Anxiety is a natural reaction to stressful situations. Whether caused by work pressures, family issues or everyday challenges, it can affect our quality of life and health. Using herbs to relieve stress is a traditional practice that continues to gain popularity. Many people choose them as a natural alternative, hoping for benefits without the side effects of pharmaceutical treatments. In this article, we will study three herbs for anxiety that help us in our daily lives!

Pictures byFatCamera

Anxiety: what are its symptoms?

The symptoms of anxiety can be divided into physical, emotional and cognitive. Among the most common symptoms may be:

Physical Symptoms:

• Tachycardia
• Accelerated breathing or difficulty breathing
• Heavy sweating
• Shaking or nervousness
• Muscle tension and pain
• Stomach upset (such as diarrhea or nausea)

Emotional Symptoms:

• Anxiety or fear
• Feeling of panic
• Aggressiveness or irritability
• Difficulty sleeping
• Feeling disconnected or ” isolated” from the environment

Cognitive Symptoms:

• Difficulty concentrating
• Difficulty in concentrating on the task at hand
• Insecurity and doubts
• Fear of the future or upcoming situations

If someone notices that the symptoms of anxiety are negatively affecting his daily life, he should consult a specialist. If the symptoms persist for a long period of time, he should again seek support and advice from a specialist.

What is the difference between anxiety and stress?

Anxiety and stress are two terms that are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings:

Stress:

• Origin: Stress is a reaction of the body to an external pressure or threat. This pressure can be caused by physical situations (such as an injury) or social situations (such as pressure at work).
• Duration: It is often temporary and has a specific duration, reflecting the body’s reaction to a particular situation.
• Physiological Response: Stress triggers the “fight or run away” response, an instinctive physiological response that prepares the body to meet or run away from a threat.

Anxiety:

• Origin: Anxiety refers to an unsettling feeling of fear, insecurity or discomfort that may have no clear external cause.
• Duration: May be temporary or chronic. It may or may not be linked to specific situations and may be prolonged in time.
• Types: There are various forms of anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety, panic and phobias.

Stress is a reaction to external pressure or threat, triggering the “fight or run away” response. Anxiety refers to a general sense of unease without a clear cause.

How to deal with stress?

Breathing Exercises: Try taking 5 deep breaths before bed or when you feel upset.

Herbs – nature:

Instead of your daily coffee, try an herbal tea. As we will see below, there are herbs for anxiety, some of which have been documented by traditional medicine and the scientific community. This is a simple way to incorporate herbs into your life. Turn to herbs and nature in general.

Enjoyable anti-anxiety baths: Try an essential oil bath. Oregano and thyme are refreshing, while rosemary relaxes the mind. In general, essential oils act as a natural sedative and help relieve tiredness. A few drops of essential oils and your bath is transformed into an oasis of relaxation.

Motion: You don’t have to become an athlete. A simple walk for 10 minutes daily can make a difference.

Discussion: Take a walk with a friend and talk about how you’re feeling. Sharing your feelings can help lighten the load. Always keep in mind the possibility of seeing a mental health professional.

Whenever you feel overwhelmed by anxiety, stop for a moment and try to focus in the now. Remember that change is a process. Small steps can lead to big changes. Making a start is the most important step.

Pictures by Antonio_Diaz

Nature as Therapy:

Nature is a refuge against anxiety. A walk in the woods, the sound of water or just the sight of the sky can bring peace. Pay attention to the detail you see. Look for the reasons why simple things happen that until today you didn’t pay attention to. Notice the taste in your meal or your drink. By tasting an herbal tea whose properties are relaxing, discover the aromas and flavors it can give you. Don’t taste passively, therein lies a great secret between stress and herbs.

Herbs for Anxiety

Herbs such as Lemon Balm, Linden and Rosemary contain substances that support psychological calmness. The teas of these herbs or their extracts can act as natural anti-stress agents. The herbs have a rich chemical composition that offers a variety of health benefits.

1. Lemon balm: Lemon balm contains various herbal ingredients such as valeric acid and alkaloids. Compounds that act as mild sedative and anticonvulsant agents, helping to relax the nervous system.
2. Linden: Linden flowers contain flavonoids, tannins and essential oil. These substances, among others, help relax muscles, soothe stress and improve sleep.
3. Rosemary: Rosemary essential oil contains ingredients such as rosmarinic acid and camphor, substances that have tonic and antioxidant properties. Rosmarinic acid can also help improve mood. These active substances can also be obtained from the extraction of rosemary. That is, the way we make our herbal tea.

The role of herbal substances in supporting psychological well-being is complicated. While herbs can offer support, it is important that they are used knowledgeably and under the supervision of an expert.

Herbs for anxiety while creating a routine of internal calmness:

Incorporate herbs into your daily routine through teas, baths or aromatherapy. Combine them with a yoga or meditation practice or simply with nature walks.

Pick some habits from the above and keep them in time. Using herbs for stress apart from their properties can accompany you on an exciting life journey. On this journey you should not be alone. Health experts are good to accompany you as well as loved ones and habits that you enjoy.

Turn to the gifts of nature to find peace of mind. Herbs and natural serenity are waiting to offer you a respite from stress.