Facing soul pain with natural remedies for anxiety and depression

The responsibilities of work or study, taking care of the house and family, dedicating the right amount of time to friendships, and staying informed about what is happening in the world: from these daily habits, we derive a sense of personal gratification that makes us feel like protagonists of our lives.

Yet, at the end of the day, we may find ourselves feeling demotivated, tired, and sad. We would like to pursue our interests, but immediately we are overwhelmed by a sense of anguish.

Anxiety, stress, and irritability are symptoms of a profound discomfort that, if neglected, can turn into acute depressive forms. Immersed in the routine, we unknowingly increase the detachment from the most important part of ourselves: our soul.

The frenzy of the material world makes us deaf to the needs, desires, and emotions of our inner selves and hinders the reconnection with our intimacy. In this way, we find ourselves overwhelmed by duties yet lacking the enthusiasm and motivation to do anything.

Sometimes we can't even name what we feel, as told by Maite Mutuberria in her book Enorme suciedad ("Enormous dirt"), the illustrator who gifted us with the beautiful cover of this article: "I wanted to give it a name. How to call what has exhausted me so much? The pain that stained everything? What word to use for that blur? I only knew how to sketch it in my notebooks. And since I didn't know how to name it yet, I called it dirt."

 

But then we must realize that what torments us is called anxiety, burnout, depression, and seek a way to lift ourselves up.

Slowing down our pace, striving to make time for our passions, and the support of psychotherapy help restore a virtuous relationship with our intimacy.
And Nature gives us botanicals useful for alleviating those anxiety states that compromise the well-being of our body, returning us the clear serenity we need.

Want to know natural remedies for anxiety? Keep reading!

 

Understanding the causes of anxiety and depression

Before discovering which herbs are effective for anxiety and depression, it is important to understand what is meant when we talk about "anxiety" and what its causes are.

According to the Korean philosopher Byung Chul-Han, anxiety is a symptom of a soul malaise induced by the "society of doing".

In the essay La società della stanchezza Han describes how, through the myth of the freedom to do anything, contemporary society actually precludes the freedom to do nothing. In this way, "the soul is exhausted and burned out by the society of doing."

Masters of our time, we feel compelled to make every part of our day productive and profitable. This leads to an amplification of the sense of duty and the tendency to turn free moments into opportunities to work more: washing dishes, answering emails, watching the news, and starting the washing machine. All without granting ourselves a single moment of rest. We maximize our strengths and accumulate tasks, depriving ourselves of the right to relax and be alone with ourselves.

The progressive and relentless detachment from our emotions is the consequence of this performance ideology. This distancing from our intimacy, the impossibility of dedicating quality time to ourselves, causes that soul fatigue that is the main cause of anxiety and depression.

Being aware of the impact of such social dynamics on our mental health allows us to understand that anxiety, panic attacks, or depression are not weaknesses. On the contrary, they are an extreme response of our body to stress, a way to force us to look inward and realize that we need to pay attention to our psychological well-being.

Finally, knowing the causes of our discomfort helps to identify the most suitable methods to start listening to our emotions again. Psychotherapy is definitely one of the most recommended paths to learn to recognize our needs and the importance of not letting society define us. But even our plant friends can help us chase away bad moods! Natural remedies for anxiety: adaptogenic, sedative, and nervine plants According to Ayurveda tradition, a life with hectic rhythms, little attention to rest, and lacking a balanced routine causes an excess of Vata, the energy associated with the Air element that governs breathing, heartbeat, and the functioning of our nervous system. The overabundance of this cold energy is therefore indicated as the organic cause of anxiety, depression, and nervousness. The higher concentration of Vata leads to poor concentration, insomnia, worry, and weakening of the immune system. In fact, by filling our body with cold energy, Vata affects the activity of the adrenal glands, responsible for the production of the so-called "happiness hormones": oxytocin, dopamine, and serotonin. The decrease in these endogenous hormones is accompanied by an increase in cortisol and adrenaline hormones, causing tension, nervousness, anxiety, and fear. Rebalancing our excess Vata, by eliminating the accumulation of cold energy in the adrenal glands, allows us to restore the hormonal release necessary to maintain a stable mood and prevent the risk of developing more severe and persistent forms of depression. Plants that work as natural calmatives are characterized by their warm energy capable of dampening Vata's coldness and are divided into three groups: - Adaptogenic plants: these are plants that improve the body's adaptability to the environment, increasing its resistance to situations of strong physical and mental stress. They promote mental clarity, concentration, and strengthen the nervous system. For this reason, they are particularly useful natural remedies for generalized anxiety, fatigue, and tiredness. Among the most effective adaptogenic plants to combat anxiety, we find Ashwagandha, Ginseng, Eleuthero, Maca, Cacao, and Tulsi. - Nervine relaxing plants: by acting directly on the central nervous system, these herbs guarantee a deep sense of relaxation thanks to their ability to relax muscles and slow down the heartbeat. They are considered first aid botanicals in case of panic attacks as they act directly on the physical and emotional somatization of stress. Particularly effective in the form of essential oil, they improve breathing and clear the mind, freeing it from intrusive and obsessive thoughts. Among the recommended nervine plants to prevent or combat panic attacks, we find Chamomile, Melissa, and Hawthorn. - Sedative relaxing plants: like nervine plants, these botanicals allow the release of tension through direct action on the central nervous system. Unlike nervines, however, sedative herbs are indicated in cases of insomnia and difficulty falling asleep. By inducing a sense of deep relaxation, these plants promote sleep and ensure long and regenerative rest. The most famous sedative plants for their effectiveness are Linden, Valerian, Lavender, St. John's Wort, and Passionflower. Stress and anxiety are somatized differently depending on the experiences we live. Depending on the case, we may feel nervous, fearful of the future, sad and down, or find it difficult to fall asleep. Therefore, based on the particular characteristics of our anxiety, we can choose the most suitable botanicals for us based on their effects on the body. Let's discover together which are the most suitable natural remedies to overcome the most common forms of anxiety! Natural tranquilizers for nervousness Feeling nervous and irritable is the most common somatization of the energetic imbalance caused by anxiety.

