We all have feelings of anxiety from time to time. Perhaps you break out into a cold sweat when you have to deliver a talk before a group of people, or perhaps you become nervous when you have to take a test. But how can you tell if your anxiety is out of control? If you experience racing thoughts, rapid heartbeat, extreme difficulty resting or concentrating, you probably need to get help.
It is estimated that more than ten per cent of people in UK will suffer from anxiety and panic disorders at some time. While prescription drugs are routinely offered as a remedy for such illnesses, they can be dangerous if administered over a long period of time. Some of the more popular anxiety drugs include Diazepam and Wellbutrin.
Increasingly people are turning to alternative treatments in an effort to soothe their anxious feelings. In the last decade the demand for alternative medicine has increased 300 per cent. This is partly because many alternative medicines offer relief from symptoms without the side-effects linked to prescription drugs. It should be noted, however, that natural remedies are not meant to be long-term treatments, although they can offer relief in the short-term.
If you do not like dealing with the side-effects of prescription drugs, a herbal remedy may be in order. You need to know, however, that some herbal remedies carry their own risks and lead to significant side-effects. The more you know about herbal remedies, the better consumer you’ll be. Before you buy a natural remedy, do your homework as far as your knowledge of herbs and vitamins is concerned. It is also important that you consult your GP in order to ensure that the alternative treatment is safe for you.
A number of herbs offer relief from the symptoms of anxiety. For instance, St Johns Wort is one of the most popular anti-anxiety herbs on the market. After taking it for as little as two weeks, you might notice a difference in your anxiety level. However, it is particularly important to check with your GP if you are thinking of taking St Johns Wort as it is well known to react with some other medication.
Valerian Root is another alternative option you might try. It is especially helpful in combating insomnia because of its sedative quality. In other words, it helps to lull the central nervous system to sleep. Research indicates that Valerian Root is effective in improving sleep 90 per cent of the time. This is important, since much of anxiety is linked to sleep disorders.
Vitamins can also provide an effective treatment for anxiety. They can be quite important in enabling neurotransmitter synthesis and maintenance. For instance, B-complex vitamins can help produce neurochemicals which in turn assist in the synthesis of serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.
Yet another aid to combating anxiety is Passion Flower. It helps to calm the central nervous system, leading to feelings of peace.
But perhaps no herbal remedy is quite as effective as Kava Kava. This is considered to be one of the strongest anti-anxiety remedies in the world. A number of studies indicate that Kava Kava is highly effective in relieving the short-term symptoms of anxiety. It is also considered quite safe to ingest, making it one of the most popular herbs available on the market today.
We advise you speak to a professional, or do some research into these alternative remedies and take care in trying them for yourself. They are however great for those against using prescribed drugs and treatments. Along with remedies, counselling for combating anxiety can also bring peace of mind, so if you’d consider speaking to a therapist, get in touch with us today.