Stress, anxiety and depression are terms very commonly used these days. Although most people are able to get their condition under control with the help of counseling, most people are put on medication, which can have various side effects. Hence, preference must be given to Ayurvedic, herbal and other natural remedies. Here are a few herbs you must know about, which, according to many studies and researches, have proved to be beneficial to manage anxiety. Also, our Ayurvedic expert Dr. P. V. Ranganayakulu, Ph.D. History of Ayurveda says that Ayurveda considers ashwagandha and valerian herbs to be beneficial in relieving anxiety.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is a herb that has been used in many ayurvedic remedies since ancient times. It creates a positive impact on various systems in the body and the hormones which are considered responsible for causing stress. A small clinical trial was conducted in the year 2019 regarding the use of Ashwagandha in anxiety and depression. In this 8 weeks long study, 58 people suffering from stress and anxiety were made subjects. During this, participants in different groups were given three types of treatment. One group was given 250 mg of ashwagandha extract every day, the second group was given 600 mg and the third group was given doses of placebo (medicine given to treat mental conditions).
It was seen that in people who were given ashwagandha, the level of cortisol (anxiety-causing hormone) in them was lowered and their quality of sleep was improved, as compared to people who are taking placebo. And people who took a higher dose of ashwagandha, i.e. 600 mg, their anxiety level was lowered to a great extent.
Chamomile
Chamomile is a herb obtained from a flower. Chamomile tea is very much in trend these days because of its flavor as well as certain health benefits that it holds. Basically, there are two types of chamomile- Roman chamomile and German chamomile, and both of these can be used medicinally. A 2016 clinical trial examined the efficacy and safety of chamomile as a long-term treatment for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD).
All 93 participants in this trial received 1,500 mg of chamomile daily for 12 weeks. After 26 weeks, half of the participants started taking a placebo instead of chamomile, while the other half continued taking the herb. After the trial, the researchers found that the participants who continued to take chamomile did not see much difference initially compared to those who took the placebo, but when their problem relapsed, they had less severe symptoms than before.
But before using chamomile, it is also important to note that some people may be allergic to chamomile. You may be allergic to it if you are allergic to Ragweed, Chrysanthemum, Marigold and Rosemary. Besides this, consume chamomile tea only after consulting your doctor, because chamomile or its supplement may interact with medicines like warfarin, a blood thinner and antirejection drug, cyclosporine.
Valerian (Tagara)
Valerian is a herb that is grown in certain parts of Europe and Asia. Its botanical name is Valerian Officinalis. It is used as a flavoring agent in food and beverages, as well as to treat various health conditions such as sleep disorders, especially insomnia, stress and anxiety, nervous asthma, hypochondria, headache or migraine, depression and inability to concentrate.
Although the results of research in this regard have proven to be beneficial in the aforementioned conditions, since the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) does not fully support the results, experts are trying to study more about the same. According to the NCCIH, people should avoid this herb in certain circumstances, such as pregnant or lactating mothers and children below 3 years of age, should not use it. Along with this, it is also very important to know that the consumption of this herb with alcohol can show dangerous effects.
Galphimia Glauca
Galphimia Glauca is a plant species native to Mexico that people have traditionally used as a tranquillizer to reduce anxiety. A 2012 clinical trial examined the efficacy of G Glauca as a treatment for GAD. In this research, some participants were given G Glauca for 12 weeks and some participants were given the anti-anxiety drug, lorazepam D, on medical advice.
In this 3 week long research, the researchers continued to monitor the participants for 3 more weeks. Subsequent results showed that participants who received a daily dose of 0.175 mg G Glauca showed a greater reduction in GAD symptoms than those taking lorazepam. At the same time, a review in 2018 found evidence of G Glauca as a promising treatment for anxiety.
Kava-Kava
The scientific name of Kava kava is Piper Methysticum. In the Pacific Islands, people consume beverages made from kava for the purpose of relieving stress and altering mood. A 2013 placebo-controlled trial examined the efficacy of kava as a treatment for GAD. 75 participants were included in the 6-week study. They were given three different types of treatment. The first group was given 120 mg, the second was given 240 mg of kava extract per day and the third group was given a placebo. The participants taking kava showed a significant reduction in anxiety as compared to those who received the placebo.
Safety Standards
Dr. P. V. Ranganayakulu says that although only ashwagandha and valerian are mentioned in Ayurveda as treatments for anxiety or other mental disorders, many other herbs are also used in different parts of the world to reduce anxiety. However, it is extremely important that before beginning any kind of medication, you must consult your doctor.
Also Read: Excess Caffeine Intake Can Increase Anxiety Disorders
