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October 29, 2019

7 Natural Remedies for a Calm Mind

Depression, anxiety, insomnia, and other similar mental diseases are a massive problem of the modern age. The reasons are multiple; many studies have analyzed this problem. Therefore, if you’ve ever felt the symptoms of any of those diseases, you have to react immediately. Although prescription drugs are sometimes irreplaceable, you should consider trying some of these seven natural remedies to calm your mind and body.

Passionflower

Passionflower is a herb that has a very long history as a remedy for insomnia, anxiety, and similar illnesses. There are also numerous studies that have confirmed that it works as a sedative, similar to prescription drugs. Therefore, same as other sedatives, it can be super helpful when it comes to curing those issues. However, it is not recommended to take it if you are already taking a prescription sedative since it causes sleepiness and drowsiness. Also, don’t take it longer than one month. 

Valerian

Valerian is another excellent herb for curing insomnia and mild anxiety. You should take it one hour before you go to bed. Also, it needs two or three weeks to start working, and you shouldn’t use it for more than three months. There are two options – you can use it in valerian tea and liquid extracts or capsule form. Many people prefer capsules because they don’t like the smell of valerian. It is recommended not to take it with many other medications, especially sedatives and antihistamines. Also, don’t take it with alcohol and before or after surgery.

CBD 

A 2015 study, “Cannabidiol as a potential treatment for anxiety disorder”, shows that CBD can be very efficient when it comes to treating numerous diseases. Some of the most significant complications are the panic disorder (PD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety disorder (SAD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).  On top of that, there have been many additional cases that confirmed that using CBD for anxiety treatments can be very beneficial. You can use CBD in many forms, from oil to edibles and eye serums. Choose the one you prefer the most.

Exercise or meditation

Even though herbs are great for curing mental issues, you should follow up your treatments with exercises or meditation. Yoga breathing, for instance, shows excellent results when it comes to lowering stress and anxiety. But, there are also many other great methods you can try – meditation, tai chi, massages, and, of course, physical exercise. Choose the activity you prefer the most, whether it is exercising at the gym, swimming, jogging, or just casual walking.

Chamomile

One cup of a chamomile tea is excellent to calm you down and provide that relaxed feeling. Some compounds in chamomile activate the same brain receptors as prescription drugs such as Valium. However, tea is not the only way to consume chamomile, although it is the most common. You can take it as a supplement together with dried chamomile flowers. One study from Philadelphia shows that patients who were taking chamomile supplements for eight weeks had a massive decrease in anxiety symptoms.

Lemon balm 

People have been using lemon balm for a long time, in many countries. It has been used since the Middle Ages, and its specialty is to help with sleep, but also to reduce stress and anxiety. However, you have to follow the instructions and start with small doses. Even though it is very safe, you shouldn’t take too much of it because it can backfire, and make you more anxious. You can take it as a tea, tincture, or capsule. On top of that, you are free to combine it with other herbs, especially with valerian, hops, and chamomile.

Lavender

The intoxicating aroma of lavender is safe and super helpful for anxiety issues. Students can inhale it before their exams to feel more relaxed, as well as other people who expect a stressful situation. There is also a lavender pill which has pretty similar effects. It is very effective when it comes to curing the above-mentioned anxiety issues, especially generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Some people compare it to prescription drugs, such as Lorazepam or Valium. 

Natural remedies have been used for a long time in many parts of the world. If you have an anxiety disorder, you should try using some of these herbs. However, if you want to be completely sure which one to use, talk to your doctor before you make the final decision.

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