Treatment of anxiety with phytotherapy

In recent years, the term holistic or alternative therapy has been heard frequently, as an increasing number of people choose this path in order to restore their physical condition to a state of good health. Holistic therapy approaches the human being as a three-dimensional being of body - mind - spirit and takes into account not only the food we take in through the mouth, but also places special emphasis on lifestyle and the impressions that our inner world receives through the senses.
This approach helps us to have a complete picture of how we eat and how we think, and in this way we can identify and address the cause of the problem. imbalance.

The human body is built in such a way that it can withstand the hardships of life and the strain of daily movements.
It possesses an innate wisdom that helps it to coordinate with the daily cycle (circadian rhythm), with the seasons of the year and has important defense mechanisms against illness and stressful situations. Man, as an intermediate being, between heaven and earth, receives the influences of nature, as is the case with the entire animal and plant kingdom.

The earth is a living organism and is endowed with the property of renewal by its own forces. We could say that it has multiple "rechargeable" abilities with the sole purpose of providing goods for the survival of all beings that inhabit it. Its magnetic power contributes to this by retaining the thermal energy of the sun and the moisture of the oceans.

The science of herbal medicine is part of holistic treatment. It developed from the art of man to observe nature and the perception that each plant, herb, tree has a purpose to fulfill both in the wider ecosystem of the planet and in the internal ecosystem of man. With the advancement of technology we can benefit from the phytotherapeutic properties of herbs for many diseases, with raw materials originating from the east to the west.
Today, one of the most common reasons for someone to visit their pharmacist or alternative therapist is anxiety and its effects, with particular emphasis on heart overstimulation, insomnia, and psychological changes.

Let's look below at some herbs that will effectively help us have a healthy heart, a good mood, and deep and restful sleep.

• Valerian (Valeriana officinalis)

It is used to treat nervous tension, anxiety and insomnia.
The calming effect of the plant is due to the valproate it contains, which relaxes the nervous system. Valerian strengthens the heart and helps in cases of tachycardia, as well as irritable bowel syndrome attacks triggered by stress factors.
Precautions:
Use in small quantities and for a short period of time, otherwise it has adverse effects. Use should be avoided by pregnant women and children.

• St. John's wort, sphagnum (Ypericum)

It contains tannin, glycosides, resin and volatile oils.
The part of the plant used is the aerial parts and is collected during its flowering. It has a soothing and anxiolytic effect, helping to treat and cope with anxiety caused by changes in our lives.
It is considered a suitable herb for irritability and at the same time has anti-inflammatory and healing effects.
Precautions:
In case of severe depression, its use is recommended after consulting a specialist therapist.

• Hawthorn berries (Crataegus oxyacanthoeides)

The ripe hawthorn fruits are harvested in September-October. Among other things, they contain ascorbic acid and flavonoids.
It is a traditional herb for stimulating the heart and circulatory system, while also lowering blood pressure. It is considered an adaptogenic plant, because it normalizes the function of the heart either by stimulating it or by suppressing tachycardia, depending on what is necessary in each case.
Precautions:
Although hawthorn fruits are particularly beneficial, in cases of heart disease, it is recommended to seek the advice of a specialist.

• Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis)

Lemon balm is harvested 2-3 times a year from June to September. The part of the plant used is the young shoots which are then dried in the shade. It is rich in geraniol essential oil, citronellal and flavones.
It is used for nervous headaches, during periods of anxiety, rapid heartbeat, nervous breakdowns and lowers blood pressure. It is both refreshing and calming because it has a cooling effect on the nerves and the heart. It contains oils that relieve stress and tension and reduce depression.

• Passiflora (Passiflora incarnata)

The leaves of the plant are collected after flowering and, together with the fruits, are dried in the shade.
Passionflower is the main plant for combating insomnia and its use promises a calm and restful sleep without causing addiction or suppressing mental alertness. It also has antispasmodic effects and relieves asthma, especially when there is spasmodic activity resulting from tension and hyperactivity. For better results, it is combined with valerian and lemon balm.

In nature we find a multitude of herbs that are ready to serve our health in the best way, we just have to look for them. Phytotherapeutic mixtures are prepared in such a way as to meet the specific needs of the each person depending on the intensity and frequency of symptoms.