Natural ways to reduce anxiety – Part 6

My final tip on reducing anxiety is to try chamomile.  Chamomile is a herb with a long history of use.

A cup of chamomile tea is a common home remedy to calm frayed nerves and promote sleep. A 2009 study showed chamomile may also be a powerful ally against generalized anxiety disorder. The study found people who took German chamomile capsules (220 milligrams up to five times daily) had a greater reduction in scores for tests that measure anxiety symptoms than those who were given a placebo.

A more recent trail, much longer term trail reported similar results and noted that the treatment was safe with only a few mild side effects.

References

https://nccih.nih.gov/research/results/spotlight/040310.htm

Amsterdam JD, Yimei L, Soeller I, et al. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of oral Matricaria recutita (chamomile) extract therapy for generalized anxiety disorder. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology. 2009 ;29(4):378–382.

https://www.thefreelibrary.com/Long-term+chamomile+treatment+for+generalised+anxiety+disorder.-a0503569379

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