Passionflower for Anxiety can be Dangerous

Passionflower for Herbal Remedies, Herbal Medicine

This family of plants is also known as Passiflora. Passionflower is available as infusions, teas, liquid extracts, and tinctures.

Studies suggest that specific species may have medicinal benefits. For example, Passiflora incarnata Purple Passionflower may help treat anxiety, insomnia, seizures, hysteria, and nervous disorders. Native 

American Indians have used passionflower to boils, wounds, earaches, and liver problems.  Passiflora foetida is more commonly known as stinking passionflower that has been shown to help with ulcers and digestion issues.

Passionflower was used in North American beginning in the 1800’s to treat nervous restlessness and gastrointestinal spasms. In short, the effects of passionflower were believed to be primarily on the nervous system, particularly for anxiety due to mental worry and overwork.

Passionflower has been examined for use in treating anxiety, insomnia, diabetes, menopausal symptoms, and cough. However, there are limited quality clinical trials to recommend passion flower for any indication. (reference)

Doses:

There are not enough studies to know what dosages for children, so be careful.  In addition, it is important to stress that these dosages are not prescriptions, but merely suggested guidelines. 

• Infusions: 2.5 grams, 3 to 4 times daily
• Teas: Tea made from 4 to 8 grams of dried herb, daily²
• Liquid extract: 10 to 30 drops, 3 times daily
• Tincture: 10 to 60 drops, 3 times daily

Passionflower Warning

In general, passionflower is considered safe and nontoxic. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), however, does not regulate the production of herbs and supplements. Most herbs and supplements are not thoroughly tested, and there is no guarantee regarding the ingredients or safety of the products.

Medications are known to have possible interactions with passionflower. These include antihistamines, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, and narcotics. In addition, any antidepressant has the potential to interfere with its potency as well.  Other herbal remedies that may cause issues with passionflower are kava and valerian root. Finally, substances like alcohol, caffeine, and aspirin may not mix well with passionflower usage.

Take care if you are taking blood thinners or anti-inflammatory medications, as these have been shown to have possible passionflower interactions

It may induce contractions if you’re pregnant. It can cause sleepiness, dizziness, confusion. Because of this, it should not be taken with sedative medications. Also, it’s not safe for pregnant women or breast-feeding women.

For more Herbal Remedies go to Better Herb News

Advantages of Moringa for Better Health

Moringa gives you a huge boost in Vitamins and Minerals.

This herbal remedy Moringa grows naturally in India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan. It mostly likes tropical climates Every part of the plant the leaves, bark, flowers, fruit, seeds, root and even the bark are used to make medicine.
Since it grows easily is a superfood source for some parts of the world because it is grown cheaply and has so many vitamins and minerals.

How they are prepared:

The immature green pods (drumsticks) are prepared similarly to green beans, while the seeds are removed from more mature pods and cooked like peas or roasted like nuts. The leaves are cooked and used like spinach, and they are also dried and powdered for use as a condiment.

Benefits:

Moringa helps with skin because it contains hydrating and detoxifying elements, that boost the skin and hair.

Moringa is used for asthma, diabetes, obesity, symptoms of menopause, and many other conditions, There is no real scientific proof or real studies to support these uses. In addition to medical health Moringa is used in foods, perfumes and hair care products.

Edema is an inflammatory condition where the body builds up fluids in the tissues. Moringa helps with the inflammation thus helping with edema.

Moringa also has been shown to protect against and reduce or stop cancer, because it contains niazimicin which reduces cancer. Leaf extracts slowed the growth of pancreatic cancer cells and helped chemotherapy work better.

The antibiotic and antibacterial properties of moringa will inhibit the growth of some pathogens making it very good for digestive issues, including bloating, constipation, gastritis, and ulcerative colitis. 

The combination of anti-inflammatory and vitamins and minerals makes it very helpful for healing broken bones, strengthening bones and helping with arthritis.  These properties also can reduce fluids and swelling in the brain, helping with memory, stress, and improved thinking ability.

Much success has been seen with using Moringa for depression, anxiety, stress, and fatigue. 

