RATES of anxiety, particularly among children and young people, are on the rise globally and experts say some patients may benefit from herbal remedies.
New research suggests a natural alternative to anxiolytics – one of the most commonly prescribed anxiety medications – is lavender oil.
Experts say some patients may benefit from herbal remedies when it comes to anxiety[/caption]
Studies have shown lavender oil can treat mild, moderate, and severe anxiety[/caption]
Anxiety is one of the most common mental health conditions in the UK, with more than eight million people experiencing an anxiety disorder at any one time.
To coincide with a rise in cases, there’s been a sharp rise in the number of prescriptions for anxiolytics over the past decade.
But according to Dr Hans-Peter Volz, a specialist in psychiatry and psychotherapy, not all symptoms and experiences of anxiety warrant this type of medication.
He said: “The use, and misuse, of prescription anti-anxiety medication is rising. Doctors can be quick to medicate people who are experiencing emotional distress, without exploring alternative options.
“Medicating too quickly can lead to the unnecessary prescribing of medication, and in some cases, can cause a dependency to the drug.
“The problem then, is trying to reduce dependency and get patients off the prescribed medication. It is important that we look at complementary treatments to prescription drugs for anxiety such as talking therapies, mindfulness and traditional herbal remedies.”
New research suggests lavender is a non-addictive alternative to anxiolytics.
Five double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trials demonstrated the effectiveness of pharmaceutical quality lavender oil, when taken orally as a daily capsule, in the treatment of mild, moderate, and severe anxiety.
After 10 weeks’ treatment, patients with subthreshold anxiety, mixed anxiety and depressive disorder (MADD), and generalised anxiety disorder (GAD), reported noticeable improvements to their well-being and quality of life, including anxiety-associated symptoms.
Dr Annabelle Grimm, Global Medical Affairs Manager at Schwabe Group, and an expert regarding pharmaceutical-quality lavender oil, said: “There have been several clinical trials demonstrating the effectiveness of pharmaceutical quality lavender oil in the treatment of mild anxiety.
“Research suggests its effectiveness rivals that of commonly prescribed anxiolytics like benzodiazepines and SSRIs.
“This study is particularly exciting as it demonstrates that pharmaceutical quality lavender oil substantially alleviates anxiety symptoms across all severity levels, without the drawbacks associated with sedation and addiction.
“The results, together with its favourable tolerability profile, position pharmaceutical quality lavender oil as an effective first-line treatment option for patients, particularly from the mild-to-moderate end of the anxiety spectrum.”
Lavender oil can be taken as oral capsules – one example is Kalms Lavender One-Day Capsules, which is £4.99 for a two weeks supple (36p per capsule).
But lavender’s health benefits don’t end there.
SLEEP AID
Lavender’s sleep-inducing properties are attributed to chemical compounds like linalool and linalyl acetate[/caption]
For centuries, lavender has been recommended for people experiencing insomnia or sleep disorders.
Its calming and relaxing properties are attributed to chemical compounds like linalool and linalyl acetate, which can activate the parasympathetic nervous system, lower heart rate and blood pressure, and stabiliae mood, thereby improving sleep quality and reducing anxiety.
A review of 15 studies from 2014 found inhaling essential oils, including lavender had positive effects in people with mild sleep disturbances.
Research published in 2015 also showed people who used lavender aromatherapy felt more refreshed upon waking.
Lavender for sleep can be used in various forms, such as essential oil diffused in a room, added to baths, or applied as a pillow spray.
BOOSTS HAIR GROWTH
Studies also suggest lavender oil may promote hair growth and improve scalp health.
A study on mice found lavender oil increased hair growth, thickness, and speed.
While a small human study showed a blend of lavender and other essential oils effectively treated alopecia areata.
Lavender’s antimicrobial properties and anti-inflammatory effects are believed to contribute to a healthier scalp, which is essential for hair growth.
However, more human studies are needed to confirm these benefits and determine optimal usage for various types of hair loss.
CLEARS ACNE
Lavender oil may also provide a more gentle way to treat acne[/caption]
Compared to more aggressive treatments, lavender oil could also be a gentle way to treat acne due to its ability to kill bacteria.
In a 2013 study, a combination of lavender oil and aloe extract effectively inhibited the growth of one bacterial strain that causes acne.
But more extensive clinical trials are needed to determine optimal formulations and usage, and pure, undiluted lavender oil should not be applied directly to the skin to avoid irritation.
What actually is anxiety and how can you combat it?
Anxiety is what we feel when we are worried, tense or afraid.
It is a natural human response when we feel under threat, and most people experience it at times.
Anxiety becomes a mental health problem if it impacts your ability to live your life as fully as you want to. For example:
- If your feelings of anxiety are very strong or last a long time
- Your fears or worries are out of proportion to the situation
- You avoid situations that might cause you to feel anxious
- Your worries feel very distressing or are hard to control
- You find it hard to go about your everyday life
- You regularly experience symptoms of anxiety
There are dozens of symptoms of anxiety that can affect the body and the mind.
This can be everything from a churning feeling in your stomach to sleeping problems to feeling like the world is speeding up or slowing down.
Around one in 10 people in the UK have anxiety at any one time.
There are various treatments available, including self-help resources, talking therapies, and medication.
Some of the most well-documented ways of combating anxiety are:
- Talking about your feelings – whether that’s with friends, family members, health professionals or a counsellor
- Calming breathing exercises – like breathing in for four seconds, holding for five, and breathing out for six
- Exercise – like running, walking, swimming and yoga to help you relax
- Managing your worries – this could be setting aside specific time to focus on your worries or writing them down and keeping them in a designated place
- Medication – including antidepressants, pregabalin, beta-blockers or benzodiazepine tranquillisers
- Improving how you sleep – like ensuring your bedroom is comfortable, dark and quiet, and not doing anything too stimulating before you go to bed
- Eating a healthy diet – including regular meals to keep energy levels stable
- Peer support groups – from local ones to online communities
- Listening to free mental wellbeing audio guides
- Cognitive behavioural therapy – online or in-person
- Applied relaxation therapy – which involves learning how to relax your muscles in situations when you normally experience anxiety
- Alternative therapies and techniques like meditation, aromatherapy, massage, reflexology, herbal treatments, Bach flower remedies and hypnotherapy
If you struggling with anxiety, speak to your GP or call Mind’s infoline on 0300 123 3393.
Source: Mind and NHS