The Ultimate Natural Remedy For Anxiety

Anxiety affects a large portion of the human population. Most of us have been through a certain level of anxiety. Mild anxiety before a major event, presentation, performance or exam is actually quite normal and in such cases, beneficial for a person. Mild anxiety can help in improving focus on the task at hand. However, a good number of people suffer from severe cases of anxiety which present with undesirable manifestations. Some types of severe anxiety can even result into full blown panic attacks.

Natural Remedies For Anxiety

This makes the search for a quick and straightforward relief from anxiety a priority for anyone who has gone through the tumultuous effects that anxiety can have on the mind and body. Below are some of the most widely used natural remedies for anxiety.

Chamomile

This herb has been known to help reduce nervousness and headaches. It is even believed to bring some relief for anyone showing hysteric symptoms of anxiety. Some anxiety sufferers may also show signs of digestive problems as well as issues with appetite. Chamomile is known to bring relief for such problems. While chamomile does wonders for anyone suffering from anxiety, most health experts discourage any long term use of Chamomile as not enough research has been done to evaluate its safety in long term alternative treatments.

Passionflower

This is another popular herbal treatment for anxiety. The above ground components of the plant are the parts usually concocted into home remedies for anxiety. Health experts view the herb as a potent anxiolytic (ant-anxiety agent) and sedative. Many studies done on passionflower have evaluated its efficacy on symptoms like restlessness, severe anxiety attacks and difficulties in sleep. A few national health boards across the globe have even approved the use of passionflower in treating nervous restlessness. Today, one can benefit from the anxiolytic effects of the herb through over the counter capsule or tablet supplements.

Kava

Kava (Piper methysticum) is another anxiolytic herb originating from the Polyneisan regions. Several studies have shown a remarkable efficacy with Kava when used to treat anxiety disorders. Some of the studies done on the herb have stacked the beneficial effects of the herb as comparable to those seen in some Benzodiazepine medications like Valium. Kava, however, does not pose the same amount of risks in adverse effects as these medications. A few studies have even concluded that Kava is generally safe for use and does not pose considerable danger to the liver. Anxiety treatments using Kava come in the form of concentrated extracts. There are also some over the counter supplements that formulate kava components into tablets, capsules and liquid extracts.

Lemon balm

Lemon Balm is one of the oldest known treatments for anxiety problems, dating back to as far as 400 BC. Traditional medicinal practices from the Middle East have also included the use of lemon balm as a calming agent. The Greeks and the Romans have also used this to treat wounds and poisonous bites. The use of lemon balm in anxiety treatments persisted well into the Middle Ages where it helped in bringing relief from stress symptoms, indigestion as well as sleep disturbances. Modern studies have also revealed the efficacy of lemon balm. Controlled studies have shown that daily dosages of around 500mg of lemon balm have shown to improve mental alertness, decrease stress symptoms and improve mood. The most popular form of lemon balm treatments for anxiety is lemon balm tea. It is economical and will usually bring about the soothing effects within a matter of minutes.

B Vitamins

B vitamins play several roles in the body and maintaining neurologic function is perhaps their top priority. B vitamins optimize brain health by making sure that our nervous system gets the energy it needs. They also help in regulating the neurotransmitter chemicals in our brains, which are responsible for our mood. Anxiety is one of the many problems that we can encounter should we have any deficiencies in B vitamins. Anyone hoping to find relief from anxiety should consider altering the diet to include B vitamin rich foods or start a vitamin supplement regimen.

Relaxation Techniques

Apart from the herbs and the supplements, one of the most tried and tested approaches in relieving anxiety symptoms comes in the form mental and physical relaxation exercise. Some of the relaxation techniques available for anyone looking for natural remedies for anxiety include meditation, breathing exercises, yoga and tai-chi. Through proper combination of herbal treatments, relaxation exercises and lifestyle modifications, anyone afflicted with chronic anxiety disorders can hope to find lasting relief from the symptoms. Chronic anxiety can develop into more severe manifestations if not treated properly and choosing a natural approach to the problem may be the most appropriate solution.