How to cope with stress and depression avoiding the addiction to chemical drugs and their side effects?
Stress is a part of our lives and we somehow manage to cope with it with natural or not-at-all-natural substances.
When it comes to effects that these substances may have on our stress levels or general health, chemical drugs are leading with side effects. Of course a pill from the drugstore may solve your problem more quickly than an herbal tea for example, but how dangerous can be a long term use of chemical drugs and are they really struggling with our stress levels or are just ruining our health?
It’s a difficult question to answer especially when there are followers from the both sides, those who believe in chemical drugs and neglect natural remedies and those who believe in natural substances as being better than any chemical drug.
Studies on this problem have shown different results, with one single common point: side effects of chemical drugs are harsher and the effects are present for a shorter time comparing to natural substances.
Herbal supplements and substances that may be used for relieving stress and that can help optimize biochemistry, neurotransmitters and address nutrient deficiencies are:
Lemon Balm – improve mood and induce feelings of calmness. Studies showed that lemon balm is relatively safe and 1.6 mg of dried herb is associated with an increase of calmness state for up to six hours.
Valerian Root – Although it is used to treat anxiety and sleep disorders, a study found that in combination with St.John’s Wort is more effective than alone and more effective that diazepam at reducing anxiety in patients who were treated for 2 weeks. It’s safe when taken for one month otherwise it may cause changes in heart rhythm and blurred vision.
Kava – is used in treating anxiety disorders and depression and is considered to be safe and effective.
Lavender – its fragrance has beneficial effect on insomnia and depression.
Goji – improves the feeling of well-being.
Curcuma – exhibits antidepressant properties helping the body to manage with stress
Nutmeg – is well-known for its antidepressant activity.
Rosemary – exhibits antidepressant properties in body.
Onion powder – has an antidepressant effect.
Saffron – has similar efficacy as the drug imipramine and may be used in treatment of mild to moderate depression and stress.
Blue-Green Algae – improves quality of life and mood and fight anxiety and depressive attitude especially in menopausal women.
Lion’s Mane mushroom – can help in reduction of anxiety and depression.
Rhodiola – has anti-depressive powers.
Motherwort – can help improve symptoms of anxiety and depression.
Panax Ginseng extract – can help exhibit antidepressant activity.
Lobelia – has also antidepressant properties.
Many of the herbal supplements are sedative and should not be used with other sedative drugs or alcohol. Natural substances may have unpredictable results if used with other drugs.
Remember that some herbal supplements may help you reduce stress and anxiety over short periods but they are not a long-term solution.
Look for the root of your stress and try to fight it from the inside
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