Natural Anxiety Remedies

Natural anxiety remedies can provide relief from what can be debilitating and very unpleasant symptoms

Anxiety affects your whole life. It is a physical behavioral and emotional reaction all at once. Whether it is a comparatively classic case of pre-exam nerves or a chronic condition that seriously impairs the sufferer’s quality of life, there are several effective, safe methods of controlling the symptoms without resorting to pharmaceutical medications and their associated side effects.
When confronted by panic attacks, sleepless nights and difficulty in concentration, some people will go to their doctor while others will self-medicate or try one of an increasing number of easily accessible natural remedies.
In the United Kingdom, the  National Institute for Clinical Excellencies now advising doctors not to use antidepressants as a first line treatment. Eastern approaches to mental health therapy include such remedies as Tai chi, meditation and yoga. Technically speaking, Tai chi is a martial art, although the techniques used in fights, it has not been practiced in restoring health and mental balance. It has been practicing in China for hundreds of years, and its popularity in the West are growing.
Meditation is another approach to managing stress and controlling anxiety. Originating in the East, it is a general term for physical and mental exercises designed to focus the mind in the present moment. Studies show that it could be effective in children to lead them away from some of the violent behaviors that seem to be reported regularly in the media. Lots of people have tested out various herbal concoctions.

Chamomile tea is a common light relaxant. An ancient remedy, passion flower is rediscovered. Passion flower is not entirely without side effects. It should be used under medical care and certainly not in combination with sedatives. It should not be used by pregnant women. There are suggestions that it may be as effective as some of the benzodiazepines, such as Valium, in relieving insomnia and anxiety.
Dried lavender or hops, sewn into small pillows, to help ease the user into a gentle sleep.
The herb Valerian is available as tea, liquid or in capsule form. In clinical trials using Valerian, Valium and placebo, no significant statistical differences can be shown between the three groups. Valerian should be taken on the hour before bedtime but for no longer than three months.
Kava, a herbal plant that is native to Polynesia has shown to have anti-anxiety effects in humans. Dietary supplements containing it should be used with caution. Anti-anxiety effects found in the active ingredients, in the root of the plant, known as kava lactones. Its mechanism of action appears to be in the modulation of certain neurotransmitters, natural chemicals in the brain that carry messages from one nerve cell to another.
Aromatherapy in the form of essential oils that can be massaged into the skin, added to the bath or heated in infusers may also work. Some of the oils been found effective are bergamot, geranium, cypress rose and lavender. Lavender is particular popular. Regular gentle exercise, such as twenty minutes three times a week, has also been shown to be effective.
Always consult a qualified medical practitioner before embarking on any regime of self help.
-Kurt Pedersen