Anxiety and stress have somehow ended up as a regular part of our daily lives. We get anxious over each and everything these days. The conundrum we are stuck in has caused us to question whether we neglect our mental health due to a general lack of care towards the issue or the current situation. COVID-19 has proven to be a tiring experience for the entire world. It has impacted our mental well being in such a manner that we are all left devastated. We have never had to face such a terrible scenario before. It has left us all alone, unable to meet any of our loved ones. We are all forced to stay within our own homes’ confines for our and others safety. This virus has made daily life a living nightmare.
The ongoing situation somewhat resembles scenes of some zombie movie—the gloves, masks, hazmat suits. We are all scared of contracting the virus as it has no effective cure as of yet. However, folks are more afraid of transferring it to other people. All these troubles and worries are straight-up messing with our heads and are leading towards anxiety. Now anxiety and fear are absolutely fine till the point where you can control it. However, if it gets out of control, then it can lead to depression, which can be dangerous. Therefore, read this article with concentration and choose the supplements that you think are best for you.
Lavender
Lavender is used worldwide for its sweet smell, but little do most of the users know that lavender is basically for treating anxiety and stress. Mainly essential oils are all about relieving us from anxiety, but lavender is the most famous one.
When you enter a salon or a spa, a sweet, soothing smell hits you. Do you know what that smell is? In most places, it’s lavender. As much as we love the color lavender, we need to start developing some sweet feelings for the plant overall.
You can use lavender in various forms such as:
- You can take lavender orally for a speedy effect.
- Lavender bath products can do wonders too. Buy a soap or a bath bomb and get into that hot shower/bath in order to soothe your mind.
- Put some drops of the essential oil in the diffuser for an intense effect all around the house.
- Massage some lavender oil directly on your body. Lavender can also relieve you from pain.
- Spray some drops on your pillow when you decide to go to bed.
Lavender can relieve you from stress and anxiety; however, be careful using it if you plan to drive or plan to be around kids as it has sedative effects, which can be hazardous for your life. Furthermore, refrain from consuming lavender along with substances that have sedative effects too, such as alcohol.
Turmeric
Turmeric is a herb widely used in Asian countries such as Pakistan and India. Asians mainly use it in their curries and are unaware of some of its health benefits. Although they know about some and other than using it to enhance the flavor of their dish, it is used for health purposes.
Turmeric is usually sprinkled on a spoon full of honey and fed to those who are suffering from a sore throat. Turmeric contains a substance called curcumin, which is highly responsible for its healing properties. Turmeric curcumin is apparently very good for the heart and has recently gained fame around the world. Before this discovery, it was just a yellow powder used in curry for flavor.
Furthermore, recent studies have regarding turmeric as the new antidepressant. Turmeric with curcumin releases two hormones in our brain called endorphins and serotonin. These two chemicals are known as happy hormones. These hormones are responsible for the feeling of love and happiness that we feel. Therefore, take curcumin/turmeric often to relieve yourself from anxiety and depression.
Other than all of the abilities mentioned above, turmeric is also very good for your heart’s health. Also, it contains anti-inflammatory properties, which can prove to be very good for people with arthritis. Other than that, turmeric is also very good for your memory. It can protect your brain against problems such as dementia. Some studies also show that even sniffing a bit of turmeric before taking a test can boost up your memory. Therefore, a whiff of turmeric before entering your examination hall.
If you are wondering, “how much turmeric should I take daily,” then the answer is, 500-200 mg a day would be enough. And about that, turmeric does not contain a considerable amount of curcumin that could be enough for your health, therefore buy curcumin supplements or use other spices and herbs like black pepper that have curcumin too.
Kava Kava
Piper methysticum is the scientific name of Kava Kava (or Kava). It is a shrub native to the
Islands of the Pacific Ocean. Various studies can back up the fact that kava kava is extremely good for anxiety and depression. A study took place in 2013 where a few students were given medication for their anxiety and the rest were given kava. Those who had used kava reported that there was depletion in their anxiety. Furthermore, kava is safe to use and can be found anywhere, online, or in stores. We were careful while using it. Do not consume an excessive amount as it can give you an upset stomach. Also, keep it out of reach of children.
Valerian
Valerian is mostly found in places like Europe and Asia. Valerian is being used for the purpose of anxiety relief for centuries now. There are many studies that are proof of valerian being useful when it comes to treating anxiety. However, more studies and evidence are required by the NCCIH (The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health) to recognize it as an anxiety relief substance officially.
You can take valerian in the following forms:
- Capsules
- Tea
- Tincture
Valeria is safe to use; however, certain groups of people should refrain from taking it. Those groups are:
- Children
- Pregnant women
- Breastfeeding mothers
