Best Herbs for Anxiety and Stress

Anxiety has become a big problem for many of us in this new world scenario. Here are some good and proven herbal remedies that help fighting anxiety and stress.

1.    Chamomile - Mild sedating properties of chamomile tea induce sleep thus help in anxiety.

2.    Green tea - Green tea helps to activate brain functions like improved mood, vigilance, reaction time and memory. The Psychoactive properties of green tea have potential ability to reduce mental and physical stress. It is a good remedy for anti-anxiety.

3.    Hops (Humulus lupulus) - Hops are very good remedies for treatment of anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia.  Sedative effect hops make it a popular remedy for sleeplessness.

4.    Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) - This herb is well known for its anti-anxiety properties but has no good evidence for this fact.

5.    Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) - It increases the GBA (neurotransmitter) activity in brain that produce the sedative effect and helps to fight Anti-anxiety.

6.    Passionflower - Passionflower works by increasing levels of Gamma Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) in the brain, which lowers the activity of brain thus produce sedative effect, making you feel more relaxed.

7.    Lavender - Lavender is a proven and effective herbal remedy for treating signs of anxiety and depression symptoms.

8.    Ashwagandha - Ashwagandha is found to be very helpful in treating anxiety.

9.    Kava Kava - Kava is effective a herbal remedy for anxiety, stress, and insomnia. It is used a supplement or Tea.

Exercise, Yoga, Meditation, regular workout and social gatherings are also useful for fighting anxiety.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Ayurvedic Treatments

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Symptoms & Natural Treatments

In Ayurveda there is no specific information about this disease. The concept and symptoms can be perceived on the basis of tridosa theory. The symptoms like heaviness of breasts, change in appetite, nausea, vomiting, depression, and nervousness can be correlated to kapha imbalance. Aggravated pitta contributes to irritability, anxiety, anger, vomiting, headache, food cravings, and sleep disorders. Bloating of the stomach, pelvic pain, headache, difficulty in concentrating, sleep disorders, mood swings, and anxiety are the features of provoked vata.

Some habits or addictions like eating salty food and consuming alcohol and cold beverages containing caffeine aggravate the problem.

Externally, oleation with sesame oil and fomentation with herbal decoctions give excellent results. In severe cases, medicated oil enema (anuvasana basti) is very beneficial (e.g., sesame oil and dashamoola kwatha). Internally, ashokarishtam and A. vera in combination with some other drugs are used in Ayurvedic practice. For vata and pitta symptoms, shatavari (asparagus), ashwagandha (Withania somnifera), amalaki (Indian gooseberry), and yashtimadhu (licorice) work very well. To reduce kapha symptoms such as heaviness of breasts and fluid retention, herbs such as triphala, trikatu (pepper, ginger, and long pepper), and vacha (Acorus calamus) are very useful. Jeerakadyarishtom, manasamitra vatakam, saraswatarishtam, shatavari kalpa, and kumaryasavam are some of the effective herbal formulas.

Women suffering from this disorder should specifically avoid vata aggravating a week before the menstruation. Examples include dried fish and dry meat, deep fried and very spicy foods, very cold foods, sprouts, beans, and potatoes.

Note:

1.    Detailed articles containing gynecological diseases specific Ayurvedic information/knowledge are in que and no sooner will be published on the blog.

2.    The information shared in the article or any other article on the blog is having sole purpose of creating awareness about benefits Ayurveda or traditional medicine system across the world and informative in nature.

3.    It is strongly recommended to consult a registered expert before following or adopting any information provided in this article or on this blog.

Menorrhagia (Heavy or prolonged menstrual periods): Ayurvedic Treatment

Menorrhagia (Heavy or prolonged menstrual periods): Natural Treatment

Excessively heavy bleeding or prolonged periods are considered as menorrhagia. It is categorized under abnormal uterine bleeding. According to Ayurveda, the aggravated pitta vitiates blood (rakta) and causes overflow through yoni. This is named asruja yoni.

The external therapy includes the following:

1.    A continuous thin flow of medicated oil (dhara), milk, or buttermilk on forehead or lower abdomen

2.    Fomentation (seka)

3.    Simple oil application (abhyanga)

4.    A local application of drugs with cotton ball as a plug (pichu)

These external treatments are done to alleviate pain, stop the excess blood flow, and relax the patient. Internally Saraca indica, Terminalia arjuna, Indian sarsaparila, Santalum album, and A. Vera are commonly used herbs. Lodhrasavam, chandanasavam, kumaryasavam, ashokarishtom, chandrakala vati, bolabaddha ras, and pradarantak ras are some of the most commonly used formulas.

Takradhara (a continuous flow of buttermilk processed with Cyperus rotundus and Emblica officinalis is called a Takradhara) was found effective in menorrhagia. A formulation named kashmarya-kutaja ghrita was found very effective in menorrhagia. Pushyanuga churnam was found highly significant in menorrhagia. Ashokarishtam and musalikhadiradi kwatha, two multiherbal formulas, have been shown to be highly effective in normalizing the menstrual cycle as well as reducing associated symptoms such as palpitation, weakness, and myalgia. Kutajashtaka lehyam, a classical formula, was also found to be very effective in menorrhagia and dysfunctional uterine bleeding.

A multiherbal formula containing Saraca indica, A. vera, Cyperus rotundus, etc. produced significant results in oligomenorrhea. This formula may be significantly effective in helping infertility disorders.

Dietary and Behavioral Regimen

Women should avoid foods that are fried, greasy, spicy, and sour. Indian spices such as coriander, turmeric, mint, and anise seeds are recommended. Hot spices, garlic, ginger, and chilies and hot beverages such tea, coffee, and alcohol should be avoided. Green vegetables including zucchini, squash, cucumber, pumpkin, Indian gooseberry, and dates and soups of legumes and vegetables are recommended, as these have a cooling effect.

Women should add fresh fruits (accept citrus) and dairy products such as milk, fresh cottage cheese, and ghee (butter oil) to the diet. Pulses and grains are also very beneficial. Coconut water, barley water, and buttermilk are also good.

Excessive stress and strain need to be avoided. Maintaining proper hygiene of the genital organs is of primary importance. A proper bowel movement every day is also considered important. Relaxation of the mind is very important for menorrhagia as in any other disease.

Note:

1.    Detailed articles containing gynecological diseases specific Ayurvedic information/knowledge are in que and no sooner will be published on the blog.

2.    The information shared in the article or any other article on the blog is having sole purpose of creating awareness about benefits Ayurveda or traditional medicine system across the world and informative in nature.

3.    It is strongly recommended to consult a registered expert before following or adopting any information provided in this article or on this blog.