Chamomile as a Treatment for Anxiety

Anxiety is a real problem in today's society. I don't know if it's because our lives have become more stressful in the fast paced environment of chasing after our dreams (or simply to make ends meet) or if we're just more aware of it these days due to the ease of accessing information.

One thing I know is that anxiety has been a big part of my life, from losing my father when I was ten, to my brothers moving to another country without knowing when I'd see them again, to struggling in school and trying to make my mother proud.

Some of these anxiety-causing issues came from within, from feeling inadequate, from trying to please people. Other issues come from outside, based on the rules and limitations society puts on us, even as a young child and all the way to adulthood. In fact, I feel like as we get older, we tend to stress more over what's expected of us and of not living up to our and other people's expectations.

Needless to say, when the going gets tough we turn to medicine. Sometimes it helps, sometimes it backfires, and we're stuck with a bucket load of pills.

But there are other, natural remedies that can do just as much good without the fear of dangerous side effects. One of the medicinal plants that has been in use since ancient times is chamomile. Studies have revealed that this plant possesses anti-anxiety properties. It has a calming effect on our system, it helps us relax and in the end ease our anxiety.

With a relaxed state of mind, we are more likely to look at our problems with a more critical and clear mind, which in turn will make it easier for us to find a solution. That, in turn, eases the anxiety that the issue had caused in the first place.

Or I'd like to think so. It doesn't always work that way, but chamomile does have a calming effect on our body. It has been used as a sleep aid for centuries, and, as studies show, a good night sleep can do just as much good. So, if not directly, chamomile helps us deal with anxieties by proxy.

Chamomile is not the only medicinal plant that can be used as a remedy for stress and anxieties. Other plant-based remedies, like lavender, Valerian, lemon balm, and passionflower have also proven useful.

However, chamomile or any other natural remedy will not replace proper medical treatment or therapy, so if your anxiety persists, please see a professional. But for occasional bouts of anxiety, a nice chamomile soak, followed by a hot cup of chamomile tea just might be what you need to soothe your frayed nerves.

Keep in mind that while chamomile, like anything else, is safe in small doses, it might have some unwanted side-effects. If you're allergic to ragweed or anything in the daisy family, then I would suggest you stay away from chamomile altogether.

Though some argue that chamomile is completely safe, there are no conclusive studies to support either view.

What do you do to help you deal with anxiety?