How to Use Flaxseed Oil to Treat Anxiety

Anxiety can manifest itself in many forms. We can experience muscle tightness, stomach problems, headaches and a host of other physical symptoms when we are anxious. Flaxseed oil contains alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), one of the omega-3 acids that is essential to maintaining good health. Flaxseed oil may help lower our blood pressure and cholesterol, keep our digestive tracts healthy and act as an anti-inflammatory. It can also balance our hormones enough to treat PMS symptoms and general anxiety.

Things You'll Need

• Flaxseed oil or capsules
• Whole or ground flaxseeds
• Flaxseed flour
• Washcloth

Instructions

1. Speak to your doctor if you experience depression or anxiety that stems from an inflammatory disease or condition, such as arthritis or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Flaxseed oil can be taken internally or used as a poultice to reduce inflammation. You may feel less anxious if you are having less pain.

2. Start off slowly when you use flaxseed products to treat anxiety. If your body is not accustomed to the supplement, you could experience uncomfortable side effects such as excessive fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, itching, nasal congestion and sneezing. Take a dose of flaxseed oil and see how your body reacts before adding it to your regular routine.

3. Take flaxseed oil by mixing it with a beverage or by swallowing capsules. You can get a day's worth of nutrients with 1 tbsp. of oil. You will need to take as many as 10 to 20 capsules daily for the same amount of benefit.

4. Incorporate ground flaxseed into baked goods if you want to mask the taste of the supplement. This will also add fiber to your diet, improving your overall health.

5. Treat joint pain that may be leading to fatigue and anxiety with a flaxseed compress. Mix flaxseed flour, available at most health food stores, with hot water until it has formed a loose paste. Use a washcloth to apply it topically where needed.

6. Experiment by adding flax products to foods you normally eat. Oatmeal, yogurt, salads and fruit are good choices. The nutty taste of the oil or seeds can complement many different flavors.

Tips & Warnings

• Do not use flaxseed oil if you are suffering from depression and anxiety due to bipolar disorder. Flaxseed oil may induce hypomania or increase existing manic behavior.

• Do not substitute flaxseed oil alone for the advice of a medical professional. If you use flaxseed products and do not notice any change in your level of anxiety, call your doctor. You may need to try counseling or another type of medication in order to see results.