How do herbs work for anxiety? A Detailed Guide

Anxiety is a natural stress response or you can say it is a feeling of fear and nervousness associated with many things like big life challenges, health, money, or relationships. While It is normal to feel anxious in situations like before a big test, job interview, or medical procedure, some people experience these feelings more often. Moreover, persistent anxiety disorders can affect daily routine and day-to-day life. Anxiety can not only disturb you mentally but can also cause physical issues like headaches and digestive problems.

According to research, anxiety can be caused due to various reasons, it can be due to genetics, environmental factors, some trauma, or stressful life events. Anxiety disorders are among the most common mental health concerns worldwide and are affecting many people.

What are Herbs and their importance? 

Herbal remedies are a type of remedies that are alternative or complementary to pharmaceutical medications. These medicines are made of plant-driven or natural-driven herbs that support optimal health and eliminate specific symptoms. It also has fewer side effects as compared to prescription drugs.

Many herbs have been used for centuries by herbalists and practitioners to reduce stress and anxiety. In recent years, many people have relied on herbs for the treatment of various mild to moderate disorders such as anxiety and stress. Therefore, more researchers are going on for these herbs and finding a solution with fewer side effects and more efficacy. When the historical approach is combined with modern research, it helps people build confidence in the effectiveness of these herbal medicines. 

Moreover, herbs give you a holistic approach, they just do not help in the treatment of particular symptoms but they will provide overall support and well-being, helping to balance the body and mind. Some herbs also reduce inflammation, improve sleep, and boost mood, providing a more comprehensive approach to mental health. 

How do herbs for anxiety work?

The human brain is a complex organ that controls everything we do, even if we are sleeping the brain is continuously working. The brain is responsible for everything we do including what we are thinking. It includes the transmission of neurons from the brain to different parts of human organs. Anxiety and distress involve an imbalance in neurotransmitters, which are chemicals that transmit signals between nerve cells.  

Different herbs can affect the human body differently which is again dependent on their active compounds and properties. Some herbs may have calming effects while others help reduce inflammation and act as adaptogens to help the body manage stress. 

Two main neurotransmitters linked to anxiety are serotonin and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA).

Serotonin is also called the "feel-good" neurotransmitter and it plays an important role in mood regulation. Low levels of serotonin are associated with depression and anxiety. Therefore, some herbs will work by increasing the levels of serotonin as a result, anxiety and stress will be reduced.

GABA is a neurotransmitter that inhibits brain activity and helps to calm the nervous system. Low levels of GABA are directly connected to anxiety because the brain becomes overactive. 

In addition to serotonin and GABA, some herbs also have adaptogenic properties. Adaptogens are used to manage and resist physical, chemical, or biological stress and help the body adapt to stress by regulating cortisol, the stress hormone. By balancing these brain chemicals, herbs can reduce anxiety and stress, and promote calmness.

The unique effects of each herb are that it targets the specific aspects of anxiety and promotes overall well-being. Here we will discuss four herbal products that are used to treat anxiety and stress. 

1- Lion Mane capsule 

Lion's Mane is a unique white, shaggy medicinal mushroom famous for medicinal and culinary use. The botanical name of this mushroom is Hericium Erinaceus. We called it lion mane because when it grows, it physically resembles the mane of a lion. Lion's mane has naturally occurring bioactive compounds and is well known for its potential cognitive and neurological benefits.

 Lion's mane may work to stimulate the production of nerve growth factor (NGF). It is a protein that is essential for the growth, maintenance, and survival of neurons in the brain. Therefore,  Lion's mane mushroom extract helps prevent memory loss, particularly for elderly people. As we grow, our body becomes more fragile and is prone to many diseases including brain weakness and memory loss. Lion's mane extract helps protect brain cells, creating more neurons and increasing neurotransmitters. 

Lion's mane also has Neuroprotective properties that protect against anxiety and stress. Stress is the cause of many chronic diseases and anxiety involves overactivity in the brain regions that lead to stress and nervousness. By promoting nerve growth factors, Lion's Mane supports the repair and regeneration of nerve cells. It can also enhance cognitive function and stabilize mood. This neuroprotective effect is important because healthy neurons can better manage stress and prevent excessive neural activity. Moreover, lion's mane extract capsules can be used as memory and cognitive supplements. 

Lion mane is also responsible for reducing Inflammation and Oxidative Stress because it is rich in antioxidants.  These are the main factors that are directly linked to anxiety and depression. Inflammation in the brain can disturb normal neurotransmitter function which can lead to various mood disorders. Lion's Mane helps maintain a healthy brain environment by eliminating these inflammatory processes and can decrease anxiety symptoms.

Another property of the lion mane in protecting from anxiety and stress is the enhancement of Neuroplasticity. It is the condition where the brain can adapt and reorganize itself. Increased neuroplasticity means the brain can better deal with stress and recover from experiences that are inducing anxiety. With time, this can lead to a more resilient mental state, making it easier to manage anxiety.