Bronchial inflammation that can cause asthma and other breathing issues can be reduced with Moringa.  High toxicity levels in the kidneys can be reduced because of the elevated levels of antioxidants, this can also help reduce kidney stones.  Moringa reduces blood sugar, making it helpful for diabetes and amazingly helps build hemoglobin levels.   The high level of isothiocyanate and niaziminin compounds keeps arteries from thickening which is what causes higher blood pressure.  Moringa may stop the dilation of retinal vessels, prevent the thickening of capillary membranes, and inhibit retinal dysfunction for eye health. It is thought that its ability to help the body absorb minerals better will help the body produce more red blood cells preventing anemia and sickle cell disease.  As an antioxidant, it helps with cell growth and cell regeneration, wound repairs and healing.  It also has calcium, protein, iron, and amino acids, which help your body heal and build muscle.

Warning:

Since moringa may lower blood sugar and blood pressure, do not mix moringa with medications to treat diabetes or blood pressure.  Moringa is not recommended for any women that are considering becoming pregnant or that are currently pregnant because it has anti-fertility properties. The chemicals in Moringa could lead to miscarriages. 

Special note:

Now you know why it is referred to as a “miracle tree,

Drive Bugs Crazy and Relax Us to a Deep Sleep

Lavender

The Smell helps to relax humans and bugs and animals do not like it.  Great to use in the house to help keep bugs away. The herbal remedies for Lavender are huge. 

* Stress & Anxiety, Depression, 
* Restless Sleep, Apnea, Insomnia
* Sore aching muscles
* Inflammation Wounds, antibacterial, antifungal
* Digestion, Bloating, Nausea, 
* Circulation, Heart Disease
* Skin, Eczema, Acne, Psoriasis, sunburns, diaper rash
* Helps keep hair healthy, Alopecia aerate

Used in Soaps, Fragrances, Cleaners, Perfumes, Deodorants. 

Growing Lavender: Best to plant in the fall for the next year,  but any time for March to Oct is fine as long as it is not too hot and dry out. It does not like a lot of water and needs 6 hours of sunline a day at least. 

Holy Plants Offers Stress, Digestion, Inflammation Relief

Holy Basil

Similar to basil but a bit different taste, not sweet, more of a peppery or clove-like flavor.  It originated in Southeast Asia, specifically India.

Holy Basil had different herbal remedies of its own. Holy Basil helps with fevers, bronchitis, raspatory congestion, asthma, and lung disorders. Simply breathing disorders, lung ailments. 

It can also promote cardiovascular health relieves stress, acts as a mouth freshener, inhibits the growth of oral cancer fights against bad breath, and destroys dental cavities, plaque, and tartar.

This basil can help with digestion, specifically stomach ulcers, nausea. Studies show Holy Basil helps with insomnia, stress, sexual issues, forgetfulness, enhanced metabolism.

It contains Vitamins A, C, Calcium, Zinc, Iron, Chlorophyll.

This is known by the Hinds for Stress, it is planted around the shrines. This called Holy Basil. There are chemicals in Holy Basil that help reduces pain, and swelling (inflammation). It is suggested in can also help lower blood sugar.

Growing Holy Basil
It is grown as an annual, about 12 inches tall, zones 10a and 11. Best in full sunlight. Growing indoors requires 6 to 8 hours of daylight

Better Sleep Better Digestion with a simple herb

Cilantro

Not just a good flavor for your chicken and stirfry, this herb really supports good health.  I was shocked to see how it supports digestion, blood, immunity, and more. 

It lowers blood sugar levels, fights colon cancer, prevents neurological inflammation, promotes a healthy heart, protects against food poisoning, and supports healthy menstruation. 

Also, it prevents urinary infections, detoxifies the body of heavy metals, protects against oxidative stress.  It has a relaxing effect to help with better sleep and anxiety.  Many of obtained relief from digestive issues, and blood issues. Since it cleanses the blood it can help with anemia, blood pressure.  Cilantro protects the body from salmonella-based illnesses possesses anti-allergic properties, cures mouth ulcers, cures smallpox, helps improve eye health, and enhances libido.

Human Love Catnip for Relaxation

Catnip

I use this in tea. I dry the leaves and use them all winter. It treats digestion, cramps, diarrhea, colds, respiratory ailments.  I use it to relax, helps me sleep, insomnia helps with anxiety, stress, relaxes the nervous system. 

