What kind of herbs are these that calm the nervous system, and especially for women?
Anxiety, in one form or another, has become a constant companion for many people.
Women are more susceptible to chronic anxiety than men. According to statistics, approximately twice. Very often, disorders of the female nervous system are associated with hormonal levels. Therefore, herbs for stress or insomnia should not only calm you down, but also maintain the stability of hormones (On the other hand, you need to take into account the possible hormonal effect of herbs so as not to harm yourself).
Here I wrote about 27 herbs useful for women.
If you experience anxiety occasionally, before an important event, due to stress at work or before going to the doctor, then you need herbs that can quickly calm the rebellious nervous system.
In Russia, it is not customary to pay attention to sometimes even serious health problems. And the reason here is often not only in total dislike for oneself, but also in the lack of opportunity to receive normal medical care.
Often a person or their loved ones choose to ignore recurring symptoms. What can we say about anxiety or phobias, few people consider them to be a serious problem. However, untreated anxiety and psychological problems have an unpleasant property - they intensify over time.
The problem, if you choose not to solve it, will begin to manifest itself more persistently - with panic attacks, hysterics, severe depression, constant fatigue, reluctance to do something, reluctance to live.
Chronic stress leads to dysregulation of cortisol, and many other very physical phenomena that ultimately lead to serious health problems. But no one will say to them “you’re exaggerating” or “drink valerian and everything will go away.”
How to treat depression with folk remedies: decoctions and infusions
To overcome mood disorders, relieve internal tension and anxiety, traditional medicine recommends using herbal infusions and decoctions regularly and in long courses. Before starting herbal treatment, you should consult your doctor, since herbal and homeopathic medicines have certain contraindications and possible side effects.
It must be remembered that the shelf life of herbal infusions and decoctions does not exceed 48 hours if they are placed in refrigerators. When carrying out herbal medicine, you should not expect instant results. The effect of using herbs is noticeable no earlier than two weeks, provided that the formulations are taken daily.
How to treat depression with folk remedies? To eliminate depressed mood and return interest in life during depression, compositions based on St. John's wort are traditionally used. The herb St. John's wort has long been recognized as a natural antidepressant and has been successfully used for various types of depressive disorders. This medicinal plant has a harmonizing effect on the central and autonomic nervous system. Regular intake of infusion or decoction helps eliminate bad mood and apathy. St. John's wort improves appetite and helps eliminate insomnia. Taking medicinal compositions of St. John's wort helps improve mood. St. John's wort herb has a positive effect on cognitive and physical abilities, increases endurance and performance.
Proven, effective, relatively safe herbal remedies used as tonics with adaptive properties include:
- ginseng root;
- Eleutherococcus;
- Rhodiola rosea.
Tincture of ginseng roots has an adaptogenic and tonic effect. The drug is recommended for use in asthenic conditions, decreased physical performance, and deterioration of cognitive functions. Since the pharmaceutical product contains ethanol, tincture of ginseng roots is not used in the treatment of depression in pregnant women and children under 12 years of age.
Liquid extract of Eleutherococcus, also sold in pharmacies, is indicated for use in asthenic conditions, fatigue, and decreased performance. The drug has proven itself in the treatment of chronic fatigue syndrome. Eleutherococcus is recommended for use to prevent and overcome psycho-emotional stress. The drug is used in the treatment of various functional disorders of the autonomic nervous system. A course of treatment with Eleutherococcus is indicated for loss of appetite, which is often observed in patients with depression.
Rhodiola rosea tincture eliminates apathy, melancholy, lethargy and muscle weakness. Golden root is a reliable remedy in the fight against constant drowsiness. This stimulant quickly restores strength after heavy physical exertion. Rhodiola improves mood by activating the production of serotonin in the body. However, the drug should be taken only in the first half of the day. Taking the tincture in the evening can result in persistent insomnia.
The following have an effective tonic effect against depression:
- Leuzea;
- Chinese lemongrass;
- Aralia;
- luring
Leuzea safflower, also called maral root, is used as a general strengthening and tonic. This herbal preparation is used for fatigue, severe depression, and disorders of the central nervous system.
Schisandra chinensis, also known as schizandra, has a tonic, refreshing, and stimulating effect. The drug is recommended when performing intense mental work. The drug is successfully used in the treatment of asthenic and depressive conditions. The undoubted advantage of Schisandra chinensis is the absence of signs of overexcitation of the nervous system.
