Many people struggle with feelings of anxiety, perhaps now more than ever as we navigate the coronavirus pandemic, but there are natural, anti-anxiety herbs that you can introduce into your routine which can help with this. In fact, some of these herbs even provide positive benefits for your skin too, meaning that you can tackle anxiety and skincare concerns at the same time.
St John's Wort
St John's Wort is a wild plant with yellow flowers and has been used to treat mental health conditions for centuries. The active substances in St John's Wort mean that it is ideal for combating anxiety, as well as mild depression and sleeping issues, as it increases the activity of brain chemicals, such as serotonin and noradrenaline, which provide a feel-good, uplifted mood. Due to its diverse range of benefits, St John's Wort is one of the top-selling supplements in the USA, but you should seek advice if you currently take medication as this herb can interfere with the ways that some medicines work.
In addition to being great for treating anxiety, St John's Wort benefits the skin too. It reduces inflammation, which is ideal for those suffering from inflamed, uncomfortable skin conditions, and can also speed up the healing process when applied topically to burns and scrapes. This herb is also able to soothe sensitive skin and can hydrate and firm up your complexion - giving a fresh, plump look and reducing the appearance of fine wrinkles. The best way to use St John's Wort on the skin is through applying the oil directly to affected areas or adding it to your favorite moisturizer or cleanser.
Passion flower
Passion flower, an exotic vine flower, is thought to reduce restlessness, agitation, and other symptoms of anxiety, plus it can help you to drift off if you suffer from sleeping problems too. Originating in South America and some southern parts of the USA, there are around 500 species of passion flower, and it has been used since the 16th century to treat a whole range of medical issues. The reason that passion flower works to relieve anxiety is that it boosts gamma-aminobutyric in the brain, and this lowers brain activity which will make you feel calm and relaxed.
When it comes to skincare, passion flower is used to promote firm, youthful skin that is free of fine lines and looks fresh and plump. Packed full of vitamins A and C, plus essential fatty acids, this plant can also help as a natural dark spot corrector for faces, such as pollution and harsh weather conditions, and will hydrate and moisturize your complexion without clogging your pores. If you suffer from a condition that leaves your skin feeling dry, irritated and itchy, passion flower can help with this too, as it boasts calming properties that will leave your skin feeling soothed and refreshed.
Hops
The first thing that comes to mind when you think of hops is very likely to be beer, as this herb is what gives this beverage its distinctive taste. However, hops can also help to lessen the symptoms associated with mild anxiety and will assist you when trying to get a great night's sleep too. Grown since the 9th century, hops have been used to combat a number of ailments over the years, but they seem to be most effective when it comes to relieving restlessness and tension, which makes them ideal for eliminating stress and anxiety.
Those looking for a firm, supple skin should turn to hops for help too, as the oil from this herb is perfect for treating dry and stressed skin, plus it can help to combat skin discoloration and wrinkles too. It is the appearance of Xanthohumol in hops that makes them great for creating a youthful complexion, as this natural product increases both collagen and elastin production. In addition to promoting plump skin, hops also boast anti-inflammatory and antiseptic qualities, meaning that they can also be used in the fight against red, inflamed skin, acne, and other blemishes - making it a skincare superstar!
Now that you know which anti-anxiety herbs can also benefit your skin, you can eliminate feelings of anxiety and have confidence in your skincare regime too.