin in the brain. High levels of serotonin are responsible for making the person feel happy and relaxed. So, this herb is wonderful for treating depression and anxiety. You can take this herb in extract form for good results.

St. John's Wort


Chamomile

Matricaria Recutita is the botanical term by which this herb is referred to. Chamomile is a nervine herb with adaptogenic properties. It soothes the nerves and makes a person feel less anxious and troubled. Chamomile is also a natural sedative. It helps in curbing depression and anxiety by making a person feel more calm and peaceful. It also promotes sound sleep at night.

You can make tea from the dried leaves of this herb and drink it regularly for warding off anxiety and low mood states. Chamomile teabags are also available in health stores. You should not opt for this herbal remedy if you are pregnant or nursing a child. Do not take this herb if you are allergic to Mugwort, Aster, Rag Weed or Chrysanthemum.

Chamomile


Kava

Known botanically as Piper Methysticum, Kava is a herb which relaxes the mind and soothes the body. It is a very good herbal cure for anxiety. Kava promotes good sleep at night and makes a person feel stress free and calm. Kavalactones or kavapyrones are substances found in this herb which give Kava anxiety relieving properties. Kava makes a person relaxed without destroying his or her mental clarity.

Kava can be taken in the form of salads made from the leaves of this herb. Kava leaf salads are very popular in countries like Indonesia. This herb which is native to Fiji is also used to brew drinks for ceremonial purposes. Kava leaves can also be used to brew tea which can be useful in countering anxiety when consumed regularly.

Kava


Passionflower

Passiflora Incarnata is the herb’s botanical name. Passionflower is a herb which is very useful for controlling anxiety and low mood states. The flavone called chrysin found in this herb relieves anxiety as well as allopathic medication according to experts.

This herb helps to give the person emotional stability. You can take this herb in the form of an extract. Passionflower is also available as a supplement or capsule. Passionflower tea can be regularly consumed in order to heal the mind and give a person relief from the mental and physical manifestations of anxiety.

Passion Flower


Siberian Ginseng

Siberian Ginseng is also called Eleuthero. This herb is an adaptogen which calms the body and soothes anxiety and agitation caused due to physiological and psychological stressors. Siberian Ginseng helps to reduce the levels of tension and stress in the body and makes a person less worrisome and more relaxed. This herb is available in the form of extracts and capsules.

Siberian Ginseng tea can also be taken to heal the inner mind and make a person more at peace and less worried. Siberian Ginseng also improves circulation in the body and makes a person more active, aiding her or him in overcoming depression. This herb should not be taken by people who have been diagnosed with blood pressure problems. Avoid this herb if you are pregnant.

Siberian Ginseng


Lemon Balm

Melissa Officinalis is the Latin name of this herb. Lemon Balm is useful for lessening anxiety and depression because it contains substances called terpenes which make a person feel relaxed and less anxious. Lemon Balm is available in the form of extracts and capsules. Tea can also be made from the fresh leaves of this herb for soothing a person.

Lemon Balm tea exudes a fragrant aroma which calms down the person and makes him or her feel less troubled. Lemon Balm oil can also be applied on the body for a nice and relaxing massage that can revitalize the person and make him or her less depressed or anxious.

Lemon Balm


Valerian

Valeriana Officinalis is the botanical term which is used to refer to this herb. Valerian root is very a powerful curative herbal remedy for insomnia and anxiety. Valerian root extract can ease a person’s mind and relieve him or her of tensions and fears. Valerian is a sedative so it also helps people to stop worrying and have a good night’s rest. Valerian root can also be made into tincture form and taken for relief from worries and problems.

Valerian is also useful for countering physical symptoms accompanying anxiety such as sweating and mental agitation. Valerian has been found to be as effective as a medicine called Valium, in reducing symptoms of fear or agitation in persons who are suffering from deep anxiety. It also controls emotions and helps a person feel more at ease and less depressed.

Valerian

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