Aralia Manchurian preparations have a stimulating effect on the central nervous system. The effect of using drugs based on this plant is much stronger than that of using ginseng. Aralia tincture is an excellent remedy prescribed for asthenic conditions manifested by physical and neuropsychic weakness, increased fatigue. The drug normalizes the psycho-emotional status, eliminates uncertainty, and eliminates mood instability.
The root and rhizomes of the plant contain many biologically active substances. Tincture of bait has a stimulating effect on the central nervous system. Allows you to quickly adapt to increased loads. Eliminates depressive symptoms and asthenic conditions.
Rosemary and gentian pulmonary are effective remedies that restore energy balance during loss of strength that accompanies depression. However, these complexes of biologically active substances are not recommended for use in cases of insomnia, hypertension and severe cardiac disorders.
Medicinal plants are traditionally used in folk medicine as sedatives:
- valerian,
- Melissa,
- mint,
- hop,
- motherwort.
Preparations of lavender, heather, peony, and sweet clover are used for irritability, anxiety, insomnia, and fatigue. Passionflower and hawthorn, along with a sedative effect, regulate cardiovascular activity, improve blood circulation, and gently reduce blood pressure. Wormwood and juniper, in addition to their calming effect, help restore the structure and elasticity of blood vessels, and activate cerebral and peripheral blood circulation. Cushion herb and chamomile flowers are used for vegetative symptoms, dizziness, and suffocation. A decoction of chicory roots normalizes digestion, increases appetite, has a sedative effect, and helps the heart function.
Knowing the peculiarities of the course of depression, taking into account the individual reaction to taking specific herbal remedies, everyone needs to create their own set of drugs for herbal treatment and take medicinal decoctions regularly for 3-6 months.
Source: depression.info
Herbs for women that calm the nervous system
As long as you understand the causes of your condition with the help of a psychotherapist or on your own (the latter can also be very useful if there is no opportunity for a psychotherapist), the herbs will do their job. They are useful during the course of psychotherapy and during various stressful periods and during periods of hormonal problems.
Every herbalist and herbalist knows that in chronic “sluggish” conditions, herbs can replace or complement drug therapy. And problems of the nervous system (neuroses, panic attacks, hysterics, and so on) are no exception.
Lavender
Beautifully aromatic, lavender is one of the most effective herbs for anxiety, both chronic and acute. Plus, it is one of the best herbs for insomnia.
If you can't sleep, try placing a sachet of lavender next to your pillow; after a few minutes your eyelids will become heavier and you will fall asleep. Lavender acts just as quickly during periods of acute stress - just inhale the aroma of lavender deeply several times and you will calm down.
The only negative is that lavender flowers can irritate the respiratory system and you will start sneezing. In this case, you can use lavender essential oil. Just make sure it's high quality. You can carry a bottle of lavender oil with you.
I think the safest way is to make your own butter. Lavender extracts beautifully. Prepare an infusion with its flowers and soak a napkin in it, which you place next to your pillow. Helps you fall asleep very well. And besides...
Lavender is very pleasant to take internally.
From its flowers you can prepare:
- Tea
- Syrup
- Tincture
Throw a teaspoon of lemon balm, lavender, chamomile into your teapot, pour boiling water over it and in 10 minutes you will get a fragrant and delicious, soothing tea.
You can add these herbs to your usual black or green tea.
Lavender has a mild estrogenic effect and if you have a history of estrogen receptor positive cancer, do not overdo it with lavender.
In other cases, the slight estrogenic effect of this herb may serve women well.
Turmeric
Not one study, but several at once have proven that one of the best women's herbs - the spice, turmeric - is beneficial for the nervous system, in particular, treating depression and anxiety.
According to research, turmeric stimulates the release of dopamine and serotonin, the hormones of happiness.
In addition, turmeric has a strong anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect, and is very useful for the digestive system.
Turmeric powder is easy to use and can be added to your daily meals. It can be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Turmeric should not be taken by women with iron deficiency anemia.
Chamomile
Chamomile is a traditional calming, warming plant. Chamomile has been proven to effectively relieve anxiety, daily stress, and improve mood. Chamomile tea will safely calm a woman, even during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Pamper yourself by preparing delicious aromatic tea with chamomile, lemon balm, St. John's wort and motherwort and drink it at night. This will help you sleep soundly and stay relaxed the next day. Tea will support not only your state of mind, but also your hormonal levels, external beauty and youth.
