Anti-Anxiety Elixir

Anxiety can leave us feeling exhausted and agitated. It can cause difficulties at work and other important parts of life. Furthermore, it may create unneeded tension in our relationships.

Finding natural ways to recognize and reduce anxiety can improve the quality of life. Likewise, decreasing anxiety can bring joy back into the day. This Anti-Anxiety Elixir may be a wonderful addition to lifestyle changes aimed at reducing anxiety.

Ingredients

The main constituent of this Elixir is Ashwagandha. It is combined with other relaxing herbs which include Lemonbalm, Chamomile, and Lavender.

• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is an evergreen shrub that has been used for thousands of years to help manage stress. Interestingly, it has been shown to reduce cortisol, known as the stress hormone. Not only that, but it decreases depression and improves mood. Most important, for our use today, it has been shown to reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety. Ashwagandha is available through herbal suppliers, health food stores, and online. It can also be found in supplements and teas. The root and fruit are the plant parts most often used.
• Lavender (Lavendula) is well known for its relaxing effects on the mind and body. Similarly, it aids in symptoms of depression. Most notably, for this recipe, it is used to decrease stress and anxiety. Furthermore, lavender is a calming natural sleep aid as well.
• Chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla) is the herb of choice for gentle relaxation and reducing stress. Along with its many other health benefits, chamomile contributes to better quality sleep. High-quality sleep is a primary ingredient to reducing overall anxiety in the body.
• Lemonbalm (Melissa officinalis) is a gorgeous herbaceous perennial which is a potent anti-anxiety remedy, in its own right. It also relieves symptoms of stress. Likewise, it has benefits for symptoms of insomnia and other sleep disorders.

Recipe

• 2 tablespoons dried Ashwagandha root.
• 1 tablespoon dried lavender
• 1 tablespoon dried chamomile
• 1 tablespoon fresh Lemonbalm
• 2 cups high-quality water.

Step 1: Gather the ingredients.

Step 2: Combine ingredients in a pot and add the water.

Step 3: Bring the ingredients to a boil.

Step 4: Simmer for 10 to 30 minutes.

Step 5: Allow to rest for 1 hour, stirring occasionally. If you wish, you could allow this rest period for longer for a stronger extraction. Up to 48 hours if desired.

Step 6: Strain the liquid using a mesh strainer or cheesecloth.

Step 7: Press out any excess liquid.

Step 8: Put elixir in a sealable glass container. The Anti-Anxiety Elixir will store in the fridge for 4 to 6 weeks.

How to Use This Anti-Anxiety Elixir

This Anti-Anxiety Elixir can be used on its own. Preferably, it might be mixed into an evening beverage of herbal tea or warm milk of your choice. It has a lovely floral, almost sweet aroma which is calming on its own. Generally, 1 tablespoon of elixir to 1 cup of warm beverage, or to taste.

The best time to take this elixir is in the evening close to bedtime.

Want to take anti-anxiety ashwagandha at other times of the day?

Alternative ingredients for an Anti-Anxiety Elixir may include ingredients that are less helpful for sleep. For example, Green tea is helpful in reducing stress. It is high in antioxidants which help with cognitive function and overall mental health. Moreover, green tea contains high levels of L-theanine, which has been shown to reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety. Green tea does contain caffeine which may not benefit some anxiety symptoms. It may be worth finding caffeine-free green tea options.

A caffeine-free alternative that mixes extremely well with Ashwagandha is mint. Peppermint, in particular, is energy-boosting. Not only that, but it is also calming and acts as a natural antispasmodic and sedative to help calm your mind and body.

Dosage of Ashwagandha

Evidence suggests that taking 500 mg to 600 mg daily of ashwagandha for at least one month may reduce anxiety symptoms. Additionally, doses of 125 mg to 5 grams daily for one to three months may help lower levels of cortisol, the stress hormone.

Cautions

As with taking any new herb or complementary therapy, check with your healthcare providers. Additionally, if you are taking prescription medication, ensure there are no contraindications with the ingredients of this elixir.

Reducing Anxiety Symptoms

Anxiety can be debilitating. Its symptoms manifest in many ways. These include restlessness, rapid breathing, and racing heart rate. Each person may experience anxiety differently. Other symptoms may consist of an inability to fall asleep or waking up throughout the night. While others may experience constant worry and dwelling on unpleasant feelings or events.

There are many therapies and medications available for the treatment of anxiety disorders. If anxiety becomes severe, chronic, or interferes with your daily life, it may be time to seek professional help. Psychologists and psychiatrists trained in anxiety disorder treatment may be a therapeutic and necessary step.

Learning to reduce anxiety at home may include many methods. A few things to incorporate into a daily schedule to help lessen feelings of anxiety are:

• Sleep Well
• Eat Well
• Spend some time each day outside.
• Get moving.
• Practice happy thoughts.

Some more concentrated strategies might be to include some of the following:

• Learn a meditation practice.
• Learn an exercise routine specific to reducing stress and anxiety such as Thai Chi or certain styles of yoga.
• Soak in an Epsom salt bath, in general, close to bedtime.

Final Thoughts

There are many things we can do for ourselves to reduce anxiety. Sometimes we just need a little extra help, especially if we are facing a particularly stressful life event. Herbal remedies are a gentle and effective way to brighten your outlook and soothe your spirit. Dr. Nicole Apelian’s favorite calming and adaptogenic herbs include Ashwagandha, Lemon Balm, Lion’s Mane Mushroom, and Reishi Mushroom, which we’ve combined in the Anxiety & Stress Tincture.

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