Herbal medicine fights depression and anxiety.

Traditional medicine advances more and more every day. New forms of treatments for innumerable evils are discovered and medications are developed to tend to millions of people. However, all of these medications can cause side effects and even dependence. To help with this issue, more and more people have gone in search of herbal treatments. "The phytotherapics, which are made with plants and act similarly to synthetic drugs, unlike medicinal plants. Like all medicines, they go through a series of researches to prove their effectiveness. The medicinal plants can be used in other ways, such as in the preparation of teas, for example ", explains the nutritionist and phytotherapist Ana Paula Moura. In cases of diseases that affect the nervous system and emotional balance, such as anxiety and depression, herbal medicines have been increasingly applied, especially for their effectiveness. "Anxiety is a normal reaction to situations that can provoke fear, doubt or expectation. The generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), according to the mental illness classification manual (DSM.IV), is a disorder characterized by "excessive worry or apprehensive expectation", disproportionate to the persistent and difficult control factor that persists for at least six months and is accompanied by three or more of the following symptoms: restlessness, fatigue, irritability, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension and sleep disturbance, "explains the nutritionist. Several medicinal plants have historicity of employment for anxiety disorders, with soothing and sedative effect, being able to be used, along with the traditional drug treatment, aiding the treatment, but always with the guidance of a specialist in Phytotherapy, as there are some substances that are not compatible. "In addition, only a phytotherapist will have enough knowledge to make this association, always taking into consideration the individuality of each patient," Ana explains. Among the most used and found in herbal medicine establishments, nutritionist Ana Paula highlights melissa and chamomile . "They are plants that are known to most people and are widely used in teas. As with nafitoterapia, the principles of these vegetables are activated so that there is a superior effectiveness of a tea and that does not cause adverse effects, unlike synthetic drugs, "he explains.

(1) Melissa (Melissa officinalis) - Also known as lemon balm, it has mildly soothing essential oils. (2) Chamomile (Matricaria recutita) - This type of chamomile has calming effect. (3) St John's wort (Hypericum perforatum) - It is the most efficient to combat depression, but can not be taken without a prescription and, mainly, without the accompaniment of the qualified professional in Phytotherapy. (4) Passiflora (Passiflora incarnata) - This species of passion fruit helps control anxiety and depression. (5) Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) - Its properties are extracted from the root. Improves sleep. Very used in the production of herbal medicines and in tea and infusions, despite the bitter taste. Source: Dra Ana Paula Moura - Nutritionist.