This can improve relaxation, which may boost mood and reduce anxiety, restlessness, and nervousness.  The Indians in N. America used Catnip and other mint plants in their medicines and recipes when they found it. It was also thought to relieve female menstrual problems. The tribes used catnip to treat colds coughs, sore throats, fevers, pneumonia, and colic. 

It also is used to keep mosquitos away, helps with bug bites, and drives cats wild.

Growing:
They spread quickly so if you already have Catnip it is easy to take a piece with roots and plant it some where else in the garden.  You can also grow by seed, easily.  Till the ground, sprinkle thinly and keep damp. They sprout quickly.  When after they flower the dried flower head will be full of more seeds.

Relieve Daily Stress with Ashwagandha

Ashwagandha

Withania somnifera, known commonly as ashwagandha,^[2] Indian ginseng,^[3] poison gooseberry,^[3] or winter cherry^[2] is a plant in the Solanaceae or nightshade family.

This is one of the herbs that helps the body deal with daily stress.  See below. It has a chemical that calms the brain, reduces swelling, controls blood pressure, and helps in healing, stress and more.

It has been used for over 3,000 years to relieve stress, increase energy levels, and improve concentration

The leaves of this herb contain anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and sedative properties. Ashwagandha leaves are brewed to make tea. This tea improves the overall performance of the human body. It also relieves stress and strengthens the immune system.

Ashwagandha is used for arthritis, anxiety, bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), balance, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), trouble sleeping (insomnia), tumors, tuberculosis, asthma, a skin condition marked by white patchiness (leukoderma), bronchitis, backache, fibromyalgia, menstrual problems, hiccups, Parkinson's disease, under-active thyroid (hypothyroidism), and chronic liver disease. It is also used to reduce the side effects of medications used to treat cancer and schizophrenia. Ashwagandha is used to reduce levels of fat and sugar in the blood.

Increase testosterone levels and reproductive health, increase muscle mass.  In another study, men who received ashwagandha for stress experienced higher antioxidant levels and better sperm quality

Ashwagandha is also good for treating wounds, cuts, bruises, injuries. 

I would call this a Super Herb!  The only drawback from the comments is the smell, they say it smells like a horse. Yuck… hold your nose.

Don't confuse ashwagandha with Physalis alkekengi

Anxiety Killer Memory Enhancer Stress Be Gone

Anxiety Killer Memory Enhancer Stress No More

·         Learn about how Coffee can effect Stress

·         Learn about Vitamins that are essential to help you have great sleep and calm thoughts

·         Learn about herbs you can grow in the back yard can replace Pharmacy drugs

·         Learn how simple Breathing and Exercise can improve your mood and stress

There are a lot of herbs, minerals, and vitamins related to helping with Anxiety.  Many of them can be found in a good meal. Some may be more difficult to find and L-theanine is one of them.  This amino acid is found in black and green tea.  As a Bonus, I found how to combine this in a morning drink to give you a more focused day. I will share the Bonus Health Tip at the end of this article.

Today since most of us deal with stress and anxiety it is good to find out how to take better care of our health and body.  Trying to make our body’s work better may mean we need to change more than one part of our life.  Relaxation is one way to help our body heal. Exercise is also required, a good diet and more rest. You cannot simply take a pill like they advertise on TV to change your mood.  In fact, most of the drugs advertised to come with side effects that cause more damage than good. So buyer beware in the case of Pharmaceutical drugs. While they have their place a change in lifestyle may reduce the need.

You can get it in a pill, powder, or naturally in green or black tea. L-theanine is an amino acid. It is in GABA which promotes relaxation, and calms your anxiety and nerves. GABA is in the brain and helps you handle stress. So L-theanine affects the brain, which controls your mood, sleep, and emotion. L-theanine brings a balance to your chemicals allowing you to think clearer and rest better.

The feeling of calmness can take 30 to 40 minutes when taken at a dosage of at least 50mg. The feeling can last as long as 8 to 10 hours.

Let’s take a closer look at L–theanine.

Under stress, the body produces cortisol and corticosterone. You have probably seen the commercials about cortisol. Cortisol is called the stress hormone. Cortisol can help control blood sugar levels, regulate metabolism, help reduce inflammation, and assist with memory formulation. High levels can contribute to high weight gain, especially in the abdomen, face, and chest. The production of Cortisol affects the brain's ability to learn and think and lowers the ability to handle stress. L-theanine does not reduce Cortisol but does help you reduce the stress that causes it. 