By "nervousness" we mean a state of irritability and tension characterized by hypersensitivity to certain stimuli. When we are "nervous" we tend to get angry over trivial matters and often this aggressiveness is accompanied by headaches, a feeling of a tight stomach, nausea, and mental confusion.

The sedative and nervine botanicals are the most suitable to quickly restore tranquility and mental clarity necessary to face our daily commitments and responsibilities in the right way.

Consumed in the morning and evening, these plants have a relaxing action, countering restlessness and filling us with a natural sense of calm.

Passionflower

The Passionflower is known for its anxiolytic, antispasmodic, and insomnia-healing effects. Thanks to the principle of passiflorine, an alkaloid that acts directly on the nervous system, it was used as a natural tranquilizer by the Aztecs. Perfect to take before going to sleep, in case of nervousness we can also drink a Passionflower herbal tea in the morning, to enjoy its relaxing properties throughout the day.

To prepare a Passionflower herbal tea, it will be enough to infuse the dried flowers and leaves in boiling water for fifteen minutes. After filtering, we can enjoy this tangy infusion at room temperature.

Hawthorn

Even Hawthorn, with its nervine properties, is an excellent natural remedy against nervous tension. Also known as the "plant of the heart", thanks to the active principle of vitexin, this botanical is exceptional for counteracting tachycardia, palpitations, and hypertension.

A tasty herbal tea with a enveloping and delicate flavor can be obtained from the flowers and leaves of Hawthorn: just let them infuse for about ten minutes, filter, and slowly savor it hot or at room temperature.

Ashwagandha

Sedative plants like Passionflower and nervine plants like Hawthorn provide temporary help against nervousness. Despite their effectiveness in the short term, with the exhaustion of their calming effect, we risk experiencing anxiety and bad mood again.

To prevent the onset of anxiety and nervousness, it is preferable to rely on the properties of adaptogenic herbs. Their active principles, in fact, guarantee a prolonged relaxing efficacy and are able to act directly on the hormonal causes of nervousness.

Ashwagandha is the most famous adaptogenic and anti-stress herb thanks to the relaxing and invigorating properties of its active principles, the withanolides. Capable of regulating cortisol production, the stress hormone, Ashwagandha helps our body to counteract the onset of anxiety and nervousness in situations of particular fatigue.

Like all adaptogenic herbal teas, Ashwagandha can be taken at any time of the day. However, due to its particular relaxing and calming properties, it is recommended to drink a herbal tea based on Ashwagandha in the evening, before going to bed.

For the preparation of this infusion, it will be enough to dissolve 2-3 grams of Ashwagandha powder in a glass of hot water. Alternatively, Ashwagandha powder can be used at breakfast to enrich fruit smoothies, porridge, or simple Greek yogurt.

Another recipe that can help us in promoting calm during mild anxiety states and the onset of insomnia is a vegan cappuccino to be prepared by boiling a glass of coconut drink to which add a teaspoon of lavender flowers and another of Butterfly Pea during boiling. Then boil for another 5 minutes and then filter everything into a cup to which add 1 teaspoon of Ashwagandha, a teaspoon of ghee, and 1/2 teaspoon of honey.

