ANXIETY – types, symptoms and HERBS that help the NERVOUS SYSTEM
Anxiety is one of the most common afective disorder, that affects 8% of the world population. Women are twice affected than men.
There are 6 types of anxiety disorders:
1. Panic attack – an acute form of anxiety that causes fear of being in places without escape;
2. Generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) – a chronic type of anxiety that causes excessive worries and fear of something might happen; it is often acompanied by insomnia, restlessness, fatigue, uspet stomach;
3. Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) – a chronic form of anxiety that brings unwanted thoughts or behaviors which seem impossible to handle (phobia, unreal exaggerated fears).
4. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – an extrem chronic form of anxiety following a traumatic or threatening event (nightmares, hypervigilance);
5. Social anxiety disorder (social phobia) – another chronic type of anxiety that causes fear of being perceived in a negative way by others or humiliated in public.
6. Performance anxiety – or fear of failure – the most common type of social phobia.
Anxiety natural treatment
Anxiety symptoms
– fear of imminence death or disaster
– short breath
– suffocation or claustrophobia
– heart palpitations
– dizziness
– hot flashes and/or chills
– tremor
– numbness or tingling sensation in extremities
– sweating
– nausea
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• Passiflora
This herb has a pacifying effect at a profund level. It helps relaxing tensionate muscles, it calms the nerves, eases pain, removes insomnia and other stress symptoms. Unlike anxiety pills, passiflora does not cause addiction. It has a sedative and antispasmodic effect. Can be used in conjunction with milky oats and motherwort.
• Ginkgo biloba
This herb acts like a natural blood thinner. It helps dilate the brain’s blood vessels and improves circulation in the entire body. It also stimulates intelligence and helps learning.
• Lemon balm
Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis) is a member of the mint family. It has a very pleasant smell, acting as a mild sedative. It helps induce a quiet sleep, eliminates tension, anxiety, hysteria and mania. It also has a great influence on mood and temperament.
It can be taken as a tea during the daytime and in the evening, for insomnia.
• Fennel
This aromatic herb reduces gastrointestinal symptoms caused by anxiety, such as upset stomach, flatulence and abdominal tension. It can be administered as a tea, before and after meals.
• St. John’ Wort
This soothing herb has been studied intensively fo its sedative effect on people with anxiety or mild depression. St. John’ Wort nourishes and tonifies the nerves and improves the mood. It can be taken as a tincture, in small repeated doses.
• Valerian
People who suffer from physical or mental issues caused by anxiety can try valerian. This herb induces a good night sleep it taken in the evening and helps prevent panic attacks during the night.
Start with a smaller dose of 5 drops, taken every 10-15 minutes, until achieving a state of calm.
The best way to take valerian is as a tea or tincture. Do not exceed a 3 weeks treatment.
• Skullcap
Skullcap (Scutellaria lateriflora) acts as a sedative and sleep inducer. Take it as a fresh herb tincture – 10-20 drops a day, or as a dried herb tincture – 1-2 droppers a day.
• Chamomille
This common herb helps rebalance the nervous system. It can be used in nervousness, anxiety, tension, stress, restlessness, hyperactive people, or people prone to digestive problems, allergies, hypersensitiveness.
Chamomile is good for soothing children with nightmares, if used in association with apple juice (equal parts). Combined with catnip, hops or valerian, chamomile helps nervous or stress induced digestive issues.
• Nettle
Susun Weed recommends nettles with salt for treating anxiety, strengthening the adrenal glands, stimulating the energy and improving focus.
• Motherwort
This herb can be taken as a tincture, 10-20 drops, several times a day. It won’t give you sleeplessness.
• Rosemary
Rosemary has both tonic and calming effects. It acts positively on the nervous system, on the brain and heart. It stimulates the heart and blood circulation to the brain, eliminates muscular tension and boosts vitality.
• Rose
A few drops of rose essential oil applied on the wrist provides a pleasant perfume that soothes the nervous system. Massage with rose perfumed lotions also helps reduce anxiety.
Other herbs that can be used to control anxiety accompanied by depression are lavander, linden flowers, hawthorn or catnip.
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Sources:
1. Jill Cunninghis, HERBAL ALLIES AND OTHER STRATEGIES FOR DEALING WITH ANXIETY, Ohlone Herbal Center Therapeutics, June, 2016: http://www.ohlonecenter.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/Cunninghis_J_Anxiety_Disorders_2016.pdf
2. LaTaifas.ro, ANXIETATEA – tipuri, simptome, PLANTE binefăcătoare pentru sistemul nervos: https://lataifas.ro/boli-si-tratamente-naturiste/118958/anxietatea-tipuri-simptome-plante-binefacatoare-pentru-sistemul-nervos/
