Herbal Remedies for Stress and Anxiety: Effective Herbal Treatments

Complementary Medicine

Herbal Remedies for Stress and Anxiety: Effective Herbal Treatments

Herbal remedies for stress and anxiety have been used around the world for centuries.  Today, many people are turning to natural remedies to help manage their mental health. Here are five common herbal remedies that have been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety and stress levels:

Kava

 

Kava is a plant native to the South Pacific. Its roots are used to make a drink that has been used for centuries for its calming and relaxing effects. Kava has been found to be effective in reducing anxiety symptoms in several clinical trials. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology found that kava was significantly more effective than a placebo in reducing anxiety symptoms in people with generalized anxiety disorder.

 

However, it is important to note that there are some concerns about the safety of kava. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued warnings about the potential for kava to cause liver damage. As such, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional before taking kava, particularly if you have a history of liver problems.

Passionflower

 

Passionflower is a plant that is native to North and South America. Its leaves and flowers are used to make a tea that has been used for centuries to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. Several studies have found passionflower to be effective in reducing anxiety symptoms. For example, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics found that passionflower was effective in reducing anxiety symptoms in people undergoing dental surgery.

 

Passionflower is generally considered safe when taken in appropriate doses. However, it can interact with certain medications, so it is important to talk to your healthcare provider before taking passionflower."

 

Lavender

Lavender is a plant native to the Mediterranean. Its flowers are used to make essential oil, which has a soothing and calming effect on the body and mind. Lavender has been found to be effective in reducing anxiety symptoms in several clinical trials.

 

For example, a study published in the Journal of Medical Microbiology found that inhaling lavender essential oil reduced anxiety levels in dental patients. Another study published in the International Journal of Psychiatry in Clinical Practice found that lavender essential oil was effective in reducing anxiety symptoms in patients with generalized anxiety disorder.

Valerian Root

 

Valerian root is a plant native to Europe and Asia. Its roots have been used for centuries to treat insomnia and anxiety. Valerian root is believed to work by increasing the levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the brain, a neurotransmitter that helps to calm the nervous system. Several studies have found valerian root to be effective in reducing anxiety symptoms.

 

One study published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology found that valerian root was effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety in people with generalized anxiety disorder. Another study published in the International Journal of Neuroscience found that valerian root was effective in reducing anxiety symptoms in postmenopausal women.

Chamomile

 

Chamomile is a plant native to Europe and Asia. Its flowers are used to make a tea that has been used for centuries to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. Chamomile is believed to work by increasing the levels of serotonin and melatonin in the brain, two neurotransmitters that help to regulate mood and promote sleep. Several studies have found chamomile to be effective in reducing anxiety symptoms.

 

For example, a study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology found that chamomile was effective in reducing symptoms of anxiety in people with generalized anxiety disorder. Another study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that chamomile was effective in reducing anxiety symptoms in people with mild to moderate generalized anxiety disorder.

 

III. Scientific Evidence and Studies

Scientific evidence has suggested that herbal remedies can be effective in treating stress and anxiety. Researchers have conducted numerous studies to determine the effectiveness of various herbs in treating these conditions.

 

One study found that passionflower, an herb commonly used for anxiety, was just as effective as benzodiazepines in treating generalized anxiety disorder. Another study found that a combination of valerian root and lemon balm reduced anxiety symptoms in people with mild to moderate anxiety.

IV. Safe Use and Dosage

 

Herbal remedies have been used for centuries to treat various ailments, but it's important to remember that they can also have side effects and interactions with other medications. Therefore, it is crucial to follow guidelines for safe use and dosage to avoid any harm or negative consequences.

 

When it comes to recommended dosage and frequency, it's important to follow the instructions on the product label or those given by a healthcare professional. In general, the dosage and frequency of herbal remedies can vary depending on the condition being treated and the individual's age, weight, and overall health.

 

It's important to start with the lowest effective dose and gradually increase if necessary. Taking too much of an herbal remedy can lead to side effects and even toxicity.

 

Precautions and contraindications are also important to consider when using herbal remedies. Some herbs can interact with medications, causing negative side effects or reducing the effectiveness of the medication.

 

It's important to talk to a healthcare professional before taking any herbal remedies, especially if you are taking medications or have underlying medical conditions. Additionally, some herbs may not be safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women, children, or individuals with certain medical conditions.

 

Recent research has shed light on the potential risks and benefits of various herbal remedies. For example, a 2020 study found that St. John's wort can interact with numerous medications, including antidepressants and birth control pills.

 

Another study found that ginkgo biloba may increase the risk of bleeding, particularly when taken with blood-thinning medications. On the other hand, a 2019 study found that ginger may be effective in reducing menstrual pain, while a 2021 study found that chamomile may improve sleep quality.

 

V. Conclusion

In conclusion, herbal remedies can be a valuable tool in managing anxiety and stress, but it's important to understand their limitations and potential risks. While there is some evidence to suggest that certain herbs, such as passionflower and valerian root, may be effective in reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation, more research is needed to fully understand their benefits and potential side effects.

 

One of the main benefits of using herbal remedies for anxiety and stress is that they are generally considered safe and have fewer side effects than prescription medications. Additionally, many people prefer using natural remedies over pharmaceuticals and appreciate the holistic approach to healing that herbs provide.

