Dr. Nicole Cain knows living with anxiety can be challenging and exhausting. The constant worry, fear, and unease can disrupt our daily lives and impact our overall well-being. While seeking professional help should always be a priority, there are also natural remedies that can provide much-needed relief.
My Three Favorite Herbs For Anxiety
- Lemon Balm
- Passion Flower
- Lavender
Let’s look at how they are useful in soothing the mind and body.
1. Lemon Balm: Nature’s Tranquilizer
Lemon balm, or melissa officinalis, is a beautiful herb with a refreshing citrus scent. Used for centuries as a calming agent, its ability to promote relaxation and reduce restlessness is well-documented.
How Lemon Balm Works
Research shows that lemon balm contains compounds that increase gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) levels in the brain, a neurotransmitter responsible for regulating anxiety. This amplifies the calming effect on our nervous system, helping to alleviate anxiety symptoms.
How You Take Lemon Balm
There are various ways to incorporate lemon balm into your daily routine. You can find lemon balm in tinctures, teas, essential oils, and supplements at your local health food store. Experiment with different forms to determine what works best for you.
2. Passion Flower: A Stress-Relieving Ally
Passion flower, scientifically known as passiflora incarnata, is a herb that has long been regarded as an effective anxiety reliever. Native to North America, it has been used for centuries to calm the mind and body, helping to promote a positive sense of well-being.
How Passion Flower Works
This herb contains flavonoids and alkaloids that interact with our brain receptors and encourage the production of GABA. This process helps to reduce anxiety and restore a sense of calmness. Additionally, passion flower has been found to reduce heart palpitations and improve sleep quality, which are often associated with anxiety disorders.
How You Take Lemon Balm
To create a soothing tea, you can incorporate passion flowers into your daily routine by steeping its dried leaves in hot water for 10-15 minutes. Passiflora incarnata supplements are also available, providing a convenient option for on-the-go anxiety relief. It’s important to note that passion flowers may cause drowsiness- it’s best to avoid operating heavy machinery or driving after consuming this herb.
3. Lavender: Nature’s Balm for the Anxious Soul
Lavender, with its captivating fragrance and delicate purple blooms, is a well-known herb that holds incredible calming properties. Widely used in aromatherapy, lavender has been proven effective in reducing anxiety levels and promoting relaxation.
How Lavender Works
Studies have shown that the scent of lavender directly impacts the brain, specifically affecting the amygdala, which is responsible for processing emotions and fear. Inhaling lavender can help relieve anxiety symptoms such as restlessness, racing thoughts, and difficulty sleeping.
How You Take Lavender
There are numerous ways to incorporate lavender into your life. You can enjoy lavender through essential oils by adding a few drops to a diffuser, bathwater, or pillow. You can steep dry lavender flowers in hot water to create a soothing tea. Lavender-scented products, such as candles or bath salts, are also available and can create a serene atmosphere to help ease anxiety.
A Holistic Approach To Anxiety Relief
The calming properties of lemon balm, passion flower, and lavender have been proven through scientific research. If you’re seeking a holistic approach to anxiety relief, consider incorporating natural remedies for anxiety into your daily routine. You can learn more herbal recipes inside Dr. Nicole Cain’s Holistic Wellness Collective membership group.
** Remember, while these herbs may reduce anxiety symptoms, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure they are suitable for your circumstances. Combining natural remedies with professional guidance can create a powerful strategy for managing anxiety and improving your overall quality of life.
Dr. Nicole Cain is an advocate for empowering people around the world to help themselves via her educational free resources, online courses, and membership group. You can receive the tools you need to find the root cause of your symptoms and feel healthy again.
