While lavender, hops, maypop, lemon balm, and
Herbs such as passionflower, kava, St. John's wort and valerian root, as well as the amino acid lysine and the cation magnesium, have been used for centuries in folk and traditional medicine to calm the mind and positively enhance mood.
Always at the top of the list for natural anxiety busters, lavender is the source of one of the most popular essential oils and boasts many benefits when inhaled, such as improvement in short-term memory, stress relief and relaxation. Its floral smell is effective at decreasing anxiety and providing a calm atmosphere.
Anti-anxiety effects
The primary use of kava is reducing stress and anxiety. Research suggests that kava could help treat the symptoms of anxiety disorders.
It is consumed as a drink, supplement or extract. Kava for use as a food requires an import permit issued by the Office of Drug Control (ODC). It must also comply with Australia's biosecurity requirements.
So, can kava create a “high”? The answer is—possibly, but not probably. High doses of kava can produce more intense feelings of euphoria, sedation, and mild intoxication. Regardless, kava is not considered a drug that produces a "high" in the way marijuana or cocaine do.
Passionflower is a variety of exotic vine flower with curly purple or blue tentacle-like petals. One variety of passionflower, Passiflora incarnata, may help treat anxiety, insomnia, and pain.
Jasmine is not just a beautiful bloom. It is also one of the preferred flowers for mental health preservation. It can reduce stress and anxiety levels. For people with sleep problems, it also helps lower a person's heart rate and facilitate a peaceful sleep.
More commonly known as the sensitive plant or touch-me-not plant, Mimosa pudica is a tropical shrub that closes its leaves when touched. The plant is native to Central and South America and features delicate, fern-like leaves with light purple pom-pom-shaped flowers. It's part of the legume family Fabaceae.
Kava, chamomile, and lavender teas are both soothing herbal tea blends that may help to calm the nerves. Chamomile has the antioxidant apigenin, which might help reduce symptoms of anxiety by blinding certain receptors in your brain.
The most prominent of anti-anxiety drugs for the purpose of immediate relief are those known as benzodiazepines; among them are alprazolam (Xanax), clonazepam (Klonopin), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), diazepam (Valium), and lorazepam (Ativan).
The most common medicinal plants that have been used in Iran for the cure of stress and anxiety are Viper's-buglosses, Dracocephalum, valerian, chamomile, common hop, hawthorns, and lavender.
The 5 most common Bach Flower remedies for anxiety include: Aspen: for fear and anxiety of unknown origin. Cherry Plum: for fear of losing control or of irrational thoughts. Mimulus: for known fears and phobias. Rock Rose: for extreme panic and terror.
Flowers that Promote Relaxation
Some relaxing flowers are: Lavender. Chamomile. Passion flower.
Yokukansan (YKS) is a traditional Japanese herbal (Kampo) medicine prescribed for anxiety.
Kanna, or Sceletium tortuosum, is a plant that's been used in South Africa for generations to ease anxiety, boost mood, and improve focus.
The passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is a perennial plant with documented therapeutic properties. The literature data suggest that the passionflower itself, as well as its preparations, helps reduce stress and can therefore be helpful in the treatment of insomnia, anxiety, and depression.
Kava – effects on the body
Kava is a central nervous system depressant. Even though there is no alcohol in kava, it can produce similar symptoms to drunkenness, including difficulty with balance, and slurred speech.
Kava is legal in the United States for personal use and is considered as a dietary supplement. You can buy kava both online and in physical stores in the country. In fact, kava bars have started springing up all over the country as a great alternative to heading to a bar to drink alcohol.
Kava is a depressant drug, which means it slows down the messages travelling between the brain and the body. Kava is made from the root or stump of the kava (Piper methysticum) shrub. Kava comes in different forms including: brownish-coloured drink.