Natural Cures for Anxiety Disorder

Anxiety disorders are characterized by inappropriate nervousness, worry or fear. Most of the time, the anxiety lacks a definite or realistic cause. Some level of anxiety can be considered normal, but excessive anxiety for a long period of time can be detrimental to one's health. It can play a role in chronic fatigue, diabetes and high blood pressure, and can also weaken immunity, making you more susceptible to illness and infections. Anxiety is also linked with sleep disturbances, mood swings, fatigue, forgetfulness and trouble concentrating. There are natural ways to cope with anxiety disorders.

Mind & Body Therapies

Yoga and meditation can help you deal with anxiety. Meditation helps people stay in the moment and center themselves. A session usually involves sitting quietly and calmly, and focusing on your breathing. With regular practice, meditation can help slow your mind and alter normally negative reactions to situations that would usually invoke anxiety. It has been shown to reduce blood pressure.

Yoga is a physical activity with a strong mental component. During a session, one pays close attention to her breath and the movement of her body. The breathing and the movements can be relaxing and can relieve the physical discomfort that often results from mental strain, such as neck and back pain and tight muscles.

Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy uses oils that are known to have specific healing properties based on their scent. Many oils invoke a feeling of relaxation. Lavender oil is the most popular. Other helpful oils are jasmine, germanium, Roman chamomile, melissa, rose and sandalwood. There are many ways to use these oils. You can inhale them directly from the bottle, purchase candles scented with these oils, put them in a diffuser or scent your pillow with them to help you sleep at night.

Beneficial Herbs

Some herbal remedies are believed to help combat anxiety disorders. California poppy with corydalis, made by a company called Spanda, treats anxiety without drowsiness. You can drink fennel tea after meals to relieve stomach upset brought on by anxiety. Ginger plus gingko helps alleviate anxiety by increasing oxygen flow and nutrients to the brain. Take 3,000 mg daily twice a day with food. Kava, in the form of kavapyrone tablets, relieves pain and muscle tension. Take 60 to 120 mg daily. Do not exceed this maximum dose. Passionflower tea acts as a calming agent without drowsiness. Aim for 1 cup 3 times daily. Valerian can relieve nighttime panic attacks. Take 50 mg 3 times a day.

Herbs to Avoid

People who suffer from anxiety disorders should refrain from using ephedra, green tea, unless decaffeinated, and mate. These herbs are stimulants that can worsen feelings of anxiety.

Other Recommendations

If you suffer from insomnia because of anxiety, take 500 mg of L-tryrosine 3 times daily on an empty stomach. Do not use if taking an MAO inhibitor for depression. Avoid caffeine, alcohol and sugar. Exercise can relieve anxiety, but avoid doing anything that stimulates you mentally, such reading or studying, because this may increase anxiety.