If you’re stressed out or having trouble sleeping in
Mansfield, there are some easy-to-come-by herbs that may help you get into a
calmer state of mind. Many herbal remedies with long histories of medicinal use
have been scientifically investigated, revealing natural occurring compounds
that give the plants their effects. These five herbal remedies are often used
as holistic medicine treatments to soothe anxiety and to remedy mild to moderate
insomnia. If you’re feeling stressed, a calming herbal tea that incorporates some
of these ingredients may help you to feel more relaxed and better able to deal
with the problems causing the stress.
#1: Valerian Root
Valerian root (Valeriana
officinalis) is an effective holistic medicine remedy for sleeplessness and
anxiety. If you live in the Mansfield area and you’re struggling with mild
insomnia, valerian root might just do the trick. Valerian root contains certain
natural chemical compounds, including valerenic acids and sesquiterpenoids that
have affinities for GABA receptors in the brain. GABA (gamma-amino butyric
acid) is an important neurotransmitter. Benzodiazepines, a popular but
troublesome class of prescription drugs used for anxiety and sometimes for
insomnia, work via the same receptors. In addition to its sedative and
anxiolytic effects, valerian also has some muscle relaxant qualities. Valerian
root is often sold in capsules, and is also used as an herbal tea.
#2: Chamomile
Chamomile (Asteraceae family) is a tried-and-true holistic
medicine remedy for relaxation. Chamomile contains numerous chemical compounds
with medicinal effects, some of which act on GABA receptors. Chamomile also has
anti-inflammatory effects and can soothe gastrointestinal discomfort. Chamomile
tea is easy to find in Mansfield; you can usually find it at the grocery store.
#3: California Poppy
California poppy (Eschscholzia
californica) is a flowering plant in the poppy family that is native to
California. Historically, its leaves have been used by Native Americans for
medicinal purposes. Although California poppy is related to opium poppy, it
contains a different and much milder class of alkaloid chemicals. An aqueous
extraction of the plant has sedative and anxiety-reducing qualities. In a study
of the effects of California poppy extract on mice, it was shown to have
affinities for the same receptors as benzodiazepines.
#4: Passionflower
Passionflower (Passiflora
incarnata), also known as maypop, was first used medicinally by Native
Americans and then later by European colonists. The fresh or dried leaves of
this plant are often used to make a tea that soothes anxiety and insomnia. Many
passionflower species, notably P.
incarnata, contain a group of chemical compounds called beta-carboline
harmala alkaloids. These chemicals function as MAO (monoamine oxidase)
inhibitors, lending them antidepressant effects. Clinical investigations of the
efficacy of passionflower for anxiety have produced promising results. In one
study, P. incarnata extract worked as
well as oxazepam, a benzodiazepine, but with fewer adverse side effects.
#5: Lemon Balm
Lemon balm (Melissa
officinalis) contains compounds, notably rosmarinic acid that inhibits an
enzyme called GABA transaminase. This results in reducing anxiety and sedative
effects. Studies indicate that lemon balm extract reduces stress, as well as improves
mood and even enhances mental performance. These effects are attributed to the
plant’s effects on muscarinic and nicotinic acetylcholine receptors.
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