Moringa For Anxiety

Can Moringa Cure Anxiety And Depression

Anxiety disorder is the number one or the most common mental health issue in America according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. It is affecting 40 million adults or 18.1% of the population in the United States from ages 18 and above. 

According to them, 36.9% of those undergoing this mental issue receive treatment and are highly treatable. 

And research also said that Moringa oleifera can greatly help in treating this issue because of its massive health content and benefits.

Let us investigate a little more.

Also related – is how moringa can help you sleep

What is Moringa?

Moringa oleifera tree is one of the fastest-growing trees having the most number of nutrients found in every part of it. We have an Ultimate Guide to Moringa here

moringa benefits

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety Disorder is a usual reaction to stress and differs from normal feelings to nervousness and sometimes, excessive feeling of fear that can be caused by environmental, genetic, psychological, and development. People with this issue may be extremely concerned about health, money, work, and family. But oftentimes related to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), acute stress disorder, and adjustment disorder. 

Adults with various anxiety disorders may belong to these several types:

When left untreated, this can result in panic or a sense of danger, insomnia, headaches, irritability, feeling weak or tired, experiencing gastrointestinal problems, trembling, trouble concentrating, breathing problems, high blood pressure, hyperventilation, and extreme fatigue. 

Worse, it can also lead to depression, substance abuse, suicide, poor quality of life, chronic pain, and social isolation.

can moringa help anxiety

Can Moringa Help Anxiety?

We know how Moringa works in different diseases and illnesses, but let us get deeper into how it works for anxiety disorder.

In research conducted by AnuElizabeth Joy and Shankara. Bhat entitled, Antianxiety effect of ethanolic extract of leaves of Moringa oleifera in Swiss albino mice, they both come into conclusion that Moringa oleifera contains an anxiolytic property. This property is due to its modulating role on the neurotransmitters or antioxidant properties. 

This study was proven trough the results of Moringa oleifera ethanol extract-treated animals that have an increase in time spent in open arms in elevated plus maze compared with the normal group. 

Also, Moringa oleifera ethanol extract-treated animals showed an improving increase in the time spent in the light arena and dark arena test compared to the normal group which leads to a suggested result that Moringa oleifera has anxiolytic activity content this is because of the ethanolic extract found in moringa leaves that could increase dopamine, serotonin, and Gamma Amino Butyric Acid (GABA) levels in the brain. 

It has been studied that these neurotransmitters – dopamine, serotonin, and GABA – play an essential role in improving anxiety disorders. 

A person with a low-level of GABA in the central nervous system is commonly associated with an anxiety disorder.  Serotonin also has an important role in improving patients with anxiety disorders that have genetic polymorphisms. Also, a person with reduced dopamine levels is linked with augmented anxiety according to a study that tested rodents and monkeys. 

What Are The Side Effects of Moringa?

Moringa is commonly and regularly consumed by the people in South America, Asia, India, and Africa. There have been no scientific studies of the side effects of this plant.

When taken by mouth as medicine or supplement, the leaves, fruit, and seeds are said to be completely safe. However, its roots and root extracts contain toxins, that is why it should be properly manufactured and regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to ensure that it is safe and edible.

When applied to the skin, there have been no scientific facts or reliable information about its side effects. It is best to consult first your dermatologist especially if you have sensitive skin.

Special precautions and warnings: some people might have an allergic reaction or might experience serious drug interactions. Please consult your physician before taking this especially if you are:

  • Pregnant
  • Breast-feeding
  • Children or person below 18 years of age
  • Elderly or person above 65 years of age
  • Diabetic
  • Hypotensive (has low blood pressure)
  • Has recently gone through surgery
  • Has hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid gland)

What Is The Proper Dosage of Moringa?

Your age, gender, and health condition are all depending on the dosage you need to take. But there has no scientific information that determines the proper dosage or reports about overdose from Moringa. 

Though experts from this field suggest these proper Moringa intakes:

  • Moringa dried leaf powder: 1 to 2 teaspoons a day 
  • Moringa leaf powder capsules: 3 capsules a day and 1 capsule for children
  • Moringa extract: 1 oz bottle a day
  • Moringa seed powder capsule: 3 capsules a day and 1 capsule for children
  • Moringa seeds roasted and unroasted: not more than 10 seeds per day
  • Moringa roots powder: ½ to 1 teaspoon a day
  • Moringa seed powder: ½ to 1 teaspoon daily

Takeaway

This suggested remedy for your anxiety may help you ease from it but this is not the only way to answer your mental health issue.

Proper consultation from medical professionals is still the most recommended thing to do especially if you have serious symptoms. Stress management and your support group are also a recommendable ways to have self-help.

Until then, we hope for your recovery and fruitful life ahead!

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