It is better not to sweeten tea with honey or sugar, as this reduces the effectiveness of the herbs. But you can add a packet of stevia.
Reishi Mushroom
Reishi belongs to a class of herbs called adaptogens, which help us adapt to the stresses and demands of modern life without getting stuck in chronic “survival mode.” They gently and effectively regulate the body's response to stress through their tonic effects on the adrenal glands.
Reishi is one of the best adaptogens for obsessive anxiety that keeps you from sleeping. And this mushroom can be taken at night, which cannot be said about other adaptogen herbs. Reishi is safe for mothers during breastfeeding.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is another herb that is very beneficial for women and has a calming effect. It has been proven to lower cortisol levels, thereby increasing your resistance to stress. It can also be taken at night, including if anxiety is making it difficult for you to fall asleep.
Melissa
Melissa has traditionally been used to uplift the mood and strengthen the emotional background. It belongs to the “mood modulator” herbs. Melissa increases peace and reduces anxiety. Pairs well with chamomile and lavender.
However, some research suggests that lemon balm's sedative effects may slow down reactions, so it's best to use it on weekends and at night.
Vitex sacred
If your anxiety is related to hormones, then Vitex is the herb that will help you calm down. Research shows that chasteberry reduces the symptoms of depression and anxiety that occur during PMS and reduces PMS symptoms in general. It is great to combine with motherwort to enhance the effect.
Oats
Oats perfectly nourish our nervous system. In cases of nervous exhaustion, addiction relief or any stressful condition, oats can help. This is not a quick solution to the problem - oats are a soft, nutritious remedy that needs to be used for a long time, but its effect is very multifaceted. The grass and grains of oats are very beneficial for the nervous system, the female hormonal system, and the gastrointestinal tract. Oats contribute to overall rejuvenation and maintenance of female beauty.
Natural supplements for depression from iHerb
Natural supplements will create the necessary mood impulses and help you quickly and easily change your lifestyle, thinking, and even your diet. As a result, effective relief from depression.
Double-blind supplement studies have shown the following results: The best options for depression are 5-HTP, SAMe, St. John's wort and saffron. All of them can be purchased on the official iHerb website.
5-HTP Hydroxytryptophan for a Great Mood
5-hydroxytryptophan is an amino acid that synthesizes serotonin in our body. She needs to get through the protective barrier in order to raise the level of the “happiness” hormone.
When taking 5-HTP, rapid benefits were observed for conditions that have been associated with low serotonin levels: depression, low mood, fibromyalgia, increased cravings for carbohydrates and late-night snacking.
The effective dose is 50-100 mg 2-3 times a day. Take 50 mg capsules first. Cases of nausea are rare when taking tryptophan.
If such a side effect does occur, then it is better to take enteric-coated pills using this link from the IHerb website - Natural Factors 5-HTP
S-Adenosylmethionine (SAM, SAME) for depression
SAM is one of the most effective natural antidepressants. It is excellent for treating depression, and drug comparison studies have shown that SAME significantly improved mood in 76% of patients.
S-Adenosylmethionine can easily cope with mild to moderate depression, as well as alcohol addiction!
In addition, this supplement is used as a hepatoprotector and can improve the condition of the liver in cirrhosis (analogue - Heptral).
A pronounced antidepressant effect was observed already within the 2nd week of administration. Effective dosage is 200 mg 2 / day. I recommend Doctor's Best S-adenosylmethionine with enteric coating.
St. John's wort extract is more effective than drugs
St. John's wort is practically the most studied herbal antidepressant. More than thirty double studies have shown that St. John's wort has:
- the same effect as pharmacy antidepressants;
- Fewer side effects than standard anti-depression medications.
The effective dosage of St. John's wort is considered to be 900-1800 mg/day depending on the degree of depression. It is better to start with 900 mg and increase if necessary. On the iHerb website you can purchase St. John's wort in capsules from Now Foods.
Natural saffron extract Bio Nutrition capsules
Saffron is the most expensive and exquisite spice in the world, but few people know that it copes well with depression, controls appetite and overeating.
Similar to tryptophan, saffron boosts mood and serotonin production. Modern clinical studies have proven that saffron extract (standard) is absolutely safe and easily copes with mild to moderate depression.
Other experiments have shown that saffron is as effective as Prozac, the most popular antidepressant.
You should take 1 capsule of saffron in the morning and evening with meals. I liked the inexpensive extract from Bio Nutrition (50 plant-based capsules).