Try the Butterfly Pea

 

Adaptogenic Herbs and Herbal Teas Against Stress

The prolonged action of the rebalancing active ingredients of adaptogenic botanicals allows us to improve our body's response to situations that cause strong stress. Supplements, infusions, or herbal teas based on adaptogenic plants work not only on the effects of anxiety but also - and above all - on its causes.

When we talk about stress, we refer to all those situations that produce a harmful stimulus on our body: prolonged efforts, incessant work, an unbalanced diet, spending too much time indoors or in front of a screen.

The effects of stress are latent in their initial stages and erupt violently in our daily lives when we persist in habits that are harmful to our mental health.

An effective remedy against stress must be based on prevention. This is why adaptogenic botanicals are the main ingredient in natural herbal teas recommended to combat stress: by increasing our body's resistance to physical or mental fatigue, these herbs constitute a natural defense against the somatization of anxiety.

Let's discover which herbal teas against stress we can make with our herbal friends!

Maca

The Maca is the ultimate stress-relieving plant, a root rich in amino acids and minerals with exceptional adaptogenic effects. Capable of balancing its action based on the constitution of the person taking it, this botanical helps to balance mood, support the body in situations of high stress, and allow for rapid energy recovery, making it an excellent supplement for those engaged in competitive physical activities.

When combined with tonic action, if taken in the evening, it may cause insomnia or disturbed sleep. Among the herbal teas against stress, it is therefore recommended to consume Maca in the morning, especially at breakfast.

Maca powder can be added to tea or milk, or used in the preparation of a wide variety of sweet or savory recipes: smoothies, soups, bread or focaccia dough, or to make oatmeal more nutritious.

Cacao

Rich in theobromine, antioxidants, and alkaloids, Cacao is recognized as a natural antidepressant thanks to its tonic and adaptogenic virtues. Used as medicine by pre-Columbian populations of the American continent, Cacao is the most functional ingredient in our diet.

By stimulating the release of serotonin, the happiness hormone, this botanical acts as a mood tonic and ensures concentration and mental clarity. The presence of caffeine gives Cacao its exciting and energizing properties, making it perfect to consume in the morning.

Versatile and delicious, Cacao powder is mainly used for making pastry products. However, from the infusion of Cacao beans, we can obtain sweet and enveloping herbal teas for a tasty alternative to coffee at breakfast.

Buy Raw Cacao Beans

 

Essential Oils: Natural Remedies for Panic Attacks

A panic attack presents itself with the onset of intense anxiety, accompanied by a sense of suffocation, nausea, and dizziness, which can be of short or medium duration. It is an extreme body response to deep emotional distress, from which the mind tries to defend itself by alerting all our senses and increasing the breathing rate.

Despite its protective nature, a panic attack can generate deep traumas and even worsen the somatization of anxiety if not recognized and treated properly. Its sudden nature makes it difficult to predict its manifestation, thus causing people who suffer from it to fall into a spiral of anguish and constant fear. A psychotherapy path is definitely the best choice to bring to light the unconscious causes that determine the onset of panic attacks, while Nature offers us the right tools to alleviate the symptoms. Manifesting with accelerated heart rate and hyperventilation, an effective practice to calm a panic attack episode is the slow breathing exercise: inhaling slowly to fill the lungs and exhaling deeply allows to get rid of the accumulation of carbon dioxide caused by fast and irregular breathing. The natural remedies most suitable for panic attacks to regulate one's breathing and alleviate discomfort involve the use of nervine botanicals in the form of essential oil. Unlike infusions and herbal teas, in fact, essential oil has a much higher and immediately bioavailable concentration of active ingredient, capable of having an immediate relaxing action on the nervous system. If you are prone to panic attacks, it is a good habit to always have a bottle of essential oil with you: as soon as you feel the sensations that herald the arrival of a panic attack, just inhale the essential oil after pouring a few drops into the palm of your hand. Alternatively, you can moisten a cloth handkerchief with the essential oil of your choice to carry comfortably with you when you are out, sniffing it when you feel anxiety growing. The most suitable essential oils to combat panic attacks are Lavender essential oil, Chamomile essential oil, and Mandarin essential oil. Lavender Famous for its relaxing properties, Lavender is a moderately sedative plant perfect for promoting rapid physical and mental relaxation. Its characteristic aroma has distensive and calming qualities that act directly on the nervous system, calming negative emotions and instilling tranquility. Due to its gentleness on the skin, Lavender essential oil can also be used for regenerating massages, applying a few drops to the temples, or vaporized pure at home, to make the place where we spend most of our time calm and serene. Chamomile Chamomile is certainly the most well-known and used herb for its relaxing properties. However, it is not a sedative plant! Chamomile belongs to the family of nervine plants, so it acts on our nervous system by favoring the release of muscle tension and calming the mind, without interfering with our cognitive functions. Perfect for preparing infusions and herbal teas with antispasmodic and decontracting virtues, Chamomile in the form of essential oil is also an effective remedy for the timely treatment of panic attack symptoms. Through inhalation, in fact, its active principles guarantee a rapid calming action that facilitates the regulation of breathing and the slowing down of the heart rate. Mandarin and citrus essential oil The relaxing and calming virtues of Mandarin derive from the high concentration of Bromine, an element capable of promoting muscle relaxation and tension release. Thanks to its fresh and tangy aroma, Mandarin essential oil frees our mind from the heaviness of obsessive thoughts and worries, helping to regulate the heart rate and relax the abdominal and thoracic muscles to promote the correct rhythm of breathing. Gentle like Lavender, Mandarin essential oil can also be used on the skin or vaporized pure to make the environments where we spend our days more welcoming and calm.

