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Home remedies for anxiety are a great option for people who suffer from excessive stress, but they can also be used by people who are diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder, as they are a completely natural way to relieve symptoms.
However, the use of these remedies should never replace the treatment indicated by the doctor, nor the realization of psychotherapy sessions, especially in the case of anxiety, and should only be a complementary treatment to help control anxiety for a longer time.
Check out other natural tips for anxiety in the video:
1. Kava-kava
Kava-kava is a medicinal plant, known scientifically as Piper methysticum, which has in its composition kavalactones, natural substances that have shown an action similar to benzodiazepines, which are one of the main types of remedies used in the medical treatment of anxiety.
According to some studies, kavalactones seem to facilitate the action of GABA, a neurotransmitter that decreases the action of the central nervous system, helping the person to relax. In addition, kava-kava also appears to contain other active constituents, which act in some specific regions of the brain, especially in the amygdala and hippocampus, reducing symptoms of anxiety.
Although one of the most common ways to consume kava-kava is through tea from its roots, a better option is to take a kava-kava supplement, which you buy at health food stores, as it is easier to control the amount of active substance that is ingested. As a supplement, it is advisable to take 50 to 70 mg of purified extract, 3 times a day, or according to the doctor or herbalist.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons of kava-kava root;
- 300 mL of water.
Preparation mode
Put the kava-kava root to boil with water for 10 to 15 minutes. Then let it warm and strain. Drink 2 to 3 times a day.
2. Valerian
Valerian is an excellent option for people who are suffering from anxiety due to insomnia or sleepless nights. This is because valerian contains valeric acid in its composition, a component that acts on the cells of the nervous system and has a tranquilizing effect, in addition to helping to regulate the sleep cycle.
According to some studies, this plant may not be as effective in generalized anxiety, as it mainly helps to regulate sleep.
Valerian is almost always consumed in the form of tea, however, it can also be consumed as a supplement. In this case, the ideal is to take 300 to 450 mg, 3 times a day, or according to the recommendation of a doctor or herbalist.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of valerian root;
- 300 mL of boiling water.
Preparation mode
Place the valerian root in the boiling water and let it stand for 10 to 15 minutes, then strain and let it warm. Drink 30 to 45 minutes before bedtime.
Along with the valerian root, you can also add a teaspoon of another calming herb, such as passionflower or lavender, for example.
3. Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha, also known as Indian ginseng, is another medicinal plant with a proven effect against anxiety disorder and chronic stress. This plant is widely used in India due to its adaptogenic action, which helps to regulate the body's stress, decreasing the production of Cortisol which is a hormone produced during periods of stress and which is bad for the proper functioning of the body in quantities increased by long time.
In addition to adaptogenic action, ashwagandha also has substances that act on the central nervous system in the same way as the neurotransmitter GABA, leaving the person more relaxed.
Ashwagandha can be consumed in the form of tea, however, the plant can also be found in supplement form. In the case of the supplement, studies indicate that the dose should be between 125 to 300 mg, twice a day. The ideal is always to use the supplement with the guidance of a doctor or herbalist.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon of ashwagandha powder;
- 1 cup of boiling water.
Preparation mode
Add the powdered ashwagandha to the cup of boiling water and cover for 10 to 15 minutes. Then strain the mixture, let it warm and drink 2 to 3 times a day.
Care when using home remedies
The home remedies presented to treat anxiety symptoms have active substances and, therefore, should always be used only with the guidance of a doctor.
In addition, these remedies are contraindicated for pregnant women, breastfeeding women, children or people with a problem related to the immune system.