Best Herbs for PTSD: Natural Remedies for Managing Symptoms

PTSD, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, is a mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It is caused by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, such as combat, sexual assault, or a natural disaster. It is a serious condition that can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. Symptoms can range from flashbacks and nightmares to anxiety and depression. 

There are many treatments available for PTSD, although most people are initially treated with a combination of both prescription medication and psychotherapy. While prescription medication may be effective, others prefer using a natural approach through natural remedies, such as herbs, to manage their symptoms. 

Therefore, we will explore the best herbs for PTSD and various ways to reap their rewards. We will also discuss what to look for when purchasing these herbs, such as the quality and source of the product. By the end of this article, you will have a better understanding of how herbs can be used to manage PTSD and which ones may work best for you.

Understanding PTSD 

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Traumatic events can include, but are not limited to, military combat, physical or sexual assault, natural disasters, and serious accidents.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), PTSD is characterized by four main types of symptoms:

1. Intrusive thoughts or memories of the traumatic event.
2. Avoidance of people, places, or things that remind you of the event.
3. Negative changes in mood or thinking, such as feeling hopeless or having negative thoughts about oneself or others.
4. Hyperarousal or increased anxiety, such as being easily startled or feeling constantly on edge.

PTSD can occur at any age and can affect anyone, regardless of gender, race, or culture.

Causes of PTSD

PTSD can develop after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event that involves actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence. Traumatic events can also include repeated exposure to traumatic events, such as military combat or child abuse.

Not everyone who experiences a traumatic event will develop PTSD, and the reasons why some people develop the disorder while others do not are not fully understood. However, research suggests that risk factors for developing PTSD include:

• Having a history of mental health problems.
• Experiencing a previous traumatic event.
• Having a family history of mental health problems.
• Having a lack of social support after the traumatic event.
• Having a history of substance abuse.

It is important to note that PTSD is a treatable condition, and seeking professional help can greatly improve symptoms and quality of life.

Symptoms of PTSD

PTSD symptoms can be grouped into two categories: physical and psychological symptoms.

Physical Symptoms

Physical symptoms of PTSD include:

• Insomnia or difficulty sleeping.
• Fatigue,
• Restlessness or agitation.
• Muscle tension.
• Headaches.
• Stomachaches or digestive problems.
• Racing heart or palpitations.
• Sweating.
• Trembling or shaking.

These symptoms can be distressing and can interfere with daily life.

Psychological Symptoms

Psychological symptoms of PTSD include:

• Intrusive thoughts or memories of the traumatic event.
• Nightmares or flashbacks.
• Avoidance of people, places, or situations that remind you of the trauma.
• Negative thoughts or beliefs about yourself, others, or the world.
• Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy.
• Feeling detached or disconnected from others.
• Difficulty experiencing positive emotions.
• Hypervigilance or feeling constantly on guard.

These symptoms can be very distressing and can significantly impact daily life. Therefore, if you or someone you know is experiencing these symptoms, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional who can provide a diagnosis and recommend treatment options. Treatment can help you manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.

Best Herbs for PTSD

If you or a loved one is struggling with PTSD, you may be looking for natural remedies to alleviate symptoms. While there is no cure for this condition, certain herbs have been shown to have calming and mood-boosting effects that may help ease anxiety, depression, and other common symptoms. In this article, we’ve rounded up the best herbs for PTSD that you can try at home.

Guang Ci Tang an Shen Bu Xin Wan Spirit Calm Herbal Supplement Teapills

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If you’re looking for an herbal supplement to help ease your PTSD symptoms, Guang Ci Tang an Shen Bu Xin Wan Spirit Calm Herbal Supplement Teapills might be worth trying.

Pros	Cons
Helps ease anxiety and stress. May improve sleep quality. Made with all-natural ingredients.	May not work for everyone Could interact with other medications Some users reported side effects like racing heart and insomnia

This supplement contains a blend of herbs traditionally used in Chinese medicine to calm the mind and support healthy sleep. While it may not be a cure for PTSD, it could be a helpful addition to your self-care routine.

Some users have reported feeling less anxious and sleeping better after taking these teapills. However, it’s important to note that everyone’s experience may be different, and this supplement may not work for everyone.

If you’re taking any other medication, be sure to consult with your doctor first. And as with any supplement, always follow the recommended dosage and monitor your body’s response. 

HERB PHARM Trauma Oil Compound

Symptoms of PTSD can negatively impact your day to day life. If you have problems coping with your trauma, HERB PHARM Trauma Oil Compound is worth considering.

Pros	Cons
Proprietary extract blend of Calendula flower, Arnica flower and St. John’s Wort flowering tops. Extracted into certified organic cold-pressed olive oil. Designed for topical use.	Not intended for internal use. May cause skin irritation if used on broken or abraded skin. Must consult a medical expert before using on children under the age of 15 years old.

This Trauma Oil Compound is made with a blend of Calendula flower, Arnica flower and St. John’s Wort flowering tops, which are designed to help soothe and nourish the skin. . The herbs are hand-harvested at their optimal potency and are then promptly extracted in certified organic olive oil while still fresh and succulent or after being carefully shade-dried. 

While this Trauma Oil Compound is not intended for internal use, it is designed for topical use. However, it should not be used on broken or abraded skin, and prolonged topical use may cause skin irritation. It is also important to consult a doctor before children under the age of 15 years old can use it.

Herb Pharm Trauma Drops

Herb Pharm Trauma Drops has become a top product for those looking to strengthen and calm their nervous system, especially those dealing with anxiety or nerve pain.

