Natural Remedies for Anxiety

Everyone experiences anxious moments from time to time, but such temporary anxiety is not pervasive or chronic. You may be surprised to know that some 20 million people in the United States suffer chronic anxiety, which is classified as an illness.

People suffering from anxiety disorder are unable to control their symptoms, ranging from nervousness to panic attacks. Anxiety disorders have many causes, usually related to traumas experienced earlier in life. Emotions which most people can control, spiral out of control in the person with anxiety disorder. Fears become exaggerated and set off a series of “fight or flight” physical responses which are debilitating. Panic attacks can come on quickly and without apparent reason, making it difficult to breathe or swallow. These attacks can be terrifying and may cause real physical health problems.

There are prescription medications to alleviate this condition, but they may produce unwanted side effects. Fortunately, there are a number of natural remedies for anxiety disorder which can help. If you have anxiety disorder, read on to find several which may provide relief and a degree of control.

Herbal teas are often used as natural remedies for anxiety. Using a combination of certain herbs, you can achieve a tranquil or sedative effect which can prevent panic attacks or stave off general anxiety.

For best effect, your recipe should include four parts of the calming herb, along with one part each of an aromatic and demulcent herb. The aromatic herbs offset any bitter taste, while adding flavor and fragrance. Demulcent herbs are soothing to the stomach. The combination of the three components should equal no more than one teaspoon per cup. Depending on the seriousness of your condition, drink one to three cups each day. Spread your doses out throughout the day, in half-cup doses. For maximum effectiveness, be sure your tea is fresh. Make a batch of two cups at a time.

Valerian root is world renowned as a sedative and pain killer, treating insomnia and preventing panic attacks, especially at night. With a terrible taste and smell, you’ll want to include a strong aromatic in your recipe, such as cinnamon and cloves. When experiencing acute anxiety, try just one drop of valerian oil to your bath. Valerian root can be habit forming, so use sparingly. Alternate valerian with other natural remedies for anxiety.

Using the herbal tea recipe given above, try a combination of the following herbs for the calming component in your recipe for natural remedies for anxiety.

Bugleweed, catnip, chamomile, feverfew, hops, mullein and lemon balm are all soothing to your nerves. Catnip and chamomile also helps to settle an upset stomach. Feverfew also helps relieve headaches and migraines brought on by anxiety. Hops, in addition to soothing nerves, promotes restful sleep.

If your anxiety disorder includes heart palpitations and high blood pressure, include Motherwort, cramp bark and Linden flowers in your natural remedies for anxiety.

As always, before using any natural remedies for anxiety, ask your doctor about possible interactions with pharmaceuticals and your individual condition.