How to Make Your Own Liquid Xanax

Everyone has dealt with anxiety at some point in their life. There are many causes for anxiety and several side effects that can worsen if left untreated including depression, insomnia, restlessness, irritability, skin rashes, and fatigue.

Many of the compounds that have been studied to treat anxiety are water-soluble, which means making your own liquid Xanax is as easy as brewing a cup of tea.

Below are a few herbs that research shows can be effective in treating anxiety. When choosing which herbs to use, consider the possibility of growing them yourself so that you have your own supply on hand.

Herbs For Treating Anxiety

• German chamomile (Matricaria recutita) is a well-known relaxant that works on both the muscles and the nervous system. Small-scale human trials showed positive results for mild anxiety, well-being, and sleep quality when used for 8 – 12 weeks.
  
• Passion flower (Passiflora incarnata) leaves and flowers protect neurotransmitters and are a mild sedative and anti-spasmodic. It is believed the flavonoids quercetin and kaempferol are responsible for its anti-anxiety properties.*
• Passiflora incarnata, or maypop passion flower, does not contain cyanide so it is not poisonous. However, blue passion flower (Passiflora caerulea) and a passion flower called running pop (Passiflora foetida) are toxic due to the cyanide they contain, especially in the unripened fruit.
• Holy basil (Ocimum tenuiflorum or O. sanctum) is used for a wide range of stress-related disorders, including anxiety, insomnia, depression, and fatigue. Research is limited to a few, small-scale trials though. The leaves, stems, and flowers can be used. Safe to use for 12 weeks.
• Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba) leaves contain quercetin and kaempferol flavonoids, which are thought to be anti-anxiety compounds.
  
• Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) flowers and seeds are a relaxant, anti-spasmodic, and protects neurotransmitters similar to passion flower. It can reduce stress and nervous tension as well due to the mild sedative properties. The phenol baicalein may be responsible for these anti-anxiety properties. Toxic Teucrium species are often confused with skullcap and are sold as such. Brew skullcap tea for 20 minutes.
• Linden or Tilia (Tilia spp.) leaves are used to treat anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia thanks to the flavonoids quercetin and kaempferol in them. It decreases blood pressure by dilating blood vessels and capillaries, especially in the extremities such as the hands and feet, although this can cause mild sweating.  It is used to treat some of the side effects of anxiety, such as heart palpitations. Safe for most people to take for 6 months.

Herbs For Treating Depression

• St John’s Wort (Hypericum perforatum) is good for over-stimulation, anxiety and is especially effective for depression. Caution is advised, since St John’s Wort breaks down many prescription drugs in your body, rendering them either less potent or completely ineffective. Safe to use for 12 weeks.
• Golden root (Rhodiola Rosea) can repair damaged neurons in the hippocampus and balance serotonin levels in rats. The compound salidroside may be involved in regulating neurotransmitter receptors which are involved in sending signals around the brain.
• Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) may protect neurotransmitters. The leaves, stems, and flowers can be used. Safe to use for at least 6 months.
• Saffron (Crocus sativus) has been proven to be just as effective as the anti-depressant Sertraline in human trials.
• Red feather (Echium amoenum) flowers and stems may decrease anxiety without producing a sedative effect but it seems to treat depression more effectively, although human studies are limited.

Method

Brew a teaspoon of your chosen herb (fresh or dry) for at least 7 minutes if you are using leaves or flowers.

When using stems or roots, brew for 10 minutes, except for the skullcap, which should be brewed for 20 minutes.

Dosage

Many studies reveal that improvements were only observed when taken for at least 4 weeks, while significant improvements were seen when taken for up to 12 weeks. Therefore, it is important to consider which herbs you are comfortable with consuming over these longer timeframes.

Brew your chosen herbs once or twice a day.

Side Effects

Everyone will have slightly different reactions to herbal remedies and it is critical to monitor yourself for any negative side effects. Many apps can help you track your mood and physical condition over the 4 – 12 weeks while taking your DIY Xanax.

Tips:

If you are unsure about diving straight into making your own anti-anxiety tea, then start by brewing just one of the herbs listed above. Then, if you don’t experience any negative side effects after two weeks, add another herb to your brew. You may choose to stick with just one or two herbs to treat your anxiety if you feel like you are benefiting from them; it’s about finding what is right for you.

If you don’t want to make it yourself, another option is the Anxiety and Stress Tincture available in the Apothecary.

Sometimes we need a little extra help, especially if we are facing a particularly stressful life event and herbal remedies are a gentle and effective way to brighten your outlook and soothe your spirit.

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