Healing Anxiety Naturally
Treating Anxiety Symptoms With Herbs
Each year, 65 million Americans suffer from symptoms of anxiety. 35 million have mild to moderate anxiety. Three out of four people with anxiety disorders are not correctly diagnosed. Less than 25% receive adequate help. That means 8 million people suffer unnecessarily from a treatable condition.
Make sure your health care provider has ruled out any other possibility for your anxiety. Countless people get treatment for anxiety, but it can actually be an underlying medical condition. Such conditions would include endocrine disorders-thyroid (hyper and hypothyroidism), adrenal dysfunction, Cushing’s disease, and depression/ bipolar disorder. Many people seek treatment only in their downtime, and several people who have depression have anxiety as well. Medicines that you are presently taking can cause symptoms of anxiety. People with heart troubles have been misdiagnosed with anxiety disorders. Also, many women who are actually starting to go through menopause (perimenopause) have been misdiagnosed as having anxiety.
There are several different types of anxiety disorders. Panic disorder, agoraphobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, phobias, and general anxiety disorder
No matter what kind of anxiety you have, exploring herbal treatments can empower you to manage symptoms naturally, offering an alternative to prescription medication.
Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is used due to its restorative properties. It encourages rest and relaxation. It is suitable for the debility that accompanies long-term stress on the body. You would most likely use it in combination with other herbs.
Lemon Balm (Melissa officinalis)is a relaxing tonic for anxiety. It quiets a racing heart and reduces feelings of panic and nervousness. It is used as a relaxant or nervine. It can also be used for digestive disorders due to anxiety.
Passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) is a good remedy for anxiety, irritability, and tension. It has a gentle sedative action, producing a relaxing effect and reducing nervous activity and panic. Passionflower is used as a tranquilizer and is not addictive. It calms an overactive mind and is suitable for insomnia and disturbed sleep.
Damiana (Turnera diffusa) is used as a tonic and restorative for the nervous system. It has a life-enhancing, stimulating effect on the body and mind. It is usually used when anxiety and depression are present together.
Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) is often used as a nerve tonic because it supports and nourishes the nervous system. It calms and relieves anxiety and is useful when stress and anxiety cause muscular tension. It is often used for people who suffer from panic attacks. Skullcap is most often combined with other herbs.
Last but not least is Valerian (Valeriana officinalis). Valerian is nature’s Valium, but it does not have the sedative effect on the mind that often occurs with Valium. It has a calming rather than sedative effect. Valerian reduces mental overactivity and is a good choice for people who find it hard to turn off the mind switch. It can relieve symptoms of anxiety, including tremors, panic, palpitations, and sweating. It is also suitable for overcontracted muscles caused by stress, such as in the shoulder and neck areas.
Other natural ways to combat anxiety are Bach Flower Remedies. Bach Flower Remedies address personal traits that cause emotional states, blockages, pain, etc.
Aromatherapy is another form of natural remedy that can help alleviate anxiety and stress. Aromatherapy uses scents from plants and herbs. Aromatherapy can alter moods and feelings within minutes of smelling a particular scent. Rose and lavender are the most commonly used for anxiety, but others include ylang ylang, sandalwood, citrus, and peppermint. It is best, in addition to any treatment, to seek counseling to manage your anxiety.
The information provided is not meant to be a substitute for medical care. It is intended for information purposes only. It is best to talk to a medical care provider.