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It’s natural to be apprehensive before public speaking events with a large audience in attendance. However, if you believe that this happens when you’re in social situations, you likely have social anxiety. You find out the difficulty of engaging with others or even being in their presence if you have social anxiety. There is always the dread of being evaluated by others around you. Millions of individuals deal with social anxiety worldwide, and most of them prefer a non-medical treatment.
Consequently, several anxiety patients may investigate natural therapies as a substitute for pharmaceutical medications. This might be because some drugs, such as beta-blockers and benzodiazepines, can have unpleasant side effects. Before lowering or quitting prescription medicine or taking a herbal supplement, consult your doctor. Some herbs might have adverse side effects or react with other drugs.
So here’s a list of 9 herbs and substances that may aid with anxiety.
Kratom
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Two compounds identified in kratom leaves are mitragynine and 7-hydroxymitragynine. For treating social anxiety, strains with a higher content of hydroxy mitragynine are ideal. Maeng da kratom and Green Malay Kratom are two such strains, and you can click here to explore varieties of Kratom powder.
The most potent kratom strain presently offered is Green Malay Kratom. It’s commonly called a “social lubricant” resulting from its impacts on the user during social interactions. It removes some of the user’s tension and allows them to feel calm and refreshed while yet being connected. In addition, the alkaloids in green Malay kratom can keep users focused, especially at work or school.
Maeng Da is a popular kratom strain due to its high alkaloid content, which helps users with social anxiety to relax. Simply put, it’s a natural energizer and mood booster.
Chamomile
Chamomile is a blooming plant that looks like a daisy. Roman chamomile and German chamomile are two varieties of chamomile that possess medicinal value.
Some individuals use chamomile for the following:
- Skin cream
- Extract
- Skin cream
- Tablet
In a clinical experiment conducted in 2016, the safety and effectiveness of chamomile as long-term therapy for generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) were evaluated by trusted sources.
For 12 weeks, all 93 individuals were given 1,500 mg of chamomile daily. After then, some people continued to take this herb for 26 weeks, whereas others shifted to a placebo.
Researchers discovered that individuals who remained to use chamomile were no more likely than those who switched to placebo to suffer a return of GAD symptoms. But during relapse, the observed symptoms were milder.
Ashwagandha
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Adaptogens, such as Ashwagandha, also called Withania Somnifera, are herbs. Adaptogens work by influencing the body’s stress-response mechanisms and chemicals.
Per a minor clinical study conducted in 2019, the effectiveness of Ashwagandha for anxiety and stress was researched. In the study, 58 people with a high-stress level took part in the eight-week trial. Each participant received one of three treatments:
- A placebo
- A dosage of 250 mg ashwagandha extract
- A dose of 600 mg ashwagandha extract per day
The ashwagandha group had lower levels of the stress hormone cortisol than the placebo subjects. They also noted that the quality of their sleep improved significantly.
Valerian
Valerian, or Valeriana officinalis, is a European and Asian herb. People have utilized the root to cure sleep disorders, anxiety, and depression for generations.
Valerian root comes in a variety of forms, including:
- Tincture
- Tea
- Tablet
Only a few high-quality research on the effects of valerian has been published to date. Per reports from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health, there is insufficient evidence to determine if valerian helps cure anxiety or depression.
The NCCIH states that there is no data on valerian’s long-term use or toxicity in the following categories:
- Children below three
- Pregnant ladies
- Nursing mothers
Also, it would be best if you remain aware that valerian has the potential to induce sleep. Taking the plant with alcohol or tranquilizers can amplify this impact and may be harmful.
Galphimia Glauca
The plant Galphimia glauca is endemic to Mexico but was initially used as a sedative to relieve nervousness.
The value of G. glauca as a therapy for GAD was studied in clinical research conducted in 2012. For 12 weeks, participants were given either G. glauca or lorazepam, a prescription anti-anxiety drug. Then, researchers followed up with the patients for another three weeks to see whether they were experiencing any withdrawal symptoms.
Compared to those who took lorazepam, subjects who received a daily dosage of 0.175 mg of G. glauca demonstrated more reduction in GAD symptoms. Both therapies were utterly risk-free.
The data for G. glauca as a therapy for anxiety is encouraging, per a 2018 review. However, because of a scarcity of plant material, medicinal businesses have not been able to realize its potential fully.
Lavender
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The mint family includes lavender, which is a blooming plant. Many individuals use lavender to help them relax and feel less anxious.
Lavender can be used in several ways like:
- preparing tea with the leaves
- Aromatherapy with the oil
- adding the oil or flowers to baths
- combining the essential oil with a base oil before massages
- adding the oil or flowers to baths
Terpenes are compounds found in lavender essential oil (LEO). Two of these terpenes, linalool and linalyl acetate, may have a calming impact on chemical brain receptors, according to a 2017 review article.
Passionflower
Passionflower, also known as Passiflora, is a plant family with around 550 species. Some research suggests that particular species, P. incarnata, might help with unrest, uneasiness, and anxiousness.
Some data shows that the anti-anxiety benefits of P. incarnata are equivalent to those of benzodiazepines, according to an earlier 2010 review of alternative medicines. Benzodiazepines are a kind of anxiety medication that physicians may give.
- incarnata is available as a pill or a liquid tincture.
Conclusion
Herbs have been used to cure various ailments for thousands of years. Certain herbs have been shown in scientific research to aid with anxiety symptoms. Some herbal products, like pharmaceutical drugs, might have adverse side effects. Natural remedies may also take a little longer to work. When considering the benefits and drawbacks of a given therapy, people must consider these aspects. Certain plants and drugs might have dangerous interactions. Before using herbal goods, anyone taking any form of medicine should visit their doctor.
