Herbal Remedies for PTSD

Because nature has the answer to all the problems, plants prove to be allies of choice to fight against stressful situations. They thus constitute the basis of many food supplements, formulated to soothe excessive emotions, fueled by professional and academic contexts or the difficulties of life. Four adaptogenic plants, known for their soothing qualities, are particularly noteworthy: ginseng, rhodiola, griffonia and hawthorn.

Adaptogenic plants

Numerous scientific studies have investigated the effects of adaptogenic plants, since the first work done on schisandra from china between 1943 and 1967. The effectiveness of adaptogenic plants has been highlighted in cases of fatigue and anxiety disorders, frequently associated with stress. 

According to the authors of these studies, adaptogenic plants would act directly on the endocrine system, which is involved in the ability to react to stressors. Different adaptogenic plants have been studied, but the most cited are eleutherococcus, ginseng and rhodiole. Eleutherococcus, also called russian ginseng or devil’s bush, is used in case of physical or intellectual fatigue for its revitalizing and tonic properties. Its roots were already used by siberian shamans and entered into the formulation of many preparations of chinese medicine.

Ginseng

Ginseng (panax ginseng) is traditionally used in chinese medicine to boost energy and help the body cope with physical and intellectual fatigue, as confirmed by a large number of scientific works. Ginseng, adaptogen plant par excellence, allows, in course of 15 days to 1 month, to tone the body, to improve the resistance to the various stresses and to increase the concentration and the well-being in general.

200 to 1000 mg per day of panax ginseng capsules or ampoules standardized to 3 or 7% ginsenosides, preferably in the morning at breakfast.

Rhodiola

Originally cold siberian, rhodiola root, rich in plant active ingredients, is interesting for its anti-stress properties because it allows a greater adaptation to stress and nervous fatigue, especially when stress and fatigue depend on causes such as overwork, a new job, the challenge of examinations.

Natural solution against disorders of nervousness and sleep for centuries, valerian, very soothing, reduces nervous tension and facilitates falling asleep in obsessive trouble. Rhodiola has at least twenty species used in traditional asian medicines. Ideal for preparing to live a potentially stressful situation, such as exams or a specific workload, it is indicated to find calm and serenity. It is also invigorating.

Griffonia

The griffonia, rich in seeds provided with 5-htp, a precursor of serotonin, is also a powerful relaxant that has a positive influence on mood disorders and anxiety, on anxieties.

Hawthorn

Traditionally used for its cardiotonic, hypotensive and heart palpitations virtues, hawthorn (crataegus laevigata) is indicated whenever tachycardias, respiratory or thoracic oppressions, balls in the throat, feeling of heart racing or who stops accompany the stress.

The infusion is the most suitable form, at a rate of one to two teaspoons of flowering tops dried by cup of boiling water to infuse 15 minutes. Drink 2 to 3 cups a day for 3 to 4 months. Mother tincture: 40 drops twice a day or 100 to 400 mg a day in capsules.

Bach flowers

Specially formulated to tackle the most intense emotional imbalances, the bach flowers, thanks to their delicate fragrances, influence with subtlety on the psychic disturbances, and among them, on the phenomena of stress and nervousness, on the disturbances of the sleep . All the power of floral complexes indicated against stress, lies in their ability “energetic” to outline a path to serenity and self-confidence, a precious help to face with positivity and success the challenges of life.

Ylang ylang essential oil

Ylang ylang essential oil is also a good remedy for anxiety. There are 2 ways to use it: cutaneous and inhalation.

As a preventive measure, it is best to use it as a massage oil or to perfume the bath. On the other hand, if it is to remedy the nocturnal awakenings caused by the anxiety, it is advisable to apply it on the wrists and the plexus.

Be careful, any essential oil should never be used pure. She would be too aggressive. It is necessary to dilute it in vegetable oil.

Passiflore

Passionflower also says passion flower comes from america. It is an anxiolytic recognized by the who (world health organization). It releases endorphins or molecules of well-being. In addition, it also contains vitexin which gives it relaxing and soothing properties. These effects multiply as consumption intensifies.