As the pace of life continues to increase, so do your stress levels. Learn how to ease the symptoms of anxiety with gentle herbal remedies.

Employment stress, exam pressure and family breakups are some of the life events that leave people feeling agitated and tends. Anxiety related disorders such as panic attacks are on the increase, but many suffer symptoms without realizing it, including irritability, headaches and, eventually, digestive issues such as gastric ulcers.

Restore your balance

The symptoms of anxiety can be treated with traditional herbal remedies. Lemon balm and skullcap are relaxants, helping you to unwind and gain a restful night’s sleep. Vervain and Skullcap can also help to nourish, strengthen and balance your nervous system. Linden is helpful in protecting against the formation of gastric ulcers, and the antispasmodic properties of wild lettuce are helpful in relaxing muscles.

How anxiety affects the body

Your autonomic nervous system, over which you have no conscious control, is divided into the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems. In response to intense physical or emotional stimulation, your sympathetic system induces a “fight or flight “response, increasing adrenals, so you can respond to danger. In our evolutionary past this helps us to avoid predators, but extended stimulation results in a racing heart rate, sweating and irritability.

Side effects of panic

The parasympathetic system is suppressed during “fight or flight”. This system is responsible for the housekeeping of vital bodily functions, including digestion, assimilation of nutrients and waste elimination. Is it any wonder that excessive anxiety can result in digestive disorders?

Herbs to treat anxiety

If you have a tendency to suffer from anxiety, you may want to stock up on some of these soothing herbs to help you fight the symptoms.

Passionflower

This purple and white flour is native to Mexico and Brazil. A tincture or infusion of the dried leaves or flowers for sedates the nervous system, which counters the effects of adrenaline. Its active ingredients are flavonoids (apigenin), isovitexin, and maltol. Passionflower is a gentle tranquilizer that is even suitable for children and the elderly.

Skullcap

Skullcap was once used by Native Americans to treat hysteria. It is a nourishing tonic to the nervous system. It is capable of reducing palpitations, nervous tics and restlessness. Skullcap’s active ingredients include volatile oils, flavonoids, bitters and tannins. An infusion of the dried leaves and flowers is the best way to administer this valuable herb. A traditional healing herb, skullcap can help anxiety by nourishing the nervous system.

Lemon Balm

The leaves of this plant make a pleasant iced summer drink or a hot winner infusion to aid relaxation. A member of the mint family, its sleep-inducing properties have been known for years. Take lemon balm as an infusion or tincture for a restful night’s sleep.

A remedy made from a selection of powerful herbs will help you beat the effects of anxiety.

Vervain

Vervain’s tiny, unassuming leaves are packed with active ingredients. It is a soothing nervous tonic, valuable for strengthening the nervous system. It is useful in treating nervous disorders from PMS to hysteria and panic attacks. Bitter iridoids stimulate digestive activity. Vervain can cause vomiting if taken in large amounts.

Linden

A soothing tincture of lime tree blossom, or Linden, is a valuable herb for reducing tension and promoting relaxation. It also protects the body from the physical symptoms of stress, such as high blood pressure and gastric ulcers. Linden is helpful for easing the withdrawal effects of antidepressants and some other addictive drugs.

Wild lettuce

Native to Europe, this roadside plant has clusters of pale yellow Daisy like flowers and spiny leaves. It’s gently tranquilizing action calms an overactive nervous system, and its antispasmodic properties are particularly helpful for treating a nervous cough. Its sedative action is due to sequisterpene lactones, and the leaves also contain trace amounts of opium like compounds.