A Natural, Safe, and Effective Botanical for Anxiety
Contributed by Terry Lemerond
Anxiety is a crippling problem in our society—literally and figuratively. In the United States, approximately 42.5 million people ages 18 and older report that they experience some degree of anxiety each year. In some cases, suffering from anxiety is a daily struggle. For others, short term anxiety symptoms may bring an increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and even light-headedness and nausea. As anxiety continues, sleep becomes difficult, and upset stomachs and muscle tension are common.
While some degree of these symptoms is a normal part of daily life, when anxiety becomes long-term and chronic, the physical and mental stress it causes can wreak havoc on overall health, including the cardiovascular, digestive, respiratory, immune, and nervous systems.
If you find yourself suffering from anxiety, take heart. There is a safe, natural, and effective solution that can make a world of difference.
A Botanical Solution from an Unexpected Source: It’s well known that there are botanicals from nature that can increase feelings of calmness and relaxation and ease the symptoms of stress and anxiety. But what may come as a surprise is that one of those botanicals is a form of a commonly known herb, echinacea.
Traditionally, echinacea is well known for its ability to support immune health and fight cold and flu viruses. But in addition to that vital role, there is an extract of Echinacea angustifolia that can stop anxiety symptoms, quickly and safely, too.
Hungarian researchers have found that this echinacea contains a treasure trove of compounds called alkamides, which significantly reduce anxiety. These powerful plant compounds affect the endocannabinoid system much like phytocannabinoids from hemp. They attach to CB-1 receptors in the brain to elicit feelings of calm and relaxation and help people feel more focused and in control. Alkamides also prevent the breakdown of anandamide, one of the naturally occurring cannabinoids in our brains that help us feel calm and at peace.
This incredible botanical has even been shown to mirror the symptom relief of prescription anti-anxiety medications, without the side effects. An initial scientific study found a specific extract of Echinacea angustifolia with a unique alkamide ratio (EP107) can match the prescription drug chlordiazepoxide (Librium) in anxiety-relieving success.
One of the best things about this echinacea extract is that the results are fast-acting. In one published human clinical trial, it was tested with individuals experiencing increased anxiety and tension. After just one day, the participants noticed a significant reduction in stress and anxiety, with an even greater reduction in just seven days.
And it shows amazing promise for helping individuals relieve common anxiety symptoms like excessive sweating, upset stomach, muscle tension, self-consciousness, and feelings of insecurity. Remarkably, it is also proven safe for anyone ages 4 and up for stress and anxiety relief.
While the first thing anyone with anxiety should do is reach out to a trusted health professional, it’s good to know that there is a proven option for those who would like to relieve their anxiety symptoms naturally, safely, and effectively.