There’s no doubt that anxiety and stress are some of the most prevalent conditions in today’s world. And, unfortunately, our fast-paced lives, an increasingly demanding society, and, ultimately, our present way of life are contributing to worsening this situation.
Even though there are medicines and prescription drugs that can effectively help remediate anxiety and stress, some natural remedies can also alleviate these conditions.
Today, there are many natural products available in the market that promise to help you calm down. You probably have heard about valerian root and lime flower tea to relax, but there are other newer and more exotic plants for this purpose: kratom has become popular as an aid for anxiety, and akuamma is also an interesting plant to relieve stress. In this article, we’ll review the use of akuamma for stress and anxiety.
Uses and Properties of Akuamma
Akuamma is a tree from West Africa that has been used for centuries in various countries of the region. Various parts of the tree have been used in folk medicine in Ivory Coast and Nigeria. And even today akuamma capsules are sold in Ghana as a remedy for pain.
Today, akuamma has gained popularity in the US thanks to its similarities to kratom. Typically, akuamma seeds have been used as a general tonic, but this herb has many other uses and properties, including:
- analgesic
- anti-inflammatory
- relaxing
- sedative
- antibacterial
- antioxidant
- hypotensive
Thanks to these properties, akuamma has many different uses, not only in folk medicine but also in the modern world.
How Does Akuamma for Stress and Anxiety Work?
As we said, akuamma has become a popular kratom substitute among individuals who don’t have access to it, or who simply want to try something different. Like kratom, akuamma has a number of alkaloids that give the plant its unique and special properties.
Picralima Nitida’s (akuamma botanical name) alkaloids were first isolated in 1927. The most prevalent alkaloids are akuammine, akuammiline, akuammidine and akuammigine. These alkaloids bind to a number of opioid receptors in the brain, allowing them to effectively relieve pain and to help the user relax among other effects.
So, it’s akuamma for stress and anxiety effective? Although akuamma’s main use is to relieve pain, it contributes to relaxing the muscles. And, at the same time, it provides a relaxing mental state that alleviates both stress and anxiety. Moreover, some users have reported that akuamma has helped them combat panic attacks.
However, if you are currently a kratom user, take into consideration that akuamma’s effects are not so potent.
How to Use Akuamma for Stress and Anxiety?
Although akuamma has been used for centuries in West Africa, it is still new in the American market. For this reason, there are still not many types of akuamma products that you can find. Typically, you can buy akuamma whole seeds or akuamma powder.
Akuamma seeds may be too large to swallow as if they were a capsule. So, you may cut it into smaller chunks and just swallow them with a glass of water.
On the other hand, akuamma can be also found in powder form. If you are going to use akuamma powder, keep in mind that it has a potent bitter taste. However, you can also use the toss and wash method to ingest it. In case you don’t know this method is, it simply consists of ingesting the powder directly and help it wash it down with water or juice. Since akuamma’s taste is so powerful and unpleasant, some users take goji berries along with it to help mask its taste.
Dosage of Akuamma for Stress and Anxiety
Regarding the dosage, it will largely depend on the individual. Since there is not enough research on akuamma yet, the wiser thing to do would be to start on a lower dose and increase until you find the effect that you are looking for. Typically, 1-2 seeds should be enough to achieve relaxation.
If you are using akuamma powder, consider that a good starting point would be around 250-500mg (almost equal to 1-2 seeds). On the other hand, it is recommended not to go above 4 grams, as this would be a very high dose. You may have read that some individuals go as high as 6 grams. But this dose is only used by people who seek to ease severe pain.
Finally, remember to always measure your dose. This way you’ll be able to keep track of which dosage is working for you.
Stress and Anxiety: Are They the Same?
Stress and anxiety many times go hand in hand. But, although they are somehow related, they are not the same thing. So, what are the differences between the two?
- Anxiety is typically a reaction to a fearful situation. For instance, when the person feels an imminent attack or he or she thinks that something bad is going to happen. Stress, on the other hand, occurs when the person thinks they lack the necessary skills or time needed to perform a task or to face a situation.
- Anxiety is many times, a symptom or consequence of stress.
- Whilst stress typically disappears after the stressful situation goes away (i.e.: after the person fulfills the stressful task), anxiety remains after the trigger is gone. In fact, many times, anxiety is triggered by irrational fear.
If you think you may suffer from anxiety or stress, it is recommended to visit a psychologist or psychiatrist. They will give you tips to manage the situation.
