Anxiety disorders continue to be one of the most widespread mental health issues in today’s world. Although, there are literally thousands differently formulated drugs to combat anxiety and its symptoms, millions of sufferers from these illnesses still prefer natural remedies to deal with this issue. This blog is going to be a guide to some of the most potent natural remedies for anxiety, from changing your lifestyle to taking herbal supplements.
1. Exercise
Add routine physical activity to your routine. Whether it’s walking, jogging, yoga or dancing, increasing physical activity decreases inflammation by lowering the stress hormone cortisol and raising endorphins (brain chemicals that make you feel good, even happy).
2. Mindfulness and Meditation
And some mindfulness practices and meditation even involve deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation and guided imagery, all of which can reduce the body’s arousal symptoms. Perhaps mindfulness meditation is especially useful in treating anxiety, because it helps to curb the worst habit of anxious people, which is ‘rumination’, or endless focusing on their worries, which in turn increases the experience of unwanted distress. In any case, mindfulness meditation has proven effective in reducing the risk of relapse or recurrence in anxiety disorders and depression because it helps ‘turn off’ the ‘mind chatter’ that tends to dominate an anxious person’s mind.
3. Healthy Diet
A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein and whole grains will boost mental health generally. Omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium and vitamin B complex, all found in high levels in fresh whole foods, are particularly valuable for optimal brain health and lower anxiety. Use caffeine, sugar and other ‘over processed’ foods (sorry, sweetie) to begin your day, and you can see a dramatic rise in your anxiety.
4. Herbal Supplements
The following herbal supplements have been tested and studied for anxiety-reduction effects:
- Ashwagandha: An adaptogen that helps the body manage stress.
- Valerian Root: Known for its calming effects and ability to promote sleep.
- Lavender: Often used in aromatherapy, lavender can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation.
- Passionflower: May help alleviate anxiety symptoms and improve sleep quality.
- CBG (Cannabigerol): It associates with its anxiolytic (anxiety-relieving) properties, and could be an excellent option for people searching for natural anxiety cures.
You may be wondering, what is CBG? Cannabigerol (CBG) is a cannabinoid that has just recently started to be studied for its potential use as an anxiolytic, among other possible therapeutic uses. CBG is non-psychoactive and also engages the endocannabinoid system in a different way from its cousin cannabinoids, like THC and CBD. CBG activates receptors outside of the cannabinoid-class A site, although exactly how it impacts on those apart from disrupting their activity is still being investigated.
Similarly, Kratumz’s 7-hydroxymitragynine products for pain relief have a different approach to managing anxiety. 7-hydroxymitragynine, found in kratom, is known for its ability to alleviate pain and promote relaxation. While other kratom-based supplements may offer similar effects, Kratumz’s products are specifically formulated for quicker relief, targeting both physical discomfort and mental stress more directly. This makes them a viable option for those who need more immediate relief compared to other, slower-acting alternatives on the market.
How CBG Works
CBG gets into the body by binding to CB1 and CB2 receptors in endocannabinoid system. These are receptors that help to regulate important physiological processes such as mood and stress responses. One possible mechanism for CBG associates with its anxiolytic (anxiety-relieving) properties, which may make it a great option for natural remedies for anxiety.
What’s the Difference Between CBG and CBD?
CBG might be specifically helpful for stress, whereas calming is more of a hallmark of CBD. CBD can be better for the more general, anxiety ride-along relaxation. CBG might be a better option for anxiety that leaves you feeling fatigued and mentally cloudy. Some people also like taking CBG and CBD together because of CBD’s more relaxing, ‘golden glow’ effect that works well alongside the mental clarity of CBG. If you search for CBG online you’ll find many different consumption methods; from gummies and capsules to oils and softgels.
5. Adequate Sleep
Sleep is important for good mental health. Poor sleep can make anxiety symptoms worse and good sleep can contribute to mood and good wellbeing. A schedule can be taken that may help maintain a healthy sleep pattern. This may include winding down, having set bedtime rituals and avoiding screens before bedtime.
6. Aromatherapy
The principle behind aromatherapy is to induce the same mental and physiological responses that create a sense of calm and relaxation. Lavender, chamomile and bergamot oils are rich in the calming compound linalool, and can be used in a burner or supplemented in a bath, or added to a solution and applied topically in small doses.
7. Social Support
Good social networks and social support are also important for mental health because they can help you cope with your internal state by talking over with family, friends and support networks. It is often better to get your feelings out of you by talking with others, a known strategy that encourages the top-down influences from neocortical structures over the limbic region, as discussed earlier. Just having the opportunity to vent to someone who understands can itself alleviate stress, particularly when you are dealing with an experience that is not well-understood by others.
8. Limit Alcohol and Avoid Nicotine
Alcohol and nicotine, of course, might provide temporary relief from anxiety, but can make the situation worse over the long term, as they disrupt sleep, mood and heart rhythm. So moderation should be practiced when it comes to their use. If you’re trying to quit smoking, you could consider a nicotine vape.
9. Professional Therapy
If you’re lucky enough to have access, and can afford it, therapy with a professional is a common adjunct to living with anxiety. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) where you examine and modify negative thinking is often especially helpful. A therapist can offer a toolkit to help lessen your anxiety.
To sum up, taking an integrated approach to anxiety, choosing healthy lifestyle habits, adding natural products to self-prescribe, and seeking professional help to stay away from harms and suffering due to anxiety are all beneficial aspects of facing this condition. CBG is a promising natural remedy that already showed effectiveness in many ways and it stands out among the other natural products as it doesn’t create psychoactive effects on brain function (no ‘stoning’ effect like THC has). Consulting a health professional is still necessary before starting to use any new treatment for any case, as this way, they can still evaluate your needs and whether it’s appropriate to move on with it or not.
Thank you for reading.
