Anxiety is one of the most debilitating of all invisible illnesses, and it's only becoming more common. According to statistics, 18% of all US adults now suffer from anxiety. More than half of all adults in the United States will experience anxiety or panic attacks at some point in their lives.
But the plant kingdom is here to assist...and not just with CBD. This article will go over three of the most effective holistic anxiety treatments, two of which are derived from plants and one from an even more unusual source.
L-theanine for relaxed brain waves
L-theanine is an amino acid known for its calming properties. For those who don't know, amino acids are the building blocks of proteins, and proteins are the building blocks of almost all forms of life. (1) However, L-theanine differs from most amino
acids (such as those found in quinoa or steak) in that it is calming to your body's central nervous system rather than excitatory. Because of this micro-level calm, L-theanine users can achieve truly macro-level results.
Based on the name, you can probably guess where L-theanine comes from: green tea! L-theanine has been shown in studies to change the frequency of your brain waves from beta to alpha, thereby promoting calmness from within. (2) Users say L-theanine has helped them stay calm in social situations, focus at work, and sleep better.
Turmeric: keeping cultures anxiety-free for eons
Turmeric is a spice that is commonly used in Indian cuisine...but it is much more.
Turmeric contains several bioactive compounds, most notably curcumin, which can help to naturally improve your mood.
Curcumin has been linked to lower levels of anxiety and depression in studies. Some of these studies suggest that curumin, when used for these purposes, may be just as effective as Prozac. According to the researchers, their study provided the "first clinical evidence that curcumin may be used as an effective and safe modality for treatment in patients with MDD [major depressive disorder] who do not have concurrent suicidal ideation or other psychotic disorders." (3)
Even if you don't suffer from anxiety, the substance is an excellent choice because it also has potent anti-inflammatory qualities. Numerous other research on turmeric suggest that it may also be helpful to treat bodily aches and pains. (4)
Another benefit? Turmeric is absolutely nontoxic, even in extremely high dosages. There are essentially no negative side effects, so you can take as much as you need to decrease anxiety.
Bringing out the calmness in your body
The third and final method for remaining calm and carrying on does not involve any substances at all. It is, instead, a way of life!
You're probably aware that activating your body's endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a tried-and-true way to improve your inner calm. But did you know that cannabinoids such as CBD aren't always required to accomplish this?
It's true: certain foods, exercises, and activities can also activate your ECS and promote inner peace. One fascinating study discovered that singing — yes, singing — caused your body to produce more anandamide, an endocannabinoid. (5) Upregulation of anandamide, in turn, provided singers with less anxiety and a deeper sense of calm. Just in case you weren't singing in the shower already.
Summing up holistic treatment for anxiety
Anxiety is difficult...but natural compounds can help. If anxious thoughts are bothering you, consider trying the L-theanine + turmeric combination. You could even choose a product that contains additional CBD.
Remember that calmness is a two-way street. Aside from taking natural anti-anxiety medications, you may be able to alleviate anxiety simply by acting (or singing) the part.
References:
Noll, M., Ph.D. (2019, April 26). Proteins – The Building Blocks of Life. The Scrutinizer. https://thescrutinizer.org/proteins-the-building-blocks-of-life/
200 mg of Zen. (2001). Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/pdf/10.1089/10762800151125092
Efficacy and safety of curcumin in major depressive disorder: a randomized controlled trial. (2013). PubMed Central. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23832433/
Curcumin: A Review of Its Effects on Human Health. (2017). PubMed Central. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5664031/
An Analysis of Endocannabinoid Concentrations and Mood Following Singing and Exercise in Healthy Volunteers. (2018). PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30534062/