What is Anxiety?

Anxiety disorders come in two basic forms;
The chronic form involves a recurring sense of worry accompanied by mild physical symptoms.
A panic attack comes on suddenly and unexpectedly, with symptoms that are often mistaken for heart attack or other life-threatening conditions. There is sometimes a feeling of not being able to get a full breath of air. Symptoms come on suddenly and diminish suddenly.
Some research suggests that the central nervous systems of people with anxiety disorders may overreact to stress and take a longer time than most to return to a their calmer state.
Symptoms may begin with an upsetting event such as an accident, divorce, or death. Sometimes there is no obvious cause.
There may also be a biochemical basis. Studies have shown that people who are prone to panic attacks have higher blood levels of lactic acid, a chemical produced when muscles metabolize sugar without getting enough oxygen.
Other research suggests that anxiety may be the result of an overproduction of stress hormones by the brain and adrenal glands.
It is normal to feel anxious from time to time, but if you feel anxious without reason and if these worries persist and affect your day-to-day life, you may have generalized anxiety disorder.
Symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder can include restlessness, feeling tense and or on edge, irritability, impatience, and or poor concentration.
You may also notice changes in your physical health such as headaches, jaw pain, muscle tension, difficulty falling or staying asleep, dry mouth, fatigue, chest tightness, indigestion, bloating, or excessive sweating.
It’s always important to be evaluated by your doctor for a proper diagnosis and to rule out other medical problems.

The natural way
You can do a lot to support a healthy ability to relax and slow down. One way of doing this is to keep your mind producing its own natural feel good chemicals by eating lots of fresh fruit and vegetables and whole grain foods. Also getting plenty of fresh air, sunshine and exercising regularly.
Practice relaxation techniques such as meditation or taking time for a walk on the beach can all help to reduce stress levels.
Natural remedies can also help to support the nervous system and to enable us to cope more easily with the everyday stresses of our modern existence. In fact, natural remedies have been used in traditional medicine for thousands of years.
In recent times, research has confirmed this in traditional wisdom. There are now many published clinical studies demonstrating the ability of a range of herbs to support the normal functioning of the brain and nervous system and maintain a healthy equilibrium.

Natural Remedies for Anxiety:
These are some of the natural herbs and remedies that are being explored for anxiety.
• Passionflower
The herb passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) was used as a folk remedy for anxiety and insomnia.
Side effects of passionflower may include nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, and rapid heartbeat. The safety of passionflower in pregnant or nursing women, children, or people with kidney or liver disease has not been established.
Passionflower should not be taken with sedatives unless under medical supervision. Passionflower may possibly enhance the effect of pentobarbital, a medication used for sleep and seizure disorders.
• Valerian
The herb valerian (Valeriana officinalis) is best known as a herbal remedy for insomnia. Valerian is also used in patients with mild anxiety, but the research supporting its use for anxiety is limited.
Valerian is usually taken an hour before bedtime. It takes about two to three weeks to work and shouldn’t be used for more than three months at a time. Side effects of valerian may include mild indigestion, headache, palpitations, and dizziness. Although valerian tea and liquid extracts are available, most people don’t like the smell of valerian and prefer taking it in capsule form.
Valerian shouldn’t be taken with many medications, especially those that depress the central nervous system, such as sedatives and antihistamines. Valerian shouldn’t be taken with alcohol, before or after surgery, or by people with liver disease. It should not be used before driving or operating machinery.
• Kava
Native to Polynesia, the herb kava (Piper methysticum) has been found to have anti-anxiety effects in humans.
The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA), has issued an advisory to consumers about the potential risk of severe liver injury resulting from the use of dietary supplements containing kava.
• Gamma-aminobutyric Acid (GABA)
GABA is an amino acid that is known to play a role in the physiology of anxiety. Some prescription drugs for anxiety work by affecting GABA receptors in the brain. The degree to which orally ingested GABA supplements can reach the brain, is not known.
• Bodywork
Massage therapy, shiatsu, and other forms of bodywork are widely used to diminish muscle tension, relieve stress, and improve your sleep.
• Mind/Body Techniques
Mind/body breathing exercises, physical exercise, yoga, tai chi, self-hypnosis, meditation, and biofeedback are just some of the stress reduction techniques used for anxiety. Try different techniques and determine which routine works for you and you can stick to with a hectic schedule.
• Aromatherapy
Plant essential oils can be added to baths, massage oil, or infusers. Essential oils that are used for anxiety and nervous tension are: bergamot, cypress, geranium, jasmine, lavender, melissa, neroli, rose, sandalwood, ylang-ylang. Lavender is the most common and forms the base for many of the relaxing blends.

Some Other Natural Remedies for Anxiety:
Pantothenic acid
Calcium
Magnesium
B vitamins
Chamomile

Herbs for Anxiety
Herbal Remedies For Anxiety Has also Traditionally Included Some of the Following:
CATNIP Tea has soothing effect, relieves anxiety.
PASSIONFLOWER used in tea or as tincture to promote relaxation and calm. (See above)
FENNEL Tea relieves gastrointestinal upset.
ST. JOHN’S WORT tincture helps restore emotional stability and ease depression.
KAVA Tincture or capsules help minimize anxiousness. (See above)
HOPS can have a relaxing effect on nervous system.
MOTHERWORT Tincture helps stabilize emotions and has a calming effect.
SKULLCAP Tincture or capsules help relax and nourish nervous system and induce sleep.
VALERIAN Tincture or capsules aid with sleep. (See above)
And again, many people find relief from anxiety by using Aromatherapy.

Commonly used essential oils for anxiety:
Bergamot
Cedarwood
Geranium
Lavender
Lemon
Neroli
Patchouli
Sandalwood
Sweet Marjoram

As always, consultation with a qualified health practitioner is recommended before adding herbals remedies to one’s daily routine.

Taking care of you naturally, the way life was meant to be!