Naturopathic Solutions for Anxiety

There are times when experiencing anxiety is perfectly normal.

A first date.

A big job interview.

Writing that important exam which you’ve spent countless hours studying for.

A little bit of anxiety in these situations is a good thing – it shows you care about the outcome and can push you to do better, and be more prepared.

However, anxiety disorders are a different beast altogether.

They can involve intense and excessive feelings of fear or panic which can interfere with one’s ability to go about their life.

I see this a lot at our naturopathic clinic so, today, we’ll take a look at some natural anxiety solutions to help you live your life a little more easily.

Keep reading to learn more.

What Is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a feeling of nervousness or stress which can arise before important events.

Situational anxiety is normal, and generally will pass once the circumstances which prompted it have passed.

For people with anxiety disorders, however, these feelings don’t go away.

If you feel your anxiety is interfering with aspects of your relationships or work, then you should consider seeing a doctor for help to manage it.

Medical Causes For Anxiety

In some instances, anxiety can be an indicator of a medical issue, and the best treatment will be to discover the root cause of the anxiety.

In these instances, we can work together to uncover the source of the anxiety.

Some medical conditions which could be linked to anxiety include the following:

• Cardiac issues
• Diabetes
• Thyroid issues
• Drug use and withdrawal
• Respiratory distress

Symptoms Of Anxiety

Some of the symptoms which can help you recognize if you are suffering from anxiety include the following:

• Feelings of restlessness
• Increased heart and breathing rate
• Feeling tired or weak
• Digestive issues
• Difficulty sleeping
• Avoidance of sources of anxiety

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms which interfere with your day-to-day life, it may be time to seek help.

Naturopathic Solutions For Anxiety

There are a number of natural remedies which may help relieve your symptoms.

Let’s take a look at some of these:

1. Valerian Root

Valerian root is often used as a treatment for anxiety and depression.

Taking valerian root before bed has resulted in reported improvements of sleep quality.

Although generally safe for short-term use, the long-term effects of valerian root remain unstudied. If you’re considering taking valerian root, it’s a good idea to talk with your naturopathic doctor first.

2. Omega 3 Oils

Due to reports of depression being less common in populations who consume large amounts of fish, scientists have looked at the link between anxiety, depression, and consumption of fish oils.

Omega 3 oils have been found to help reduce anxiety, with high doses – up to 2,000 mg per day – having the greatest effect in reducing anxiety symptoms.

The membranes in the brain contain high proportions of omega-3 fats, and some studies suggest a lack of omega-3s may lead to behavioural and psychiatric disorders.

3. Chamomile Tea

Chamomile is a medicinal herb which was used in ancient Egypt, Greek, and Rome.

It has been used as a remedy for everything from asthma and fevers to nausea and skin disease, and has antibacterial and antifungal properties.

Chamomile can help to reduce stress and anxiety, as well as to help with insomnia.

4. Lavender

The lavender plant produces purple flowers with a very soothing scent, which many people believe can help to enhance sleep.

A meta-study of the data on lavender suggests that more studies need to be done, but it admits there is great potential with this herb.

Besides, it smells great, and the only known side effects are limited to either applying it topically or taking it internally.

5. Hops

Yes, we’re talking about the same ingredient which is key to making beer. And no, we aren’t about to suggest that if you’re suffering from anxiety that you should be self-medicating with alcohol.

A 2017 study in the journal Hormones, found in otherwise healthy adults, who reported having mild symptoms of anxiety and depression, a daily supplement made from hops extract helped to significantly improve symptoms over a 4 week period.

If you’re a gardening type, a hop vine is pretty easy to grow and looks great as a decorative plant. The vine itself is known as a humulus vine, and is related to the cannabis plant, though it doesn’t have the psychoactive properties.

If you have a history of depression, it’s best to consult with a qualified practitioner before using hops.

Book An Appointment With Nardini Naturopathic

Are you struggling with anxiety, and can’t pinpoint why?

Perhaps you’ve tried the natural remedies listed here, with little success.

Or maybe you’ve had limited success with pharmaceutical medications and are looking for other options.

Contact Nardini Naturopathic today.

I can work with you to determine the reasons for your anxiety and determine the best treatment plan for your individualized needs.