Natural Cures for Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders can be debilitating. There are prescription drugs that will keep anxiety under control, but for those who would rather not take medication, there are some natural cures for anxiety disorders.
Herbs
Herbs can be used as natural cures for anxiety disorders, with valerian root being the most popular. This particular herb is reported to have the lowest number of side effects, although it may cause drowsiness. It should be taken at night.
Other herbs that may be considered for combating anxiety disorders are Kava Kava, St. John's Wort, Lemon Balm, Chamomile and Lavender. These herbs may be taken in pill form, essential oil application or as aromatherapy.
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy affects the part of the brain that is associated with mood and emotion. Pleasant scents, such as lavender, evoke pleasant emotions by stimulating the limbic system in the brain.
In addition to the pleasant emotions, scents also stimulate certain brain waves. One set of these waves are the alpha waves. Alpha waves are associated with relaxation. People struggling with anxiety disorders may find relief if these waves are stimulated on a regular basis.
Meditation
Meditation is a strong tool for curing anxiety disorders. Learning meditate on pleasant thoughts or beautiful places takes the focus off the issues that are contributing to anxiety. Meditation also can stimulate the brain's alpha waves. A regular practice of meditation has proved beneficial to those who have been diagnosed with anxiety disorders.
Deep Breathing
Anxiety disorders result in episodes of extreme anxiety. These episodes, also known as panic attacks, cause the heart rate to speed up and the breathing to become shallow. When this happens, a person having a panic attack begins to think he may be dying, which then exacerbates the panic attack.
Learning breath properly, and in a deliberate and calm manner, is another natural cure for anxiety disorders. Slow, deep, even breathing can reduce the physical symptoms that accompany anxiety episodes. Practiced regularly, between and during these occasions, proper breathing will help reduce the episodes. A reduction in episodes can reduce the strength of the anxiety disorder itself.
Therapy
Anxiety disorders often have underlying emotional causes. These causes may consist of stress, unresolved anger, fear or emotions that have not been addressed. Therapy can help bring these emotions to the table, where they can be dealt with and eventually eliminated. Eliminating negative emotions often results in the elimination of an anxiety disorder.
Amino Acids
5-HTP is an amino acid supplement that promotes serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is responsible for controlling mood, appetite and sleep. Taking daily doses of this supplement will result in increased serotonin in the brain which will in turn, help cure anxiety.
L-Theanine is another amino acid that has been shown to help with anxiety disorders. This amino acid stimulates the alpha waves in the brain.
Less Caffeine
Caffeine is a stimulant that speeds up the heart rate, mental processes and entire central nervous system. It also causes sleeplessness. Studies have shown that eliminating caffeine can decrease anxiety. As this anxiety decreases, the anxiety disorder may resolve itself entirely.
Tags: anxiety disorders, alpha waves, amino acid, anxiety disorder, with anxiety