Herbs for anxiety
L-Theanine
Theanine is the major amino acid found in green tea. It has historically been used for its relaxing effects. It is believed that theanine may work for relaxation by promoting normal levels of GABA (Gamma Amino Butyric Acid) and serotonin. In the central nervous system, GABA is the primary inhibitory neurotransmitter. It is synthesized in the brain by the decarboxylation of glutamate. GABA exerts , sedative effects at the cellular level.
Rhodiola
Roseroot contains a phenylpropanoid glycoside called salidroside. This constituent is also sometimes referred to as rhodioloside or rhodosine. This constituent is thought to be responsible for roseroot's relaxation and adaptogenic actions (increasing resistance to the harmful effects of stressors). Animal studies have shown protection from stressors, increased work capacity and decreased fatigue. Roseroot extracts also demonstrate potential for supporting learning and memory.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an Indian herb known as winter cherry. It tends to be classified as an Indian ginseng. Some research suggests ashwagandha may have a relaxing effect. Preliminary evidence suggests ashwagandha might promote normal levels of dopamine receptors in the corpus striatum of the brain. It also appears to promote normal levels of plasma corticosterone, blood urea nitrogen and blood lactic acid.
Eleuthero, Siberian Ginseng
Siberian ginseng was discovered in the former northern Soviet Union. It was found to enhance athletic performance and help the body adapt to stress. Eleuthero has been shown to enhance mental acuity without the letdown that comes with caffeinated products. Siberian ginseng is an adaptogen which has a homeostatic or balancing effect on the body. Adaptogens help the body deal with stressful conditions, because of its homeostatic properties. It is thought to help support adrenal gland function when the body is challenged by stress. In addition to its effect on stress, Eleuthero increases cognitive function.
Passion FlowerPassion flower is the perennial blossoming vine that is native to the southeastern United States, Brazil and Argentina. Its medicinal properties come from its above ground part. Passion flower has sedative effects. Some evidence suggests the passion flower constituent apigenin binds to central benzodiazepine receptors, possibly causing relaxation without impairing memory or motor skills. Some studies have pointed to the flavonoids in passion flower as the primary constituents responsible for its relaxing effects. It is thought that passion flower may enhance the effectiveness of other anxiety treatments.
Bacopa
Some evidence suggests purified bacosides A and B may facilitate learning ability and cognitive performance. Possible mechanisms for cognitive improvement include supporting normal acetylcholine release, choline acetylase activity and muscarinic cholinergic receptor binding.
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I recently was diagnosed with an anxiety disorder and the Doctor suggested I use ashwagandha. Thus far it has been successful in keeping my anxiety leveled. Of course, it is no only the herbs that are helping but it definitely makes the day more bearable.
ReplyDeleteHerbs coupled with therapy is the best way to tackle anxiety. I was initially placed on mood stabilizers that were ineffective and I depended upon far too much. As Larissa said, ashwagandha is a great.
ReplyDeleteI have never heard of some of these, but I do drink green tea often for the antioxidants and overall relaxation benefits. Now that I know it contains L-Theanine, that would explain the relaxing effects. I will have to look into the Ashwagandha based on the other commenter’s suggestions too, since it has worked well for them.
ReplyDeleteThis is exactly what I needed. I suffer from social anxiety so I am often afraid of social situations and get really uncomfortable. Hopefully these herbs can be of some help to me as I could use all the help I can get right now. Anxiety is a truly annoying experience, that's for sure.
ReplyDeleteThere is this girl in my class that needs this so badly. She can't sleep at night and doesn't know what to do. I know for a fact that L-Theanine works wonders for sleeping!
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