Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety is a condition that is manifested in feelings of fear and panic, with psychomotor (physical) tension and inner turmoil. Also, a person feels as he/she will "explode". If left untreated - either with drugs or relaxation techniques for anxiety, anxiety may transfer in more severe conditions – depression or mental despondency. It is biopsychosocial disorder that causes mental and physical disability, lasting grief, sluggishness, fear and pessimism.
Every person occasionally feels anxiety. However, people start to talk about anxiety disorders when fears and tension begin to dominate with someone's life and disrupt his/her functioning in the family, at work and in society.
According to the World Health Organization, consumption of barbiturates and other anti-anxiety drugs increases the number of drug poisoning. Because of that, use of herbal remedies is becoming more popular in treating anxiety and depression.
Lemon balm, Valerian, St. John's Wort, Lavender, Thyme, Hawthorn, Kava-kava, Basil, Gingko Biloba, Ginseng, and Chamomile are herbs that remove anxiety and fear, reduce stress, irregular heartbeat, headache and insomnia.
Herbs for Treating Anxiety and Depression
Valerian is used for general anxiety and nervousness with irritation. It also helps in treating the insomnia that occurs as a consequence of anxiety. Valerian is also useful in the case of heart failure accompanied with palpitations and a sense of fear. As a tranquilizer, Valerian is used alone or in combination with other herbs, as a tea or tincture.
Hawthorn is used for heart relief by expanding cardiac blood vessels and relaxing of the nervous system.
Lemon Balm is the cure for sleepless nights. It shows antidepressant properties and removes bad thoughts, nightmares and rolling over in bed. The main medicinal ingredient of this plant is essential oil which refreshes and calms strained nerves. Lemon Balm can be used alone or in combination with other plants.
Kava-kava is a folk remedy for anxiety and insomnia, used in the Pacific islands. It calms nervous tension, but does not lead to sleepiness and doesn't reduce mental abilities, so it is widely used by students, business people and professionals. Lavender shows soothing properties, and it can be used as a tea or essential oil which should be left to evaporate. Thanks to its pleasant scent lavender essential oil creates a special atmosphere. Lavender potions are recommended for the treatment of the nervous system diseases. This herb eases anxiety, tension, palpitations, hysteria, stress, depression, insomnia and headache. Chamomile tea is an old and proven tonic for reducing the tension and relaxation. Thyme is an ingredient of many medications because it beneficially effects on the nervous system, relaxes, reduces anxiety and mental tension providing a good sleep. It contains tannins, bitter substances, essential oils and phenolic compounds.
St. John's Wort may be applied in the form of tinctures, oils, extracts and teas that positively effect on general mental state - reduce depression, anxiety and insomnia. This herb contains tannins, hypericin, resin, anthocyanins, essential oils and azulene. St. John's Wort is more recommendable than synthetic drugs because it doesn't cause addiction and any harmful side effects.
Ginseng is recommended for large efforts, particularly mental health. It is useful in combating stress. Elderly people should drink to improve concentration and memory. Gingko biloba helps in fighting depression caused by aging of brain cells and enhances the activity of drugs for depression.
Essential Basil oil is used for treating depression, mental exhaustion, melancholy and increased mental effort.
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