Why Valerian, Passion Flower and Lavender are Great Anti-Anxiety Treatments

In this modern, stress-filled world, anxiety is a common problem and as a result more people are turning to natural anti-anxiety herbs. The condition can plague anybody at any time because there are so many causes. It can escalate out of control vey quickly as new anxiety builds over the current anxiety and the vicious circle closes in. Because of these factors, finding a cure can feel like a exercise in futility, and more and more companies subsequently release more drugs and remedies claiming to work.

With so many options on the market to help relieve anxiety, the choice can be overwhelming and it is not uncommon to be wary of adding the confusing and potentially dangerous chemicals to your body. A solution to this method is to try natural remedies for anxiety. Herbs come in a wide range of forms and uses and can often prove to be a simple, worry-free, alternative to conventional drugs. Three of the best to try when considering the issue of how to overcome anxiety are Lavender, Passion flower and Valerian.

1) Valerian

Valerian is a herb native to Europe and Asia that is used to create the supplement of the same name. Because it is one of the most commonly used and recognized forms of natural anti-anxiety treatment, Valerian can be easily obtained from pharmacies and health food store. It is available for use as a tea, as well as a pill, although it should be noted that the tea – much like the dried root from which the components are extracted – has an unpleasant smell that may prove off-putting.

This herb works because it induces a sort of sedative effect, which is why it is also so highly regarded when treating insomnia. Its most efficient effect on the body is said to be the way it works on the GABA neurotransmitters. GABA – less commonly known as gamma-aminobutyric acid – inhibits the nervous system, acting as the body’s own form of anti-anxiety drug. Treatments using GABA have been implemented, so using Valerian is a great, alternative way to boost its use.

Valerian is often taken alongside other herbs such as St John’s Wort and Passion flower.

2) Passion Flower

Passion flower is native to North America, and is therefore widely available across the US. Much like Valerian, the vital components of the plant – this time the flower not the root – are extracted and made into pills, liquids and powders. A popular way to take the herb is as a tea before bed.

Passionflower is effective providing there is at least 1.5% of Vitexin in the product. Vitexin is the chemical agent within the plant that works by suppressing thyroid function. Glands such as the thyroid are vital in role in heart rate and blood pressure, therefore by inhibiting this gland, the body’s heart rate slows and blood pressure decreases, calming it and lessening the negative signs of anxiety.

3) Lavander

Lavender is one of the most commonly used herbs in the world, with both the English and Dutch variants being significantly beneficial in the treatment of anxiety. Unlike Valerian and Passion flower, Lavender is not taken by ingestion, instead its properties are inhaled. The number of products available with aromatherapy uses are vast, and include oils – both for burning and massaging – incense, and bath products.

This aromatherapy treatment works when essential molecules are inhaled that go on to stimulate the limbic system. The limbic system is controlled by a series of glands, such as the pituitary and adrenal glands, and its function is to regulate heart rate, blood pressure and breathing. For this reason similarities can be seen in Lavender and Passion flower. It can, however, also be suggested that Lavender works as an aid in more of a psychological than medical effect, that the way the products are used stimulates an association that relieves the anxiety to as great degree as the herb itself. The link between medical and psychological effects of Lavender is enhanced by the fact that the limbic system is also responsible for memories and emotions.

Using natural anti-anxiety herbs can be seen as a preferable choice to the usual, chemical, over-the-counter brands. This is partly because of the way that the herbs mimic the effects of these more well known brands, and in some case can be seen to be just as efficient in dealing with the problem. The effect of these remedies is similar to that of anxiolytics, the drugs used to react with GABA neurotransmitters in the exact same way as Valerian does. All three of the herbs mentioned have anxiolytic properties to one degree or another, and for that reason can all be compared to Benzodiazepine – one of the most commonly used chemical drugs on the market. Tests into the comparative effects of chemical anxiolytics and herbs are not always fully supported or conclusive, however the use of Valerian as a substitute is recognized, as is the mild effect of Passion flower.

There are other benefits to using natural anti-anxiety remedies over drugs. Firstly the idea of using natural elements is preferable to adding chemicals to our body. This is why drinking herbal teas and using aromatherapy is such an appealing option. There may be doubts over the true medical effects of the oils but they do provide a better experience with no ill effects. The lack of side-effects is the second reason why herbal remedies are advantageous. The list of adverse effects with drugs like benzodiazepine is long and unnerving, with cognitive impairments – like drowsiness, confusion and lack of concentration – being common, and more worryingly paradoxical effects like irritability and aggression. Valerian and Passion flower, on the other hand, although occasionally leading to stomach complaints, do not carry as great a risk. Lavender has practically no risk at all – unless somebody was to ingest the essential oil, as that can be toxic.

In summary, Valerian, Passion flower and Lavender each hold a rightful place in the use of natural anti-anxiety herbs. There effects may be different in terms of impact and reaction within the body, but they each prove to useful in their own way. Of the three, Passionflower is probably the least efficient, but adding Valerian can be beneficial. Lavender can be easily dismissed for its psychological effects, but it remains the most easily obtained and used of the remedies and has no side effects. Providing you can get over the smell, a simple routine of Lavender aromatherapy, a Valerian and Passionflower tea before bed could be the key to solving anxiety naturally.

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Interested in the subject of Alternative medicine but also self control and motivation, I have great knowledge in related subjects. Don't hesitate to contact me at info@dnac-group.com or trough my Google profile.

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