“Extreme remedies are very appropriate for extreme diseases.” – Hippocrates
If you’re suffering from problems associated with anxiety, prescription medicines should be your last resort. Most doctors rush into prescribing powerful medicines, which have a list of side effects. Some of these side effects can inhibit organs and other chemical pathways in your body.
But fortunately, there are many home based and herbal remedies that can work for you, and they have no side effects at all!
Let’s take a look at a selection of herbs that are effective in healing many types of anxiety related symptoms.
The most common symptoms of anxiety are:
- IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome)
- Heart palpitations
- Emotional instability
Before you begin any treatment, it is best to examine your anxiety. There are different treatments for different symptoms. Understand your symptoms, and try these home remedies.
Natural Treatments
Catnip
This is a unique remedy for anxiety. This is a member of the family of mints. It treats many anxiety symptoms, and is used to fix stomach cramps and irritation. It also reduces headache and insomnia. Plus, it betters appetite and eases muscle tension. All these are very common anxiety symptoms and this is why catnip is considered an effective anxiety treatment.
Chamomile
It is a natural tranquiliser, which is best for light anxiety. It cures nervousness in the stomach and mind. It reduces digestive discomforts, and improves appetite. It also improves lung and liver health. While experts say that chamomile is just a temporary treatment, it does provide a lot of comfort at the time of anxiety. Plus, since it is safe to use, it can be used in case of anxiety in children.
Fennel
If anxiety leads to cough in your case, then you can try fennel. It is used to cure symptoms of anxiety like indigestion, cough, and asthma. It can also be taken as antispasmodic, diuretic, and analgesic. This is why it is the chosen remedy for many people.
Kava kava
Also known as just Kava, this relieves moderate to severe anxieties. Its root cures many problems like insomnia, anxiety, and stress. Kava doesn’t just relieve anxiety symptoms; it is also good if you have stressful feelings. But since kava might not be good for everyone, it is best to talk to your doctor before taking it. If you consume alcohol, are on some medication, or if you have liver problems, it is best to talk to your doctor before taking it.
Hops
Yes, the same hops that are used in beer can now be used for your anxiety. You may not know, but hops have been used medically for many years. It is used to treat stress, headaches, and insomnia. Also beneficial for indigestion and nervousness, it helps in reducing fever as well. Hops are used to lower the uric acid level in the human body. They also treat infections and skin problems. If you have rheumatism, hops can give you some relief, though rheumatism is not related to anxiety.
Motherwort
The main use of motherwort is for the treatment of menstrual problems. But in many cases, it is also used by pregnant women to manage pregnancy tension, anxiety and stress. Though not recommended for the initial two trimesters, it is certainly considered effective in stimulating blood circulation without affecting the pulse rate. It also helps fight heart palpitations, high blood pressure, and it helps a person become calm without fatigue.
Passionflower
It is kind-of like kava kava, except that it does not have any side effects. It is a safe treatment, and is used to cure moderate to mild anxieties. It is also useful for severe anxieties in some cases. It reduces insomnia and muscle tension, thereby calming your nerves and preventing agitation, headaches, hot flashes, and mood swings. But if you are using MAOIs, you should not take passionflower.
Skullcap
It has tonic, anti-inflammatory, and sedative properties. Skullcap soothes those twitching muscles, and even helps if you have the RLS (restless leg syndrome) or epilepsy. Since skullcap has natural sedative properties, some people use it for insomnia, rapid heartbeat, restlessness, and depression. Make sure to take it as directed. It is not recommended for pregnant women.
Saint John’s Wort
It is not exactly for anxiety, but it is extremely effective for patients of depression. And since anxiety and depression symptoms are sometimes similar, it can be used for anxiety as well. St. John’s Wort also serves as a helpful mood enhancer. Its medicinal properties help cure gastroenteritis, diarrhea, chest infections, and viral infections of genitals and lungs, etc.
Valerian Root
It is an incredibly efficient sedative. It is basically a sleep aid, but tranquilizing properties of valerian are helpful in relaxing muscles and reducing physical and mental stress greatly. It is also helpful in relieving uterine cramps, bronchial spasms, and importunate coughs. It is not suggested for children below 12, expecting mothers, or anyone consuming other anti-anxiety drugs or antidepressants.
