Anxiety disorder has gained epidemic heights in today’s mechanical world. Everybody experiences anxiety some time or the other in life. Some common symptoms of anxiety are fear, restlessness, headache, heart palpitations, shortness of breath, difficulty falling asleep, dizziness, upset stomach, cold or sweaty hands or feet, nausea and fatigue. Anxiety and stress are two of the most common factors contributing to a number of health issues. So it’s important to manage the condition, and many people find natural remedies very effective.
Here are the top natural remedies for anxiety:
NUTMEG
Nutmeg is an aromatic spice that promotes relaxation, fights depression and works as a muscle relaxant. Hence, it is great for treating anxiety, stress and depression. It is also believed to help improve sleep quality.
How to use: Simply inhale the smell of nutmeg oil to uplift your mood and reduce brain exhaustion. You can also add one-quarter teaspoon of nutmeg powder in your food on a regular basis.
ORANGES
The uplifting smell of oranges and orange peels helps calm the nerves. Moreover, citrus fragrances are believed to help fight depression and boost immunity.
How to use: Simply peeling an orange and inhaling its aroma can help uplift your mood. For better results, put a few orange peels in a pan of water and allow it to simmer. Inhale the refreshing smell to do away with your anxiety. Repeat as needed.
SESAME OIL
Extreme anxiety can lead to muscle tension which is undoubtedly very deterring. A whole body massage with warm sesame oil is just what you might be looking for as it helps to relax tensed muscles.
How to use: Warm six ounces of sesame oil and rub it all over the body taking care to include the scalp and the bottom of the feet too. The best time to use this massage is before the morning bath and at night just before bed time. The soothing effects of sesame oil prepare you for an entire day’s activities and also helps in getting good night’s sleep.
CHAMOMILE
Being a mild sedative chamomile is one such herb that can be effectively used to treat mild to moderate levels of anxiety. Nervousness due to anxiety or stress occurring in both mind and stomach can be reduced substantially by consuming chamomile. This herb is also linked to reduce stress related loss of appetite and headaches.
Remedy 1: Steep two to three teaspoons of dried chamomile, preferably German chamomile, in a cup of hot water for three to five minutes. Strain it and, if you wish, add honey and cinnamon to it. Drink this tea a few times a day for about one month or until you see improvement.
Remedy 2: Alternatively, take this herb in supplement form. Consult your doctor for proper dosage.
FENNEL
This wonderful herb calms the nerves and helps ease anxiety. It contains volatile oils that have an anxiolytic (anxiety-relieving) effect. Also, it reduces gastrointestinal symptoms that often accompany anxiety.
Remedy 1: Put a few drops of fennel essential oil on a tissue and inhale the smell, off and on, for about one hour. Repeat every few hours, as needed.
Remedy 2: You can also drink fennel tea on a regular basis, before or after meals. Fennel juice will also help.
ADDITIONAL TIPS:
- Warm water passing over the body provides a certain degree of relaxation that proves to be extremely beneficial when anxious. Therefore, make sure to take a warm bath for an hour every alternate day as it provides sure shot relief from physical pains and aches that are common repercussions of anxiety.
- Activities like reading the newspaper or maybe a novel, surfing through channels in the television and watching programs that make you laugh, chatting with your friends or even concentrating on a particular task can create distraction from nagging thoughts that could be the primary cause of your anxiety.
- Consuming celery or onions or a combination of both celery and onions can prove to be beneficial.
- Try putting a few drops of lavender essential oil on your pillow or in your bath, or add a few drops to a cup of boiling water and inhale for a quick calm-me-down.