Rainforest Herbs for Anxiety
Healthy support for stress-free relaxation and sleep
The following are some of the best herbs for stress and anxiety and for targeting the physiology of stress. They combat it in a healthy, balanced way. There is a great deal of scientific research on all these herbs that validate their longstanding traditional uses.
Mulungu
Mulungu is well known for its ability to calm agitation and treat nervous system problems including insomnia, depression, and anxiety. It is among the most important of all rainforest herbs for anxiety, and is often compared to kava kava for its strength and effectiveness. While some questions surround kava and its effect on the liver, mulungu has been scientifically proven to have a positive effect on the liver.
A medium-sized tree, Mulungu displays a profusion of pretty, coral flowers that attract hummingbirds, which in turn act as pollinators. Native to Brazil, Peru and found abundantly along tropical marshy areas, mulungu has been used for centuries as a natural sedative.*
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Catuaba
Catuaba reduces anxiety and is healthy for the central nervous system. It is valued for its tonic abilities and use in general fatigue and exhaustion, forgetfulness and poor memory. It is also the best known of all Brazilian aphrodisiac plants.
Catuaba is moving rather quickly into North American markets, mostly in combination with other herbs for relaxation and, of course, as an aphrodisiac. A small fast-growing tree, catuaba is native to the Amazon rainforest of northern Brazil. *
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Tayuya
South American Indians have been using tayuya since prehistoric times. It balances and soothes the nerves, supports the central nervous system, and helps with depression and emotional fatigue. While relatively unknown in N. America, in S. America it is used to treat a broad spectrum of ills, including as a blood cleanser, anti-inflammatory, treatment for nerve pain, as an anti-depressant, and to treat pain of all kinds. Tayuya is also a common ingredient in various herbal formulas for pain, arthritis, and detoxification. *
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Damiana
The medicinal part of damiana is the leaf. It is used to treat depression and anxiety. It also is used to improve sexual function in both men and women, and has a centuries-old reputation as an aphrodisiac. A small shrub that produces small fig like fruit is found throughout Mexico, Central America and the Indies. *
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Passionflower
One of the best known herbs for anxiety, the leaves of passionflower has been used to treat pain and to settle the nerves, treat insomnia and even treat convulsions and epilepsy for over 200 years. While native to the rainforest it is also found in some southern parts of the U.S. as well. It is well known as one of the best herbs for anxiety. Therefore Passionflower is an extremely common ingredient in sleep or relaxation remedies where western herbs for anxiety are used.
A woody vine with tendrils allows passionflower to climb up and through the canopy of the rainforest. Passionflower is not only a great relaxant. It is beautiful, producing large beautiful flowers. It also gives us the delicious tasting passion fruit, which has long been enjoyed throughout the world.
All these benefits come without harmful side effects or risk of dependency. *
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*The Healing Power of Rainforest Herbs: A Guide to Understanding and Using Herbal Medicinals
A thoroughly researched encyclopedia of knowlege on many Amazon rainforest herbs.