Pros	Cons
Strengthens and calms the nervous system. Formulated with Skullcap, Oat seed, St. John’s Wort and other rapidly absorbed liquid herb extracts. Gluten-free and non-GMO.	Pregnant women or those taking medication must consult a medical professional before taking this supplement. This item is not eligible for international shipping. Some users may not notice a significant improvement.

Herb Pharm’s Nervous System Tonic is a liquid herbal formula that contains a blend of herbs traditionally used to support the nervous system. The formula includes Skullcap, Oat seed, St. John’s Wort and other herbs that are hand-harvested at their optimal potency and individually extracted to ensure a broad spectrum of therapeutic plant compounds.

Users report that this product is effective in calming the nervous system and reducing anxiety. Some users also report a reduction in nerve pain. However, it is important to note that this product should be used with caution during pregnancy or with medical drugs. Additionally, some users may not notice a significant improvement in their symptoms.

Cortisol-Ease, 1.0 oz

If you’re someone who prefers taking herbal supplements in the form of an herbal tincture, then Cortisol-Ease is worth considering to alleviate symptoms of PTSD. 

If you are looking for an herbal tincture to help with PTSD, Cortisol-Ease might be worth considering.

Pros	Cons
Maintains normal level of cortisol. Helps reduce stress and anxiety.  Supports a good night’s sleep.	The taste may not be pleasant. May take a week or more to notice any effects. May not work for everyone.

Cortisol-Ease is a unique formula developed by master herbalist Elijah Free to address the issue of excess cortisol in the body. Excess cortisol is the common after-effect of our stressful lives with too much activity and not enough down-time. The most common extreme case of high cortisol is PTSD, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, which can stem from childhood trauma or witnessing violent acts. 

Cortisol-Ease has the ability to bring your cortisol level back to normal. So when you feel threatened and unsafe, this supplement can help by reducing feelings of stress and anxiety. While Cortisol-Ease has received positive reviews from some customers who found it helpful, it’s important to note that it may not work for everyone. Some customers have also reported that the taste is not pleasant and that it may take a week or more to notice any effects.

Gaia Herbs Calm A.S.A.P. Stress Support Supplement

Are you struggling with PTSD? If so, Gaia Herbs Calm A.S.A.P. Stress Support Supplement is a natural way to calm you down during the most stressful moments.

Pros	Cons
The blend of skullcap, lavender, chamomile and other herbs support healthy stress. Supports a calm response to life’s trying moments. Vegan, gluten-free and made in the USA.	More expensive compared to other supplements on the market. Effects may not be as strong as prescription medications. Effects may take longer compared to other supplements.

Gaia Herbs Calm A.S.A.P. Stress Support Supplement is a plant-based formula that provides the support you need to help promote a relaxing sense of calm during times of peak stress. It is made with a blend of organic passionflower, lavender essential oil, chamomile and fresh organic skullcap that soothes your nervous system during stressful moments. Several studies show that passionflower, lavender and chamomile can effectively treat restlessness, nervousness and anxiety, making the blend of this product worthy of treating PTSD.  

The liquid phyto-caps offer the power of a concentrated liquid extract in the convenience of a fast-dissolving plant-based capsule. The liquid extract also allows for easy absorption in the body and is super-concentrated. The supplement is non-drowsy and non-habit-forming. However, it is considered more expensive than other supplements on the market. Its effect may also not be as strong as prescription medications and it may take longer to see its effects.

Futurebiotics Chill Pill + Ashwagandha, Rhodiola, St. John’s Wort, & L-Theanine 2000 MG per Serving Stress & Mood Support – Non-GMO, 120 Vegetarian Tablets 120 Count (Pack of 1)

Futurebiotics Chill Pill + is the perfect supplement to relieve any stress you’re facing while improving your mood. Its blend of ingredients is designed to support a healthy stress response and improve one’s overall mood.

Pros	Cons
Provides superior support for stress and mood. Manufactured at a cGMP Registered Facility for purity and potency. Contains only the purest and highest quality ingredients.	May take some time to see results. Instructions for use may not be clear.  May not work for everyone.

Futurebiotics Chill Pill + contains a blend of premium ingredients including Ashwagandha, Rhodiola Rosea, St. John’s Wort and L-Theanine that work together to calm the body during stressful situations and support a positive mood. A 2019 study investigated that the efficacy of Ashwagandha had significantly reduced stress levels, making this product worthwhile with its addition. However, it’s worth noting that it may take time to see results or it may not work for everybody. Additionally, its instructions may not be clear enough to understand. 

Buying Guide

When choosing herbs for PTSD, there are a few things to consider to ensure that you are getting a quality product that will be effective for your needs. Here are some factors to keep in mind:

1. Quality

Make sure to purchase herbs from a reputable source to ensure that you are getting a high-quality product. Look for companies that use organic or wildcrafted herbs and have third-party testing to ensure purity and potency.

2. Dosage

Different herbs have different recommended dosages, so make sure to follow the instructions on the label or consult with a healthcare professional to determine the appropriate dosage for your needs.

3. Form

Herbs can come in various forms such as capsules, tinctures, teas, or powders. Consider which form would be most convenient and effective for you.

4. Ingredients

Check the ingredients list to ensure that the product contains the specific herbs that have been shown to be effective for PTSD. Avoid products that contain fillers, additives, or unnecessary ingredients.

5. Cost

Compare prices from different brands to ensure that you are getting a fair price for a quality product. Keep in mind that the cheapest option may not always be the best choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Disclaimer: Last update on 2024-11-22 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API.

This content is provided solely for educational reasons and should not be seen as medical guidance. It’s important to consult with a healthcare expert prior to making any changes to your health regimen, including dietary adjustments or the use of supplements.

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