One of the problems that many of us have to deal with on a regular basis is depression. It can really sneak up on us and when we suffer from it, the issue is one we often deal with silently. It is unlike any other disease, which most people understand. It can be difficult to face the day when you have this problem but if you are able to find something to help you get through the day, it might just provide you with enough to keep going.
Although there are many drugs that people use in an effort to help with anxiety and depression, people have been looking for something different. They want something natural that will not only work for the issue, but it will also do so without any side effects that will cause ongoing problems. This can include plants in some cases and several types seem to be able to help with mental health concerns. One of those plants is Jasmine.
If you have ever experienced the beauty of Jasmine, you already know how nice it can be to have a plant around. They are beautiful and the scent is heavenly. There are even a number of varieties, so you can choose the one that suits you best. Researchers are saying that spending time around a jasmine plant and breathing can provide many benefits to keep you calm.
It doesn’t matter if you love taking care of plants or not, Jasmine is one that will be well worth the efforts. Keeping this flowing plant at home seems to have many benefits. Part of it can come in lowering your stress levels by boosting your oxygen levels. When you add the soothing scent of jasmine in your room, it is easy to see how you will naturally breathe deeply and get those benefits. In fact, there is a study published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry that backs it up.
The lead on the study, Professor Hanns Hatt from the Ruhr University in Bochum, Germany had the following to say: The research “can be seen as evidence of a scientific basis for aromatherapy.” In order to come to that conclusion, scientists watched mice who were exposed to the scent of jasmine, including jasmine essential oil. What they found was interesting.
The mice in the study not only calmed down, but they also ceased all activity. Rather than being agitated, they would sit quietly in a corner and relax. The scientists then looked further into the ability of jasmine to calm those who were inhaling it.
The test subjects were given brain scans and it was found that the jasmine fragrance augments the effects of a chemical called GABA. The reaction of GABA on the nerve cells makes us want to relax by relieving anxiety. Prof. Hatt explained, “We have discovered a new class of GABA receptor modulator which can be administered parentally and through the respiratory air. Applications in sedation, anxiety, excitement, and aggression relieving treatment and sleep induction therapy are all imaginable.”
The research found that jasmine helps:
– Reduce anxiety and nervous tension
– Boost mood
– Improve cognitive performance and alertness
– Improve sleep quality
– Balance hormones
– Treat hot flashes and mood swings
– Increase libido
Although more research needs to be done, it does seem that Jasmine might be more effective than sleeping pills, anti-anxiety medications, and sedatives because of the way it works on GABA. The effect was 5 times stronger than Rx medicine. You only need a few drops of jasmine to get some better sleep, better concentration, ease depression, calm spasms and much more.
According to Kaliana.com, “Research at Wheeling Jesuit University by Dr. Bryan Raudenbush, assistant professor of psychology, shows dispensing jasmine odor into a room where participants were sleeping led to greater sleep efficiency and reduced sleep movement.” In other words, even if you don’t sleep longer, you’ll sleep better.
Have you been looking for a natural remedy to make life better? You might want to get a jasmine plant or grab some essential oil. It’s worth a try.