How to treat stress naturally

Feeling anxious is a normal reaction of human beings to situations of stress or uncertainty. In fact, we have all, at some point in our lives, experienced its symptoms. In situations where anxiety is not a serious problem (although it is annoying or uncomfortable) it is possible to benefit from some natural remedies to relax. These remedies can also be useful in more severe cases as long as you also attend psychotherapy sessions.

However, despite being an adaptive reaction, it can sometimes interfere with the smooth running of people’s lives and can create great discomfort. In more severe cases, that is, in those in which the person suffers an anxiety disorder, it is necessary to go to a specialist in psychology to successfully overcome this problem or to do for example a relaxing massage, which is also a great treatment.

7 Natural Remedies for Calming Anxiety

If you want to leave behind the medications that contain chemicals and want to know what these natural antidotes are, in the following lines you will find a list that can help you calm your anxiety.

1. Valerian Tea

Valerian is a plant native to Europe and Asia and has been used for thousands of years as a remedy for various ailments. Valerian root is believed to have an impact on the availability of the neurotransmitter GABA in the brain. GABA is the main neurotransmitter inhibitor of the nervous system, and is responsible for inhibiting the activity of brain neurons. GABA promotes relaxation and reduces stress levels.

2. Green Tea

Although green tea is a stimulant, some studies have shown it to be beneficial for anxiety. Mainly because it stimulates brain neurotransmitters that induce relaxation, thanks to L-theanine. In addition, this substance helps to stop the rising heart rate and blood pressure. A human study showed that subjects more prone to anxiety were calmer when they took 200 milligrams of L-theanine.

3. Yoga

Yoga has a number of psychological as well as physical benefits. Its practice has a positive impact on stress and anxiety, as confirmed by a study by Thirthalli and Naveen (2013), as it reduces levels of cortisol, a hormone released in response to stress. By practicing yoga we can lower the levels of this hormone to reduce stress and, therefore, anxiety.

4. Lemon Balm

This herb has been used since the Middle Ages, since it is effective for treating sleep, nervousness and anxiety. It is a digestive infusion originating in Central Europe. However, in excess it can be counterproductive and cause more anxiety, so take it in moderation.

5. Licorice root

It works as a natural alternative to cortisone, which can help the body deal with stressful situations, and acts to normalize blood sugar levels, as well as the adrenal glands, providing the energy needed to deal with the stressful situation. Licorice root stimulates the cranial and cerebrospinal fluid and calms the mind.

6. Kava

This plant is a subspecies of peppermint, and is beneficial in reducing anxiety and nervousness. It is native to the South Pacific, and studies show that it is very helpful in calming people. It is also used against insomnia.

7. Linden

Lime blossom is one of the most consumed infusions for anxiety. Many people take a lime blossom before an important test to calm nerves and be more relaxed. It is not as strong as valerian, but it can be very effective.