Do you frequently suffer from bouts of anxiety? While most of us feel anxious at one time or another in our lives, some of us feel more anxious, more often than others. And for yet others, anxiety is an uninvited guest almost all of the time.
If that is you, and if you don’t want to pop a medication every time you are anxious, there are a few natural cures for anxiety for you to try, that may help ease down the stress a bit. Remember that many of these remedies, while regarded as safe by the U.S FDA, have not been evaluated or approved by them because of lack of proven effectiveness.
Below are some of the most common natural remedies for anxiety:
KAVA
This is an anti-anxiety herb used predominantly in South Pacific countries, primarily to relax without disrupting mental clarity. Because of its anti-anxiety effects, it is even recommended by the Anxiety Disorders Association of Americaas an alternative cure for treating anxiety.
However, it must be mentioned that the U.S FDA issued a safety alert for potential risk of liver injury associated with Kava containing supplements. Additionally, caution must be exercised when taking this herbal supplement, because of its drowsy side effects.
PASSION FLOWER
This is another herbal remedy known popularly as nature’s best tranquilizer. It is used not only to relieve anxiety and muscle tension, but also to treat insomnia and headaches. Its potential side effects include nausea, vomiting and drowsiness, and should be avoided during pregnancy.
ROSEMARY
This is a perennial herb from the Mediterranean region known for its calming effect on nerves. This is typically consumed as tea by sprinkling 1-to-2 teaspoons of the dried herb in boiling water and letting it steep.
FISH OIL
Fish oil contains Omega-3 fatty acids that are known to have many potential health benefits like stabilizing mood and reducing anxiety. It can be taken as a supplement as well.
MINERALS AND VITAMINS FOR ANXIETY
In addition to the above natural remedies for anxiety, having a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals can also help lower anxiety levels. Some anxiety vitamins and minerals of particular interest are:
B VITAMINS
Deficiency of B vitamins can cause anxiety side effects. Folic acid, Biotin and Niacin – all of these promote cell growth, increase metabolism and enhance immune system. B vitamins can be found in leafy greens, eggs, fish, beans, peas, lentils, cauliflower, cabbage and broccoli.
CALCIUM AND MAGNESIUM
Calcium helps in muscle contraction, while Magnesium is a muscle relaxant. Deficiency of either of these can cause anxiety. Calcium can be found in milk, cheese, tofu and yogurt. Magnesium is found in oysters, Brazil nuts, almonds and barley.
ZINC
Zinc is known to have a soothing effect on nervous system and can be found in oysters, poultry, nuts and diary.
POTASSIUM
Potassium deficiency can lead to nervousness as well. Onion and celery contain potassium, and eating them regularly with meals for a week or two, can reduce anxiety levels.
FOODS TO AVOID
In addition to taking vitamin and mineral rich food, it is also important to avoidfoods that can potentially cause or aggravate anxiety. These include stimulants like caffeine, nicotine, foods with excessive preservatives, and those high on sugars. It is also important to avoid specific foods that you may be allergic to, as food allergies can also aggravate anxiety.
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