The modern age has ushered in an era where we compromise our health for luxuries that we now consider essential. In a bid to stay ahead of the competition, and to provide for ourselves and our family, we feverishly work towards our goal without cutting ourselves some slack. We tend to forget that our bodies can be pushed only to a specific limit. The most important things in life — money, family, health, love, and career— are the ones that we stress about the most, and ironically, it’s for these factors that we decide to slog without a second thought.
The repercussions of leading such a stressful and restless life are that people are plagued by anxiety and insomnia, each of which is a silent killer in its domain. They spend the day being anxious about reaching the workplace on time, finishing the tasks at hand, ensuring that their kids and spouse have everything they need to lead a comfortable life, and they spend the night staying awake because they feel that something is still amiss.
Such constant obsessing can have a negative impact on one’s health. So, it becomes essential to take some measures to treat one’s anxiety and insomnia. If one isn’t keen on taking medicines for bringing these conditions under control, they can always opt for herbal remedies for anxiety and insomnia that have proven effective even in the long run.
Lavender
It is common knowledge that the aroma of lavender is quite intoxicating and it is often called an “emotional” anti-inflammatory. In fact, even the scent of lavender oil can make one less anxious. Various countries have formulated lavender pills, and these are known to reduce anxiety symptoms in people diagnosed with generalized anxiety disorder (GED). It is known to have similar effects as the drug lorazepam, which is an anti-anxiety medication that belongs to the same class as valium. Though lavender is considered to be one of the best herbal remedies for anxiety and insomnia, some people insist that it makes them fuzzy. So, it is necessary to use lavender with discretion.
Chamomile
Chamomile, also known as Matricaria recutita, has several medicinal properties and has been hailed as one of the most effective herbal remedies for treating anxiety and insomnia. In fact, chamomile consists of compounds that can bind to the brain receptors just like the medication valium does, and thereby calm one’s nerves and prevent a potential anxiety attack. Studies have revealed that patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GED) benefit from consuming chamomile supplements. People who experience insomnia that is triggered by anxiety can also benefit from using chamomile in the long run.
Lemon balm
Melissa Officinalis, also known as lemon balm, has been used since the middle ages to help people deal with anxiety and insomnia. It is known to reduce stress drastically and is quite safe. A standardized lemon balm extract is known to make people calm and alert at the same time and has proven to work better than placebos. However, irrespective of the various benefits of using lemon balm, it is imperative to use it in small quantities as taking too much can, in fact, make a person more anxious. Lemon balm is available in the form of tea, capsules, and tinctures, and one can choose from any of these forms.
Valerian root
Certain herbal remedies for anxiety and insomnia can help one deal with the situation without making them drowsy or sleepy; but, valerian root does not belong to that category of herbal remedies meant for anxiety and insomnia. In short, valerian root works as a sedative and is instrumental in dealing with insomnia because it works as a sleeping aid as well. One of the major hinderances of consuming valerian root is that the odor is slightly repulsive. So, consuming it in the form of a capsule or tincture is more sensible. Also, it is advisable to consume valerian root tea in the evening and not in the morning before leaving for work. Valerian root works wonders on its own, but for better results, one can combine it with other sedative herbs like lemon balm or chamomile.
L-theanine (green tea)
L-theanine, one of the major components of green tea, is considered to be one of the most effective herbal remedies for treating anxiety and insomnia. In fact, L-theanine can curb one’s anxiety symptoms without making them drowsy. This herbal remedy can keep a person alert and relaxed at the same time. Moreover, L-theanine is known to bring the rising heart rate and blood pressure under control and helps in combating insomnia that arises out of anxiety.
Hops
It is one of the main ingredients used in brewing everyone’s favorite beer. However, it doesn’t offer the same tranquilizing effects as one’s usual mug of beer. Hops contain a sedative compound known as volatile oil that is often used in aromatherapy and is available in the form of extracts and tinctures. However, hops is very bitter and cannot be consumed on its own; one will have to combine it with chamomile or mint. Though hops is a popular herbal remedy for anxiety and insomnia, people shouldn’t use it if they are already taking a prescription tranquilizer or sedative.
