Feelings of stress and anxiety are part of the human experience, but constantly experiencing them can be annoying and even debilitating.
Although support and treatment are available for such problems, there are ways in which we can help relieve feelings of anxiety.
Research has shown that supplements with passionflower, a climbing plant native to the southern United States, have a positive effect on mood, as well as helping improve sleep.
Health experts say these supplements help "temporarily relieve" symptoms of stress, such as mild anxiety.
Passionflower's anxiety-reducing properties are linked to the way it can raise levels of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), a chemical made by the brain to help regulate mood and induce feelings of calm.
In one study, scientists found that the flower gave results similar to anti-anxiety medications when taken by mice.
Separate research revealed that the “superpassion flower” reduced anxiety and enhanced memory in mice, which may be due to increased levels of GABA in the brain.
Experts advise taking passionflower supplements as an addition to traditional anxiety treatments.
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