Most of us today lead fast paced lives. In the effort to earn money, we fill up our heads with thoughts, worries and anxieties and these cannot keep the body calm. The result is panic attacks and stress that interferes with our sleep as well as our performance. Depression, anxiety and insomnia are all very common these days thanks to frayed nerves. Conventional treatment for these issues is anti-anxiety medicine which comes with a plethora of adverse effects. So today we will study some natural anxiety supplements and herbs for anxiety and depression that can also calm nerves.
1. Cornflower
Add 4-5 blossoms of cornflower to a cup of freshly boiled water and steep for 3-5 minutes. Strain and sweeten with honey. This remedy is even powerful enough for stroke victims who have been left paralyzed in the limbs. Cornflower tea is also one of the best natural remedies for panic attacks.
2. Lavender tea
If you are exhausted and tensed after a hard day at work, drink lavender tea. Lavender calms nerves and helps you sleep better. To make a delicious soothing cup of relaxing lavender tea, steep 1 tsp of dried lavender flowers in a cup of hot water for 5 minutes. Lavender and its essential oil is one of the best natural remedies for anxiety and depression. Also add a few drops of lavender oil to hot bath water and soak in it for 15-20 minutes.
3. Passionflower
Passionflower is a nervine herb. It is one of the best herbs for anxiety and depression and calm mental anxiety and thoughts.
4. Skullcap
This relaxant herb is the best nervous system restorative. Use it when you are experiencing stress, anxiety, headache or insomnia.
5. Chamomile
Chamomile is one of the best natural remedies to calm nerves, soothe indigestion and prevent sleep issues. Take chamomile tea or tincture at bedtime. This gentle remedy prevents cramps and inflammation.
6. Lemon balm
So powerful is this herb (and its essential oil) that it is even known to benefit HIV patients thanks to its antiviral properties. Use it to soothe nervous stomach, lift spirits, brighten up melancholy and feelings of sadness. If you are experiencing heart palpitations due to nervous anxiety, take this tea to instantly calm your body and mind.
7. Woodruff and Sage tea
Pour a cup of boiling water on sweet woodruff or sage powder. Drink this tea to instantly calm nerves. For hysteria, take bay leaf tea. Pour a cup of hot water on bay leaf and steep for 5-10 minutes. Strain and sweeten with honey.
8. Natural anxiety supplements
Take 1000 mg of Omega 3 essential fatty acids and a high potency multi vitamin and mineral pill with high bio availability. Likewise, SAMe, folic acid, calcium and magnesium supplements can also help. Many times, underlying nutritional deficiencies may be the cause of nerves, negativity and anxiety. So these natural anxiety supplements can help. However, always consult your doctor before using them.
9. Set a routine
If you are constantly experiencing frayed nerves, you probably need a routine. Routine can give your day a structure as a gentle daily schedule can keep negative thoughts at bay. Try to set goals and challenge yourself to do better. Make exercise an important part of your routine. Take on smaller responsibilities day by day until you are able to do a lot more.
10. Eat a healthy diet
You do not always need anxiety remedies over the counter to feel better. A healthy diet can prevent sugar fluctuations and overcome underlying deficiencies which may be responsible for scattered thoughts and nervous energy. So focus on healthy whole grains, oats and protein rich diet with lean meat. Go for turkey, chicken, bananas, and nut butters. These are rich in tryptophan which helps you sleep better.
11. Deep breathing exercises
For natural anxiety treatment without medication or herbs, use deep breathing or pranayama. Fill up the lungs with a deep breath, hold it in for 4-5 seconds and release or exhale slowly for up to 6 seconds. Do 3 sets of 10 such breaths each time you want to calm nerves. You can also do bellow breathing (bhastrika pranayama).
12. Positive affirmations
The best natural anxiety treatment without medication is stating positive affirmations. Daily affirmations and positive visualization can alleviate stress and increase your self confidence in being able to handle issues. You can also try meditation, yoga or other mind body practices. Here is an easy affirmation to state daily: “I have the capacity to call in something beautiful and holy at the moment”.
Herbs for anxiety and depression are like natural xanax; but milder, gentler and non-habit forming. If you have been given prescription medicines for stress and frayed nerves, use the above herbs and natural remedies instead. However, do monitor your progress and make sure you seek help of a trained herbalist who can guide you.