When discussing anxiolytic drugs, the fear of side effects, addiction and performance changes peeps in every person. In this area, more than in others, the search for natural alternatives is constantly growing: how many times have we heard of, or thought ourselves, looking for “natural anxiolytics”?

Anxiety: a Name for Infinite Disorders

First of all, it is good to clarify anxiety. Under this term, there are several very different disorders. Let’s see the three main ones:

Constant anxiety, but light > is a type of anxiety that characterises our daily lives. We always feel on the edge of a razor, and rarely you can feel a feeling of complete relaxation.

Anxiety peaks > episodes of short duration but intense, making it difficult to carry out simple activities.

Sleep Disorders > when anxiety affects the evening or night, making it difficult to get a pleasant sleep.

To this brief distinction, we must add the subjectivity with which we manifest and feel the different ailments without forgetting that each disorder can occur with different intensity, even in the same person, depending on the moment.

Are there natural anxiolytics?

When talking about anxiolytics, reference is made to drugs (the most used are benzodiazepines) which, as the name itself says, are used in the treatment of nervous diseases. They are medicines to be taken on prescription, under medical supervision and should be limited to strictly necessary.

When we commonly talk about “natural anxiolytic” instead, most of us mean a natural product that replaces anxiolytic drugs. This can’t happen: drugs are designed to treat nervous diseases, while products based on natural substances (food supplements) help us maintain a physiological psycho-physical state, promoting relaxation in case of stress, improving mood tone and sleep.

What are the “natural anxiolytics”?

Nature offers us a wide selection of plants to draw on these issues. Let’s see 4 of the most useful:

  • Melissa > undoubtedly one of the best-known plants to promote relaxation and mental well-being. We find it in most of the relaxing herbal teas and also in the most targeted dietary supplements.
  • Griffonia > the peculiarity of this plant is its richness in 5-hydroxytryptophan, fundamental for the production of serotonin, the good mood hormone. Griffonia is used to promote the normal mood tone.
  • Ashwagandha > a less known plant, but essential to promote relaxation and mental well-being. Its peculiarity lies in helping in the recovery from stressful events.
  • Hops > to the best known for its use in beer; in fact, this extract promotes relaxation and improves the quality of sleep.

When are the “natural anxiolytics” good?

Supplements are a good help for minor problems, but remember that they may not be enough.

Let us always remember the importance of a professional’s opinion, who will be able to evaluate the most suitable approach for our type of disorder and its size.

Curated by Dr Silvia Oberti