 

However, it's important to remember that not all herbal remedies are created equal, and some may interact with medications or have contraindications for certain populations.

 

Another limitation of herbal remedies is that they may not be effective for everyone. Just like prescription medications, the effectiveness of herbal remedies can vary depending on the individual and the severity of their condition. Some people may find that they need to use a combination of herbal remedies and other techniques, such as therapy or exercise, to manage their anxiety and stress.

 

Overall, incorporating herbal remedies into a holistic approach to managing anxiety and stress can be a useful tool for promoting overall wellness. However, it's important to talk to a healthcare professional before using any herbal remedies, especially if you are taking medications or have underlying medical conditions.

 

By working with a healthcare professional and using herbal remedies safely and responsibly, you can enjoy the potential benefits of these natural remedies while minimizing the risk of negative consequences.

 

In conclusion, if you are looking to manage anxiety and stress with herbal remedies, it's important to approach them with caution and an open mind. While herbal remedies can be effective, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice and should be used as part of a comprehensive approach to wellness.

 

With the right information and guidance, herbal remedies can be a valuable tool in promoting relaxation, reducing anxiety, and supporting overall health and wellbeing.

by Dr. Michal Domeny DNP, L.Ac, CD/N

Acupuncture Benefits : How it can Improve Your Health

Complementary Medicine

Acupuncture Benefits : How it can Improve Your Health

Acupuncture is a treatment modality in which thin needles are inserted into the various parts of the body. Acupuncture is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The roots of acupuncture reach deep into ancient China as far back as 2,500 years ago.  There are many styles of acupuncture, each one of them based on slightly different philosophies and techniques, depending on the country's origin. In the United States, Traditional Chinese Acupuncture is probably the most widely practiced system. Although Acupuncture is most often used for pain relief, it is also used for a wide range of other conditions since it is a complete medical system focused on correcting imbalances of energy flow in the body.

Acupuncture HistoryChinese AcupunctureMedical AcupunctureDry Needling

What is Acupuncture used for?

 

Acupuncture has been used traditionally to prevent, diagnose and treat disease, as well as to improve overall health. The benefits of acupuncture can extend to a wide variety of conditions.

 

It has been used for the treatment of emotional disorders such as anxiety and depression, as well as digestive complaints including nausea, vomiting, and irritable bowel syndrome. Acupuncture has been used effectively for pain syndromes due to an injury or associated with chronic degenerative diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.

 

Research has supported the use of acupuncture in the treatment of neurological problems like migraines or Parkinson’s disease, but also as a rehabilitation strategy for individuals who suffered a stroke. Many patients also find relief from conditions such as sinusitis, seasonal allergies or a variety of gynecologic disorders.

 

Acupuncture as part of an overall treatment protocol, has also proved beneficial for reducing fatigue and for promoting overall well-being. Despite all of these potential benefits of acupuncture, in US acupuncture has been used most extensively for the treatment of skeletomuscular disorders and pain management.

How does acupuncture work?

 

The traditional explanation for acupuncture’s effectiveness lies in harmonizing the flow of energy throughout the body. This energy is also known as Qi.

 

According to the ancient Chinese philosophy, for the body to be healthy and to function at its full potential, the Qi has to flow unobstructed. When obstructions in the body form as a result of poor lifestyle choices, improper diet or myriad of other conditions, the flow of Qi becomes obstructed.

 

One can imagine a mountain stream being obstructed by debris. New paths to the flow of the stream have to be created. This leaves, however, everything in the immediate vicinity behind the blockage deprived of the water.

Removing the debris restores the flow and supply of the water. Likewise, inserting needles into specific predetermined acupuncture points around the body is said to restore the natural flow of Qi and health in the affected parts of the body.

 

To this day, however, there is no scientific consensus that this is actually how acupuncture works.  In the United States and many other western countries, acupuncture has been used primarily for pain relief, rather than its traditional role of balancing energy flow to address a wide range of disorders. Much of the research has been therefore focused on explaining the analgesic effect of acupuncture.

 

The rise of acupuncture popularity in the US

 

The first time that Acupuncture gained the attention of the mainstream media was when a senior reporter for The New York Times James Reston reported on his experience with acupuncture while visiting China in preparation for President Nixon’s visit.

 

He experienced the benefit of acupuncture at first hand as part of the recovery process from developing paralytic ileus post appendectomy. Teams of US physicians set for China in hopes of exploring its potential for surgical analgesia.

 

While they eventually concluded that acupuncture was not reliable as a sole analgesic, their reports stimulated a number of research studies, particularly in treating pain. Acupuncture finally gained a certain amount of respectability in the USA after the positive conclusions of an NIH consensus conference (NIH Consensus Development Panel 1998).

 

Dry needling or acupuncture ? 

 

Many patients undergoing physical therapy may be familiar with Dry needling which is also known as "trigger point dry needling". Dry needling uses the same needles that are used for acupuncture, however dry needling is used mainly to treat myofascial trigger points.

 

There is ongoing argument among Acupuncturists and other medical professionals using dry needling whether dry needling is adapted from acupuncture or if dry needling is a variation of trigger point injections. While both therapies can be very beneficial for the right patient, it is important to understand that Dry needling is not the same as Acupuncture.   For more information on dry needling please click the tab “dry Needling".

by Dr. Michal Domeny DNP, L.Ac, CD/N