Guest guest Posted November 7, 2005 Report Share Posted November 7, 2005 Herbs and Homeopathy for AnxietyWe have fears and worries but when they begin to dominate our life andour behavior, and become the focal point in which everything revolves,that's anxiety.Many factors can contribute; trauma, chemical sensitivity, caffeine, heredity, drugs, alcohol, lifestyle choices....If you cannot change thesituation that is the focus of anxiety, try to determine a way of tryingto change your way of handling the problem. Relaxation and stress reduction are the key.Anxiety is often vague and undirected, a sinking feeling that somethingterrible is about to happen. Unlike concrete fears (of illness or losinga job, for example), anxiety often stems from what used to be called borrowed trouble. Anxious people imagine worst-case scenarios and spendlots of time dreading things that may never happen. For persistentanxiety, seek professional counseling. But the natural remedies can help tremendously.INDIVIDUAL HERBSChamomile, Rosehips, Catnip, Alfalfa, Skullcap, Fo-Ti, Hops, Vervain,Wild Lettuce, Passion Flower, Lemon Verbena are all wonderful forstress and anxiety reduction. Used as a single dry herbs in a tea, tincture or capsule are all effective.Kava, is known as the anxiety herb. It has been extensively studied forthis purpose. One 100 mg capsule standardized to 70% kava-lactone isgiven three times per day in many studies. Double blind studies have validated the effectiveness of kava for people with anxiety, includingmenopausal women. Although Kava is safer and rarely causes side effectsAT PROPER DOSAGES, it may cause problems if combined formore than a few days with Benzodiazepines in some people, as we all now know. Kava has been shown to be just as effective as Benzodiazepinesover the course of six weeks. The latest research shows that use of Kavafor up to six months is safe and effective.St. John's Wort is very popular for the treatment of mild depression. It has also been reported to reduce anxiety. Like kava, a flavonoidcompound from St. John's wort known as Amentoflavone has been foundto act in the central nervous system in a way similar to Benzodiazepine drugs. For a complete list of herbs and the safety and condraindicationsgo to:http://www.peacefulmind.com/safety_frame.htm < http://www.peacefulmind.com/safety_frame.htm>An old folk remedy for anxiety, particularly when it causes insomnia, is Chamomile tea. Chamomile contains compounds with a calming action.Consider one-two cups of tea taken three or four times per day.A number of other botanicals known as " nerve tonics " are also used in traditional herbal medicine with anxious people. These have not beenrigorously investigated by scientific means to confirm their efficacy,although they have a long track record of safety. These include oats (oat straw), hops, passion flower, scullcap, and valerian. A Germanstudy has found the combination of valerian and passion flower to beuseful for anxiety. Valarian is effective for treating insomnia initself. HOMEOPATHY AND ANXIETYGelsemium 30c and Argentum Nitricum are often considered for symptoms ofare both anxiety, sense of imbalance, apprehension and panic.Ignatia Amara: 6c ia a remedy best known for helping in times of grief. Aconitum napellus: A panic attack that comes on suddenly with verystrong fear (even fear of death) may indicate this remedy. A state ofimmense anxiety may be accompanied by strong palpitations, shortness of breath, and flushing of the face. Sometimes a shaking experiencewill be the underlying cause. Strong feelings of anxiety may also occurwhen a person is just beginning to come down with a flu or cold.Argentum nitricum: This remedy can be helpful when anxiety develops before a big event: an exam, an important interview, a public appearanceor social engagement. Dizziness and diarrhea may also be experienced.People who need this remedy are often enthusiastic and suggestible, with a tendency toward peculiar thoughts and impulses. They often cravesweets and salt (which usually make their symptoms worse).Arsenicum album: People who are deeply anxious about their health, and extremely concerned with order and security, often benefit from thisremedy. Obsessive about small details and very neat, they may feel adesperate need to be in control of everything. Panic attacks often occuraround midnight or the very early hours of the morning. The person may feel exhausted yet still be restless-fidgeting, pacing, and anxiouslymoving from place to place. These people may also have digestiveproblems or asthma attacks accompanied by anxiety.For a complete look at anxiety, go to http://www.peacefulmind.com/anxiety_frame.htm< http://www.peacefulmind.com/anxiety_frame.htm>-- Diana Gonzalez Nothing wastes more energy than worrying - the longer a problem is carried, the heavier it gets. Don't take things too seriously - live a life of serenity, not a life of regrets. -Unknown Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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