Natural Remedies for Anxiety
Anxiety is defined as a whole system reaction to a threat or danger that is perceived more than actual. It is a combination of factors involving biochemical changes taking place in the body as well as personal history, memory, and the present social situation.
Although anxiety is something everyone has at times, and related to fear, the two are not the same thing. Fear is a natural reaction or focused response to something specific-be it object or event. Most people will feel fear if they see a snake in the house or their child in the street and they will know and understand what they are experiencing, whereas anxiety is often unrealistic, unfocused and without specific cause.
Anxiety, though being experienced at present often stems from people or events of the past- almost always rooted in pain and/or fear. As a matter of fact it might be a random thought from the past that triggers an anxiety attack-a remembered object or event or a unique meaning that is known only to the sufferer and suddenly stimulated by something happening in the present.
There are several disorders that involve anxiety. Social Anxiety Disorder-a fear of being judged or scrutinized by others socially or in the work force with symptoms so severe they can literally immobilize sufferers with shame or embarrassment. About 15 million adults suffer SAD in the US with typical onset at age 13-15.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder is recognized by unrealistic and/or excessive worry about the ordinary things that happen every day. They anticipate the worst about their affairs-money, work, health, family and numerous other issues. GAD affects almost seven million adults in the US each year–women more so than men.
Anxiety can affect your health as well as your everyday life. If you suffer any of the anxiety disorders studies show you could run the risk of several physical health problems. By managing your anxiety you are also looking after your physical welfare too. Look into areas such as good nutrition, exercise, good sleep and above all stress or anxiety remedies.
Symptoms will vary depending on the type of anxiety a person is experiencing, but typical symptoms include such things as feelings of repeated uneasiness to fear to uncontrolled obsessive panic. This may be centered on an event taking place at present but triggered by a memory, flashback or a nightmare from childhood. While experiencing an attack there may be shortness of breath, heart palpitations, dry mouth, nausea, dizziness or inability to remain still.
Although the actual root of anxiety disorder is not understood in full, studies have shown that a combination of factors, including biological and environmental alike–family history, brain abnormalities and the abuse of such things as drugs or alcohol are in question. Stressful events-death or other major life transitions can also trigger anxiety.
In order to select the natural remedies for anxiety that are best suited for your situation you need to know everything about what you are going through and how it is affecting you. Then educate yourself on the options available to you. Some of the more severe cases may need medications but it may be that a combination of diet changes and a few select herbs choices may do the trick.
Numerous natural products–vitamins, minerals and several of the amino acids are on the market as natural anxiety remedies, while an impressive list of herbal remedies for anxiety are already proven to be of help with many backed by clinical research.
Amino acids are chemicals our bodies need to naturally produce neurotransmitters. Substances like dopamine, serotonin, melatonin or epinephrine are all neurotransmitters. When our system is low on these valuable mood enhancers it can lead to anxiety. L-theanine is an amino acid found in green tea and is a natural anxiety remedy. In many it has been report to work as well as a prescribed anti-anxiety drug when taken in the right doses.
Valerian extract is another of the herbal remedies for anxiety that has been proven in many scientific test studies. It has the ability to relax and to help people feel less worried. One of its greatest advantages is that unlike anti-anxiety drugs, it is not addictive. In a high-quality natural anxiety remedy this herb is one the best known for calming a mind racing with anxiety due to its stress-neutralizing effects.
Passion Flower is also known to help calm the nerves and reduce worry due to a compound it possesses called vitexin. Kava is chosen by many because it is able to create a euphoric state in which the user has a tranquil feeling without the side effects of tranquilizing medications. For those whose anxiety keeps them from sleeping well, Kava can be a good sleep aid.
Another good anxiety remedy is gota kava. It not only reduces anxiety but works in a way that helps to improve mental clarity for those who are overcome with fear or worry and cannot concentrate. This herb has been used when treating those through means of detoxification for either alcohol or caffeine.
Many natural remedies for anxiety work through their ability to calm by way of aromatherapy. Lavender is such an herb. It can be put under the pillow at night due to its calming scent. It supports the nervous system and is found in many anxiety supplements as well as calming tea formulas.
Lemon Balm is always a good choice as an anxiety herb as it eases tension (as well as tension headaches) as it sedates. It too works on the nervous system and can relieve insomnia for those who experience anxiety at night. Lemon balm works well in relieving emotional stress without interfering with mental function. It relaxes blood vessels helping to keep blood pressure in check.
Chamomile not only calms anxiety but also aids in sleep. It is one of the herbs proven to be safe for children who, contrary to popular belief do experience anxiety through upset stomachs or irregular breathing. With no known side effects chamomile can be used during pregnancy and/or lactation.