Living with anxiety disorder can be nightmarish at times. When work, family, money or love gets out of control, so do your heartbeat and then your breathing and then your mind. There’s no relaxing now. You’re in full panic-attack mode.
There are more than 3 million cases of anxiety disorder in the U.S. each year, according to Mayo Clinic. Some patients are treated with counseling and medications, such as antidepressants. Other patients, however, opt for a more natural route.
Here are some natural remedies to keep your anxiety disorder at bay:
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Chamomile
This style of tea is a known to mimic the affects of Valium. Try a cup before bed or during a stressful day at work or home to calm down any jittery moments.
Green tea
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Experts say the amino acid in green tea, called L-theanine, can slow an increasing heart rate, reducing anxiety.
Hops
Yes, you read right. Hops are typically found in beer but the bitter herb is an oil that is also used in aromatherapy.
Lemon balm
Folks in the Middle Ages used lemon balm to help with sleep. It’s also a stress reducer that is usually sold as tea or capsules.
Lavender
One whiff of lavender’s great aroma, according to one study, helped students feel less anxiety during an exam. That’s some powerful stuff!
Omega-3s
Research shows there is a link between anxiety, depression and low levels of omega-3 fatty acids. Salmon is one of the best sources of omega-3s – as a six-ounce piece of grilled wild salmon has about 3.75 grams of omega-3s.
Sauna/Steam room
Ever wonder why athletes hit the sweat room after a game or competition? It’s because heating up the body reduces stress, anxiety and muscle tension, experts say. That’s also why exercise, where you also sweat, is a mood booster.
Meditation/Breathing exercises
Meditation is the art of controlling your thoughts. A successful meditator can problem solve calmly in their mind while also practicing their breathing, which can affect the rate of your heart and thus your anxiety levels. Yoga is a great place to learn both practices.
Before adding anything new to your daily routine, be sure to consult your physician to see if will benefit your anxiety disorder. In order to best talk with your doctor about your anxiety, keep track of your feelings in a journal. You may start to notice trends and which natural remedies work best at specific times of the day.
