Would you be surprised by the facts that two of the most common prescribed drugs in the U.S. are antidepressants. If you find that it’s hard to believe, then you need to know that actually, mental health has affected so many people nowadays. And the number of the people suffering from mental health problem doesn’t seem to reduce any sooner. In fact, around 25% of americans suffer from this issue every year.
The truth is, the amount of people taking at least one prescribed drug in America is close to 70% with almost 50% of them taking more than one prescription pills. The problem with taking prescription pills like Benzodiazepine is that it has various side effect. To name a few, the medicine can cause slurred speech, difficulty in walking, memory problems, yellowing of skin or eyes, loss of coordination and even seizure.
To avoid all those side effect, using natural remedies to deal with mental health problem is a much better option. Here are 10 natural herbs you can use to help you in reducing mental health issues:
1. Lavender
Lavender is used as a natural remedy in treating mild and moderate form of depression and nervous disorder. It is also a part of aromatherapy. Lavender contains neuroprotective properties which helps in stabilizing your mood and manage neurological disorder.
You can use lavender on your skin. It can also be consumed safely. Here are some ways to use lavender:
- Drink it as a tea
- Add few drops of lavender oil into your bath
- Place a pouch of dried lavender flowers into the pillow case
2. Passion flowers
Passion flower is an exotic flower with a sweet smelling that has been used to ease anxiety, seizueres, hysteria, and insomnia for a long time. This flower has a sedative properties. Many health experts has also stated this passion flower can increase gamma aminobutyric (GABA) level in your brain.
This chemical will lower the activity of particular part of your brain and thus helps you to feel relax. You can alter the use of Oxazepam (Serax) in treating the system to this flower. It will not yiled negative effect on your focus and cognitive ability.
3. Rhodiola
Rhodiola is used in China and Scandinavia as traditional medicine to reduce stress. This herbs can help with fatigue and boost your mood.
Rhodiola works in reducing the activity of the sympathetic nervous system that controls rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, nausea, shaking and dizziness. It also stimulate the production of serotonin hormone which makes you feel happy and relaxed.
4. Ashwagandha
As a part of ayurvedic medicine, Ashwagandha is quite popular in treating agoraphobia, the kind of anxiety caused by open spaces and large crowds.
A study from 20012 has shown that Ashwagandha can effectively reduce the level of cortisol, a stress hormone. You will feel most benefit from drinking Ashwagandha as a tea. But you can also use it in some other forms including as a supplement.
5. Valerian
Valerian root is really useful to treat headaches, insomnia, and anxiety disorders. You can consume it as a pill or drink it as a tea. Valerian root has a strong smell, so it is advisable to consume it quickly. Then you can wash down the taste by taking a spoonful of maple or molasses syrup.
6. Chamomile
Drinking a cup of warm chamomile tea will help you sleep easier. This flowee also works nicely in managing anxiety attacks. Several studies have found that chamomile is a great treat depression, based on the Hamilton Depression Rating (HAM-D) questionnaires.
Chamomile contains α-bisabolol, apigenin, and Luteolin which can help in relaxation by gradually reducing blood pressure.
7. Vanilla
According to a study the scent of vanilla can lower anxiety up to 63 percent compared to the use of humidified air. The scent can really makes you feel relaxed immediately. Most likely, that’s the reason why vanilla is used in so many candles, creams, and even spa products.
8. St. John’s Wort
St. John’s Wort can easily be found at health food stores. Maybe you even grow it in your backyard.
According to Dr. Klaus Linde (Physician at Munich Technical University), this herb has a similar antidepressants effect as Prozac in terms of effectiveness. But the good thing is, this herb provides little to no side effect compare to the harmful chemical.
You need to consult to your doctor or naturopath before taking this herbs especially if you’re taking birth control, because the use of prescription medication may be interfered by the use of this herb.
9. Lemon Balm
Other than helping in easing anxiety, lemon balm can also help to improve the quality of life. Even patients who suffer from severe dementia can benefit taking this remedy.
Compare to drugs, lemon balm is a cheaper option because it can be cultivated easily. And of course, this is also a much safer option compare to chemical medicine. Moreover, lemon balm can also improve calmness, attention and memory function.
10. Rosemary
The good thing about rosemary is that it’s neuroprotective and delicious. Rosemary provides so many benefits for your health including easing nervous tension and speed up your cognitive performance and memory.
You can use this herb by either ingest it or smell it. It can also be used as an essential oil to replace the use of pain killer and anti-depressant.
All the above herbs are great remedy for anxiety. However, it is also important to maintain a healthy life style, exercise regularly, medicate and get counseling to manage to issue better. Also remember that you need to consult to your doctor if you want to do self-medication, even when you’re using natural substance.
