Do you feel anxious? Has worry taken over your life?
Everyone experiences anxiety at some point in their lives. The capacity to feel anxiety is a normal part of what it means to be human, but when anxiety becomes severe it can be a hard mountain to conquer, impacting on everyday living and emotional well-being. What can you do to relieve it? Can natural treatments help?
St. John's Wort
St. John's Wort may be as effective as tricyclic antidepressants in treating both anxiety and depressive symptoms. Melissa Officinalis
Melissa, as it's commonly known, is a herb that improves general well-being. The antispasmodic properties of this herb make it a good treatment for anxiety. Passionflower
Passionflower is a good natural treatment for anxiety. It has been used for hundreds of years to combat the symptoms associated with anxiety. Certain studies have demonstrated passionflower to be on par with benzodiazepine drugs. Valerian
Valerian can help if your anxiety is contributing to sleepless nights. Kava
Kava has been found to have anti-anxiety effects and can promote relaxation. Chamomile
Chamomile can alleviate anxiety and insomnia. California Poppy
California poppy is also used to relieve anxiety. Hops
Hops can be used to combat anxiety, restlessness, and insomnia. Lavender
Lavender helps to soothe most people. In fact, even the scent has a relaxing effect on some people.
There are other nutrients you should consider taking when you are looking at natural treatments for anxiety.
Such as:
Magnesium
Magnesium assists muscle relaxation. Magnesium deficiencies can contribute to restlessness, insomnia, depression and anxiety. B-Complex Vitamins
B-complex vitamins are important to nervous system functioning and can help when you are stressed and need to relax. Lack of certain B vitamins can lead to nervousness, insomnia and depression. Calcium
Calcium is also essential to important body functions and can help with agitation, insomnia, heart palpitations, and irritability.
What You Should Avoid Or Cut Back On
Caffeine
Caffeine can unleash an adrenal response in your body, which contributes to anxiety, irritability, nervousness, and insomnia. In a double onslaught, caffeine also depletes the body of vitamins and minerals that help to balance mood. Nicotine
Nicotine is associated with increased physiological arousal. It is believed that smokers tend to be more anxious. Salt
Salt can wreak havoc with the body's supply of potassium, needed for nervous system functioning. Sweets
Sweet foods can tamper with blood sugar, which can lead to mood swings and anxiety.
If you are concerned that anxiety is getting the best of you, it may prove helpful to talk to a natural practitioner to gain insights into natural treatments that can help to turn the tide.
You also may want to discuss use of herbals with your doctor, especially if you are pregnant, have allergies, or are taking other medication. While herbals are generally safer and offer the potential of reduced side effects, it should be remembered that these may contain medicinal properties and should be taken as you would any medication.
Untreated, anxiety can progress into a full-blown anxiety disorder, so it is important to take steps to relieve it, either through natural treatments or, if it is severe enough, through medical intervention.
Further Reading