You can reduce Cortisol by reducing stress, take a walk, get outside,  create a better sleep schedule, have your partner give you a massage, listen to some calming music, meditation, reading a book and so on.

There are many other herbs, and vitamins to consider, I wanted to give L–theanine special consideration.

And there are more Choices!: To help reduce anxiety naturally.

Ashwagandha has been used in the by Indians as a health tonic to calm anxiety, relevel stress  Ashwagandha, Brahmi (a.k.a. Bacopa Monnieri) is a mild sedative that supports the body during periods of emotional stress. An average dose is 900mg.

Tryptophan is an essential amino acid that the body converts into 5-HTP, and then to Serotonin. Serotonin is involved in mood, appetite, sleep and impulse control. Once the Serotonin neurotransmitter is made, the brain is able to convert it into melatonin, the sleep-inducing hormone, at night.  5=HTP is easy to get and acts quickly.

Magnesium can be found in our diet, but if you do not get enough you could suffer from persistent stress, nervousness, inability to make quick decisions. Research now shows that as magnesium levels drop, stress levels increase.  You might consider taking 100 to 500mg once daily

Niacinamide, a type of vitamin B3, convert Tryptophans into 5-HTP, which can then be converted into Serotonin. Without B3, Tryptophan–5HTP conversion cannot take place. Symptoms you might see for B3 deficiency include irritability, lack of concentration, nervousness, no energy, restlessness, apathy. (just does not care about anything)

• Vitamin A is antioxidant and helps manage anxiety symptoms. Doses average 10,000 IU once a day.
• B-Complex which contains all the different B vitamins you need. B vitamins are important for the nervous system. Average doses 300mg to 500mg
• Vitamin D helps your body absorb the other vitamins.
• Vitamin E is used up quickly in times of stress. Causing another imbalance.
• Fish Oil is high in omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to reduce anxiety.  I have found the Omega-3 from mussels instead of fish are far more effective.
• Chamomile is a great herb you can grow. Great for many ailments such as hay fever, inflammation, muscle spasms, menstrual disorders, insomnia, ulcers, wounds, gastrointestinal disorders, rheumatic pain, and hemorrhoids. Essential oils of chamomile are used extensively in cosmetics and aromatherapy. I grow in it my garden and dry it every year for tea

Kava Kava, St. Johns Wart, and 5-HTP all seem to have similar help calming your feelings. Kava Kava also targets GABA like L–theanine. It helps the body to naturally manage stress.  Consider a dose around 250mg

Lavender has a soothing effect on people with stress.  It can be used in oils for the smell. Lavender affects the central nervous center to help with anxiety and depression.

Lemon balm, Mint is close to Lavender with sedative properties

Passion Flower as a natural remedy for anxiety, nervousness this works well for people that worry all the time and occasional sleeplessness. Studies show that Passion Flower extract significantly lowers nervous, panicky emotions and promotes a more tranquil frame of mind.

Rhodiola is a plant used for calming and as a nerve tonic for hundreds of years. Its roots are considered adaptogens, meaning they help your body adapt to stress when consumed. It is called the artic root or golden root and is being used to protect cells from damage, regulate heartbeat, and have the potential for improving learning and memory.

In short, your first offense for Anxiety is exercise, sleep, better nutrition, get healthy.  The last resort is chemical drugs, but in many cases they are necessary. 

Do not delay, seeking help, but make your own effort. Do your part.

HERE is the BONUS I told you about.  You will love this.

NATURALLY FEEL GOOD ALL DAY AND THINK CLEARLY

Combine a cup of coffee or two and 200mg L–theanine

How Caffeine and L–theanine work together

Drinking coffee does wake you up because of the caffeine, but in addition to an energy burst it also shrinks your blood vessels, causing blood pressure to rise, and your heart rate to increase. Reports indicate it may help you be more alert, think quicker. So combine that with L–theanine which counteracts the shrinking of blood vessels, and helps keep your body from panicking or getting anxious. Combined you do not have to worry about heart disease, damaged arteries, high blood pressure.  The combination improves performance at school or work, improves concentration, and mental creativeness. Be alert without anxiety, no more jitters, when the coffee wears off. 