Natural remedies for insomnia: relaxing herbal teas to help you sleep

The inability or difficulty to fall asleep at night is one of the most serious and debilitating symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Resulting from excessive worries and work schedules that interfere with the natural sleep-wake cycle, insomnia has deleterious effects on our health when prolonged for long periods. Fatigue, poor concentration, decreased cognitive abilities, irritability, gastrointestinal problems, and weight loss are just some of the consequences of sleep deprivation.

Three forms of insomnia can be identified:

- Initial insomnia, which is the difficulty falling asleep that leads to staying awake until the early hours of the morning;

- Intermittent insomnia, disturbed and interrupted sleep with frequent awakenings in the middle of the night, leading to morning drowsiness;

- Terminal insomnia, which is early awakening during sleep, with difficulty or inability to fall back asleep.

For all these cases, it is recommended to take relaxing sedative herbal teas to help you sleep at night, at least half an hour before going to bed.

Among all the herbs with sedative properties for sleep, St. John's Wort is certainly the most effective for treating the most severe and debilitating forms of insomnia.

Also known as St. John's Wort or "Devil's Scourge," St. John's Wort derives its sedative action from its ability to regulate the production of melatonin, the hormone responsible for regulating the sleep-wake cycle in mammals. By infusing the dried St. John's Wort flowers in hot water for a few minutes, you get a bittersweet tasting herbal tea, which can be enriched by combining it with other sedative botanicals such as Passionflower and Valerian.

However, it is important to note that St. John's Wort may interfere with the action of hormonal contraceptives and antidepressant medications. If you are undergoing pharmacological therapy, it is preferable to treat insomnia with other sedative herbal teas.

Enjoy an Organic St. John's Wort Herbal Tea

 

Nature's help for depression

Ignoring the symptoms of anxiety by insisting on maintaining high work performance can seriously disrupt the natural balance of our body, leading our soul to complete exhaustion of its forces and triggering the onset of depression.

Depression is spoken of when sadness, bad mood, and abulia interfere with daily life to the point of making any activity difficult or impossible for the suffering individual. A condition of severe psychological and physical distress, depression is a pain of the soul that needs to be treated with humanity, professionalism, and delicacy.

Psychotherapy is the most suitable support for dealing with depression: relying on the help of experienced individuals is an act of self-love through which we will be able to reconnect with our intimacy, rediscovering the wonderful depth of our inner self.

If we wish to support our therapy with natural remedies, we can turn to herbs for anxiety and depression such as St. John's Wort, Passionflower, Melissa, and Cocoa, known for their antidepressant effects.

All these herbs share the ability to intervene in the regulation of hormone release. In this way, they promote the increase in the production of oxytocin, serotonin, and dopamine, responsible for good mood, and decrease the concentration of adversary hormones, such as cortisol.

We can enjoy the active ingredients of these botanicals in the form of herbal tea or, as in the case of St. John's Wort, in the form of mother tincture. Prepared by macerating the active ingredient of the plant with distilled water and solvent, the mother tincture is a herbal remedy ready to use and easily assimilated by our body. Its use is therefore recommended to provide immediate relief from the most severe symptoms of depression.

Like Nature, our body relies on the wonderful and delicate balance of all its elements. Physical health, a proper diet, and a good amount of physical activity certainly produce important benefits, but they are not enough to ensure serenity to enjoy the joys that life has to offer us. Taking care of ourselves means knowing how to listen to our inner self, appreciating our limits, and allowing ourselves time to recharge when necessary.

Our herbs to face anxiety and depression not only offer themselves as a generous support in the journey of reconnecting with ourselves, but also teach an important lesson: just as their beauty is the result of nourishment from the Earth, where they firmly sink their roots, our external life reflects the light of our soul.

Therefore, we must nurture our inner self with affection and dedication, helping our soul to bloom splendid, lush, and ready to face with determination the challenges offered to us by material life.