Anxiety and herbs: Are they really good for stress?

Several medicinal plants can help relieve stress and anxiety . These plants can help relax the nervous system and promote calm. However, experts suggest taking precautions with some of them due to some adverse effects. Are they really good?

According to Brent Bauer of the Mayo Clinic in the United States, medicinal and aromatic herbs need more research to understand the risks and benefits. Although the initial results are promising, they are not necessarily effective. (READ: Very pretty, but attracts snakes: the plant you should avoid in your garden) "Keep in mind that there are other ways to help manage anxiety. This includes, for example, using stress management techniques, exercising, and talking to a therapist to learn ways to cope with anxiety," he said.

Regarding some herbs, he indicated that they have various adverse effects. For example, lavender, well known for its purple color. "Some evidence suggests that oral lavender or lavender aromatherapy may reduce anxiety. But the evidence is limited. Oral lavender can cause constipation, stomach upset, and headaches," the expert noted.

"It is not recommended that children and adolescents take lavender orally because it can disrupt hormones. There isn't enough evidence to know if it's safe to take lavender orally during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, so don't use it ," she added.

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Another well-known one is valerian, as some research has shown that people who used it reported less anxiety and stress, but in other studies, people reported no benefit. Valerian is likely safe at recommended doses for a short period of time. Because long-term safety trials are not available, do not use it for more than a few weeks at a time unless approved by your doctor or other healthcare professional. Do not use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Valerian may cause side effects, including headache, dizziness, and drowsiness.

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Other herbs Dr. Bauer recommends avoiding include kava, passionflower, lemon balm, and chamomile. Note: These are the ideal herbs to combat your fatty liver.

1. Milk Thistle (Silybum marianum): This medicinal plant has been used since ancient times and has gained prominence in the treatment of fatty liver disease thanks to its hepatoprotective properties. Its active ingredient, silymarin, acts as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, helping to protect and regenerate liver cells. Various studies, such as the one published in Phytotherapy Research, support its effectiveness in reducing liver enzyme levels in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

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2. Rosemary: Although best known as a culinary condiment, rosemary is also studied for its medicinal properties, particularly its potential protective effect on the liver. Preliminary research has shown that this plant possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds that may help reduce the accumulation of liver fat. A study published in the Journal of Medicinal Food notes that rosemary extracts improved lipid profiles and reduced liver damage in laboratory animals.

3. Desmodium: ​Desmodium adscendens, a plant native to Africa and South America, has attracted the attention of natural medicine for its notable hepatoprotective action. Several preliminary studies indicate that its extracts can reduce hepatic transaminase levels and protect the liver from damage caused by medications, alcohol, or viral infections.