Renowned neurologist Maria Lavrenova is convinced that popular calming herbs, such as valerian and motherwort, do not provide real therapeutic effects in most cases, acting only at the level of self-suggestion.
Many of us are accustomed to considering valerian and motherwort as universal remedies for nerves. However, according to neurologist Maria Lavrenova, their effectiveness is extremely low in cases of chronic stress. They simply cannot affect the deep mechanisms of severe anxiety and significantly reduce cortisol levels, working more as a placebo.
"The sedative effect of valerian and motherwort is very weak and clinically unstable. Large systematic reviews show that these herbal remedies often work at the level of the placebo effect, providing only minimal calming action on the nervous system," the neurologist clarified in an interview with Gazeta.Ru.
Nevertheless, the specialist notes that these herbal remedies can be useful in very specific cases. They can help facilitate falling asleep when it comes to episodic and very minor issues. For example, after ordinary household fatigue or during short-term anxiety, the mild relaxing effect of herbs may provide assistance.
Dr. Lavrenova emphasized that prolonged stress provokes a sustained increase in cortisol levels, the stress hormone. Unfortunately, herbal extracts are usually unable to cope with such a powerful impact. Their weak action does not allow breaking the vicious cycle of intrusive thoughts and constant physiological tension.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Constant morning fatigue, difficulties concentrating at work, and anxiety before nightfall due to intrusive thoughts about sleep are all serious reasons to visit a specialist. The expert strongly recommends not to ignore such symptoms.
"You should consult a sleep specialist or psychiatrist if sleep problems last longer than three to four weeks. In such cases, cognitive-behavioral therapy is the gold standard, and if necessary, the doctor selects modern prescription medications with proven effectiveness," Lavrenova concluded.
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