Posted on November 10, 2007 in Common Ailments
Feelings such as fear, apprehension or worry comprise anxiety. It is accompanied by physical sensations such as heart palpitations, nausea, chest pain, and shortness of breath or headache. It is a normal, healthy emotion, and everyone experiences anxiety from time-to-time.
Anxiety when persistent and severe it is serious. People with anxiety problems are always fearful and worried or afraid to face certain situations. Severe anxiety can also lead to other problems like depression, relationship difficulties, and drug and alcohol abuse. It becomes a disorder when it is in excess.
Herbal Remedies for Anxiety
Herbs and other natural remedies are becoming an increasingly popular alternative to prescription drugs for the treatment of anxiety as they do not lead to dependence or addiction.
- Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is a herb that can relieve anxiety in clinical trials. Standardized Valerian extracts with a minimum of 0.8% valerenic acid, the active constituent, work best
- L-theanine, an amino acid derived from Green Tea has anti-anxiety effect. Many people report that L-theanine works as well as prescription anti-anxiety medications, but L-theanine is not addictive or habit-forming.
- Passion Flower (Passiflora incarnata) is effective for anxiety and related conditions. Passion Flower extract is to be used with at least 3-4% vitexin. A combination of Passion Flower and Valerian extracts will be more effective than either herb taken alone.
- Seredyn - An excellent herbal anxiety remedy with proven real-world success is a supplement with SunTheanine® pure L-theanine, standardized Valerian extract (0.8% valerenic acid), and standardized Passion Flower extract (4% vitexin).
- Catnip -Tea has soothing effect, relieves anxiety
- Fennel - Tea relieves gastrointestinal upset
- Hops - relaxes the nervous system
- Kava - Tincture or capsules help minimize anxiety
- St. John’s Wart - It is a wild plant, native to Europe and Western Asia, with yellowy flowers, which produce red oil when crushed. It can be used for mild to moderate anxiety and depression when mixed with other similar herb types.
- Linden- The tea is helpful for anxiety and insomnia, and long-term use strengthens the nervous system and improves stress tolerance.
Other herbals are Hawthorn Berries, Siberian Ginseng, Motherwort, German Chamomile, Lavender, Wild Oats, Rosemary, Lemon Balm, Skullcap and Damiana Leaf.
Ayurveda Cure for Anxiety
Ayurveda considers anxiety as being due to the aggravation of vata dosha in the nervous system. So the primary treatment for anxiety is to balance vata dosha. Some of the remedies are:
- Ayurvedic Oil Massage- Recommended massage oils are sesame oil, sunflower or cocunt oil and corn oil. Rub warm oil all over the body.
- Mini massage- Rub the scalp and the feet. This is good when you do not have time for a full massage
- Diet/Herb-Calming Tea. One can make tea of the following herbs- Tagar, Musta and Steep
- Almond milk- This is good for anxiety
- Orange Juice- Drinking a cup of orange juice with 1 teaspoon of honey and a pinch of nutmeg powder
- Relaxing Bath- A warm bath of ginger and baking soda is helpful in pacifying anxiety
- Calming Pressure Point- One can go in for ayurveda pressure point therapy
- Yoga- Ayurveda also recommends yoga
- Meditation- This is to manage anxiety
Anxiety can be under check by several modes of treatment and one can choose one that is convenient and easy to carry out, or that suits him or her. Control your anxiety and lead a stress free life.
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