Lion's mane mushroom extract capsule helps faster recovery from nervous system injuries. The nervous system is for transmitting information to different parts of the body. An injury in a nerve or nervous system organ can result in memory loss or mental paralysis. Lion's mane extract helps peripheral nerve regeneration after injury and may help stroke victims recover faster.  

2- curcumin 

Curcumin is the major bioactive component of turmeric and contributes around  2-8% of the total turmeric content. Turmeric is well known for its spice and cosmetic use and it is also used for culinary purposes and has many health benefits. It has been studied for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and has various therapeutic effects. Using curcumin in the diet helps reduce inflammation, protect against oxidative stress, and lower the risk of chronic diseases.

The active components of curcumin have anti-inflammatory properties which are beneficial in managing anxiety. The use of Curcumin directly affects brain health and makes it a powerful natural remedy for those struggling with anxiety.

Chronic inflammation contributes to anxiety and depression. Inflammatory markers in the brain can interfere with normal neurotransmitter function, which results in mood disorders and stress. Curcumin helps reduce these inflammatory markers, helping to restore balance in the brain. By reducing inflammation in the brain curcumin helps eliminate the physical symptoms of anxiety and tension.

Curcumin's plant-oriented apoptogenic property helps reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which can be increased during stress. This reduction in inflammation can suppress stress-related symptoms and support mental clarity. Curcumin also promotes neurogenesis and enhances cognitive function. 

It can also help in reducing oxidative stress by neutralizing free radicals. It can create a balance between free radicals and antioxidants and prevent cell damage. This damage is harmful to the brain, where it can disturb normal cognitive functions and contribute to anxiety. This protective effect of curcumin helps reduce mental fatigue and promotes calmness and relaxation. 

3- black seed oil 

Black seeds are small, black in color, also known as black cumin, black caraway, and fennel flowers. Its history goes back 5000 years and has been used for ages. Some ancient say that it has a cure for everything except death. Therefore, it has been used for various health benefits in traditional medicines for centuries. Black seed oil is extracted from the seeds of the plant Nigella stiva. This oil also has many benefits including it may help in anxiety and stress by promoting calmness and relaxedness.

The bioactive component of black seed oil is thymoquinone. It has powerful anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and is used to treat many chronic conditions. It can help in Neurotransmitter modulation, like serotonin and dopamine. They are crucial for regulating mood and anxiety and promoting a balanced state of mind. By ensuring that serotonin and dopamine levels are maintained at optimal levels, black seed oil helps reduce feelings of anxiety and promotes a more stable, positive mood.

 The black seed oil has strong antiseptic antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. It helps reduce Inflammation in the brain which is the main factor of developing anxiety and depression. It not only reduces inflammation but also supports healthy brain functions and improves cognitive function. It helps individuals think more clearly and react more calmly in stressful situations

The antioxidant properties found in the active ingredient of black seed help boost the immune system which becomes weakened due to Chronic stress and anxiety They also fight free radicals by increasing immunity and improving overall health. black seed oil helps the body manage the physical effects of stress, contributing to overall well-being and a reduction in anxiety symptoms.

4- Flax seed oil 

Flaxseed also known as linseed is the seed of the flax plant. The botanical name of this plant is Linum usitatissimum.  Flaxseeds have omega-3 fatty acids called alpha-linolenic acid (ALA) and many other essential minerals. Omega-3s are essential fats that play an important role in brain health and have been shown to reduce anxiety and depression. They are best known for their anti-inflammatory properties. 

Flaxseed oil plays an important role in supporting brain functions as it has omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are important for maintaining the structure and function of brain cells. They help build and repair brain cell membranes, ensuring that they function properly. It is particularly important in areas of the brain that are responsible for mood regulation. By supporting brain cell health, flaxseed oil helps reduce symptoms of anxiety, improves cognitive function, and can lead to better mental clarity and focus.

 Inflammation is a common factor that is responsible for anxiety disorders. The omega-3s in flaxseed oil have strong anti-inflammatory properties as inflammation is the main factor of anxiety disorder. It helps reduce inflammation throughout the body, including the brain. This reduction in brain inflammation can decrease anxiety symptoms, as a result of which the brain becomes less overactive and decreases the symptoms of nervousness and anxiety.

Omega-3s in flaxseed oil also help in promoting neurotransmitter functions. They help balance the levels of hormones like serotonin and dopamine. These are the two important neurotransmitters that are directly linked to mood and anxiety. By creating a balance between neurotransmitters, flaxseed oil helps improve mood stability and reduce feelings of anxiety. 

Summary

Herbal remedies are the most natural form of cure which is famous among people because of various reasons. It offers holistic health benefits and has fewer side effects compared to conventional medicine. Moreover, herbs can be safely used for an extended period as they are natural and sustainable. These herbs also offer a holistic approach to managing anxiety and can address both, the mental and physical aspects of this common condition. Natural compounds like lion mane, black seed oil, flax seed, and curcumin can help reduce anxiety by balancing neurotransmitters like serotonin and GABA. this cannot only help in treating anxiety symptoms but can also promote overall well-being with fewer side effects.