Since GABA is also an amino acid that helps the brain think calmly, improving that happy feeling you can combine L–theanine, and GABA.

Warning – Vitamins can be harmful

Remember too many vitamins is also not good.  Your body will flush most of the extra ones out of your system but not all.  It is best to get your vitamins from your more nutritious meals. Cut out all sugar, cut out the alcohol, reduce carbs. Read the labels on your food.  If you cannot read the names do you really want to put them in your mouth?  What toxins are in the home you live in? Perfumes, hair sprays aerosols, paints, and more. 

Switch Gears… Your Physical Activities can be as important as what you put in your body.  Your Thoughts, your Activities.

Deep Breathing can be an Anxiety Killer 

It is a mental ability to slow your breathing and heart rate. Anxiety can cause you to feel dizzy because you are breathing so hard. So if you can control your breathing you can Kill Anxiety.  Nip it, Stop it, and control it. Controlled breathing can relax your mind and body, your racing mind and speeding heart.  You have to practice Deep Controlled breathing, it does not come naturally at first. But in time you will find it easy and enjoyable.

1.   Find a quiet comfortable place. Until you can feel your body's breathing slowing down you can put one of your hands on your chest and one on your stomach. Your stomach should move more than your chest when you breathe in deeply.

2.   Take a slow and regular breath in through your nose. Feel how your hands move, imagine your stomach and chest moving.  At first, count slowly as you breathe out, count to 20, then hold for 5 and very slowly breath out.  This is conscious breathing, controlled breathing. You can do this for 5 to 15 mins. Soon will be counting to 30 and will not need your hands to feel the movement.  Imagine the anxiety floating away. You truly can feel the anxiety and depression leaving. You will feel refreshed

Anxiety fills your Mind so you need to replace it. Relax by visualizing

You may call this “finding your happy place”.  Painting a mental picture of a place that makes you feel relaxed can actually calm your brain and body.

When you start to feel anxious, sit in a quiet and comfortable place. Think of your ideal place to relax. While it can be any place in the world, real or imaginary, it should be an image that you find very calming, happy, peaceful, and safe. Make sure it’s easy enough to think about so you can return to it in your mind when you feel anxious in the future. You can let this traveling of the mind grow deeper and deeper every time, imagine more small details, the way the wind feels, the heat of the sun, the sound of birds.

Now keep the picture and begin your deep breathing. Combine these and you feel like you are floating, heart rate slows down, breathing deeper and more controlled, blood pressure normalizes.  Come back to this same place every time you feel closed in, instead of screaming close your eyes and visit your place.

Relax your muscles

When you feel anxious, you might notice tension in your muscles. This muscle stress can make your anxiety more difficult to manage in the moment you’re experiencing it. Anxiety causes your muscled to tense and tense muscles will keep you from relaxing, sleeping, or making decisions.

To quickly relieve your muscle tension during moments of anxiety:

1.   Now find your place, start your breathing and when you are calm start focusing on your hand, tighten so you can really feel it, then relax.

2.   This tightening and relaxing helps you to know when those muscles are relaxed. Do this for your forearm, shoulders, neck forehead, buttocks, thighs, calves, feet, toes.

Yoga   

Yoga combines breathing techniques, meditation, and stretching through both moving and stationary postures. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), yoga is one of the top 10 alternative practices used to treat a variety of disorders, including anxiety and depression.

When practiced regularly, it becomes easier to achieve the relaxed feeling you get from yoga into your daily life. Try signing up for a class or private lessons to help ensure you move through the poses correctly to avoid injury.

Acupuncture  

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese treatment for anxiety, depression, and other health conditions. During acupuncture, a practitioner sticks thin, sharp needles into the upper layers of skin at points of the body that correspond with different organs. It’s thought that acupuncture works by activating natural painkilling chemicals in the brain. For some people, it’s effective at eliminating or reducing anxiety.

Yoga combines breathing techniques, meditation, and stretching through both moving and stationary postures. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), yoga is one of the top 10 alternative practices used to treat a variety of disorders, including anxiety and depression.

All in all I want you to you that you have a lot of alternatives, you do have some control.  You can take charge of your body and feelings.  All of this does not mean you will not need therapy or medication but it might help you find your happy spot more often. For more suggestions check out my Herb Site. Better Herb News