Herbal supplements have become popular for their incredible efficacy. These products offer numerous therapeutic benefits without inducing the adverse effects associated with conventional medications.
However, each plant impacts the body in a unique way. It’s important to understand how an herbal product works before using it.
In this article, we shall focus on anxiolytic plants and uncover how they interact with the human body.
1. Herbs Stimulate Opioid Receptors
Opioid receptors are G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) that mediate responses to certain neurotransmitters, hormones, and drugs. The receptors are mostly affected by compounds that induce sensory perception and mental reactions.
Research has shown that certain herbs may treat anxiety by binding to opioid receptors. One such plant is kratom, an evergreen tree from the same family as coffee, which is native to Southeast Asia.
Kratom binds to opioid receptors nearly the same way as popular opioid drugs like morphine and codeine. The difference is that the herb only exerts partial influence on opioid receptors, minimizing the risks of addiction.
Kratom occurs in several subspecies, with Red Bali kratom being one of the most potent.
Consuming the right amount of Red Bali can activate the opioid receptors responsible for stress relief. The strain has also been cited for its analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties.
2. Herbs Increase Serotonin Signaling
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter involved in many physiological processes, notably stress relief.
Multiple findings have established a nexus between low serotonin levels and high risks of anxiety and depression. So effective is this neurotransmitter at combating stress that there’s a class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
But while SSRIs may effectively address anxiety, they’re notorious for triggering adverse effects. Fortunately, herbs like cannabis can enhance serotonin signaling naturally without exposing you to severe negative reactions.
Marijuana stimulates serotonin signaling by acting on the endocannabinoid system.
The endocannabinoid system is a complex system of endogenous cannabinoids and endocannabinoid receptors. It regulates pain and anxiety signaling, endocrine activities, and the circadian rhythm, among other functions.Â
3. Herbs Activate Dopamine Levels
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that shares similar biological functions as serotonin. The fundamental difference is in the regions of the brain where they’re mostly expressed.
Dopamine affects areas of the brain responsible for pleasure, motivation, and satisfaction. High levels of this neurotransmitter may boost various cognitive functions, including concentration, learning, and memory consolidation.
Some studies have also linked heightened dopamine signaling with reduced anxiety symptoms.
Dopamine is typically activated by mind-altering herbs, such as marijuana and magic mushrooms. However, certain non-psychoactive plants like lavender may also ramp up the chemical’s levels in the brain.
Lavender increases dopamine levels by stimulating dopamine receptors expressed in the olfactory bulb of the brain. The effects are mental relaxation and better sleep.
But activating dopamine isn’t the only way lavender treats anxiety. Some findings suggest that the herb may disturb dopaminergic neurotransmission, making it a suitable remedy for managing irritability.
4. Herbs Modulate Norepinephrine
Norepinephrine or noradrenaline is a hormone that mimics the effects of adrenaline and cortisol. One of its key functions is regulating the fight-or-flight response during moments of intense fear.
Norepinephrine is naturally secreted by the adrenal medulla and the synapses. It may also be administered as a supplement or medication in the case of severe deficiency.
Like most neurotransmitters, noradrenaline levels in the body affect a person’s response to stressors. That’s why an effective modulatory mechanism is paramount.
Herbs like valerian have demonstrated a potential for increasing the body’s access to norepinephrine.
Valerian root is rich in compounds that stimulate noradrenaline production and expression. A notable mention is valerenic acid, which has also been shown to modulate serotonin signaling.Â
5. Herbs Boost GABA Levels
GABA, short for gamma-aminobutyric acid, is another chemical in the body involved in mediating stress and anxiety.
GABA is essentially an amino acid that reduces central nervous system (CNS) hyperactivity. That alone speaks to its potential mental health benefits.
Amino acids form the building blocks for the growth and development of all bodily tissues, including brain tissues. A deficiency in these compounds can accelerate neurodegeneration, predisposing you to mental health problems like anxiety.
So, plants that boost GABA levels, such as passionflower, should be a welcome addition to your wellness regimen.
Research suggests that passionflower doesn’t only increase GABA signaling. It also activates physiological processes responsible for the amino acid’s production.
Passionflower produces the strongest effects on GABA when used alongside similar herbs like lavender and chamomile.
Precautions When Using Herbs for Anxiety
Medicinal plants differ in their overall anxiolytic potential and safety profile. While substantially safer than conventional antidepressants, most herbs can trigger adverse effects if overdosed.
So, it’s important to follow the necessary dosage recommendations while using extracts from these plants.
Be especially cautious when administering psychoactive plants. A slight overdose might alter your mental state, possibly causing the very anxiety you’re trying to treat.
It’s also important to adhere to the recommended delivery methods.
For instance, essential oils are best administered topically or through vaping. Ingesting such compounds may trigger negative gastrointestinal reactions.
Wrap Up
There are thousands of medicinal plants to add to your wellness routine. Choosing one herb over the others primarily depends on its health benefits.
However, it’s also prudent to understand how an herb impacts your system before administering it. That’s especially if you’re consuming the plant’s extracts for mental health conditions.
We hope this article provided you with the enlightenment you need when scouting for suitable alternative herbs for stress and anxiety.Â
