18 natural remedies for anxiety

Feeling anxious is a normal reaction of human beings in situations of stress or uncertainty. In fact, all of us, at some point in our life, have experienced its symptoms.

However, despite being an adaptive reaction, sometimes it can interfere with the smooth running of people's lives and can create great discomfort.

In more severe cases, that is, in those in which the person suffers from an anxiety disorder, it is necessary to go to a psychology specialist in order to successfully overcome this problem.

• Related article: "6 effective treatments against anxiety”

Natural remedies to calm anxiety

In situations in which anxiety is not a serious problem (although it is annoying or uncomfortable) it is possible to benefit from some natural remedies to relax. These remedies, likewise, can be useful in more severe cases as long as psychotherapy sessions are also attended.

If you want to leave behind the medicines that contain chemical substances and you want to know what these natural antidotes are, In the following lines you will find a list that can help you calm your anxiety.

1. Valerian Tea

Valerian is a plant native to Europe and Asia and has been used for thousands of years as a remedy for various ailments. Valerian root is believed to have an impact on the availability of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain.

GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter in the nervous system, and it is responsible for inhibiting the activity of brain neurons. GABA promotes relaxation and reduces stress levels.

• You can learn more about this transmitter in our article: "GABA (neurotransmitter): what it is and what role does it play in the brain”

2. Green Tea

Although green tea is a stimulant, some studies have shown it to be beneficial for anxiety. Mainly because it stimulates brain neurotransmitters that induce relaxation, thanks to L-theanine.

In addition, this substance helps to stop the rising heart rate and blood pressure. A human study showed that subjects more prone to anxiety were calmer when they took 200 milligrams of L-theanine.

3. Yoga

Yoga has a number of psychological benefits as well as physical ones. Your practice has a positive impact on stress and anxiety, as confirmed by a study by Thirthalli and Naveen (2013), as it reduces levels of cortisol, a hormone that is released in response to stress. By practicing yoga we can lower the levels of this hormone to reduce stress and, therefore, anxiety.

• Related article: "The 6 psychological benefits of yoga”

4. Lemon balm

This herb has been used since the Middle Ages, since it is effective in treating sleep, nervousness and anxiety. It is a digestive infusion and native to central Europe. However, in excess it can be counterproductive and cause more anxiety, so it should be taken in moderation.

5. Licorice root

Works as a natural alternative to cortisone, which can help the body handle stressful situations, and acts to normalize blood sugar levels, as well as the adrenal glands, providing the necessary energy to deal with the stressful situation. Licorice root stimulates the cranial and cerebrospinal fluid, and calms the mind.

6. Kava

This plant is a subspecies of mint, and is beneficial in reducing anxiety and nervousness.. It is native to the South Pacific, and studies show that it is very helpful in calming people. Also used against insomnia.

7. Linden

Linden is one of the most consumed infusions for anxiety. Many people take a linden before a major exam to calm their nerves and be more relaxed. It is not as strong as valerian, but it can be very effective.

8 Passionflower

This infusion acts as an anxiolytic and is a calming and relaxing that comes from the passion flower. It was used by the Aztecs centuries ago for its analgesic and sedative effects. It is also indicated in cases of depression, as it produces a slight euphoria. It is also used for insomnia, headache or tachycardia.

9. Skullcap

Skullcap is a very effective remedy for people who experience anxiety and nervousness. along with muscle tension. When someone is feeling excessively nervous, skullcap can help to relax not only their anxiety, but also the muscle tension that comes with it. It can be taken as an infusion or tincture.

10. Chamomile

Chamomile is a widely consumed infusion that has not only beneficial properties for digestion. This infusion contains anxiolytic characteristics and helps reduce stress, anxiety and insomniaAt least this indicates a study at the University of Pennsylvania Medical Center in Philadelphia.

11. St. John's wort or herb

St. John's wort is benefits for the treatment of depressionas it can restore the balance of neurotransmitters that have an impact on mood. Likewise, it is also beneficial for anxiety. It is possible to find it in any pharmacy and it is not necessary a prescription to buy it.

12. Arctic root

It has been shown to be very effective for occasional anxiety and periods of stress. It is a plant native to Siberia and is known for its adaptogenic properties. An adaptogen is a physiological agent that naturally increases the body's resistance to physical and emotional stress. This plant favors the increase in the activity of serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine.

13. Hop

This plant is characterized by its bitter taste. It is native to various regions of Europe and, after consumption, has a positive effect on the nervous system. It is known for its efficacy in treating anxiety, nervousness, stress, and insomnia. In addition, it facilitates digestion.

14. Ashwagandha Tea

Its rare name is understood due to its origin, as it is an Indian tea, which has been used in the medicine of that country for centuries. Ashwagandha tea supports well-being, clears the mind, reduces hypertension, and fights stress and anxiety.

15. Physical exercise

Physical exercise should be a habit that everyone should practice because its benefits are numerous. Among them, we can find that it reduces the levels of cortisol in the body, helps to fall asleep, releases endorphins They make us feel good and reduce stress and anxiety levels.

• You can delve into this topic in our article: "The 10 psychological benefits of practicing physical exercise”

16. Herb Luisa

Another infusion with calming and tranquilizing properties and that is useful in cases of nervousness and anxiety is the Lemon grass. This plant is effective for those people who are mentally down. It is not advisable for pregnant or lactating women.

17. Meditation

Meditation has been shown to be very effective in controlling anxious thoughts and calming the mind. That is why today, to treat anxiety, psychological techniques such as Mindfulness, which have been shown to be effective in different investigations.

• If you want to learn to meditate, don't miss our article: "How to learn to meditate, in 7 easy steps”

18. Walk through the countryside and the beach

One of the great problems of this society is the rhythm of life that we have. Always working, hooked on new technologies... Twe have little time to connect with ourselves and enjoy nature.

A 20-minute walk on the beach or in the woods, as indicated by a study carried out by Japanese researchers, helps reduce stress and anxiety. In addition, like any aerobic exercise, walking reduces cortisol levels, as confirmed by research published in the Journal of Physiological Anthropology and makes us feel good thanks to the release of different brain chemicals such as endorphins or serotonin.

• Related article: "The 10 benefits of walking, according to science”