Nature’s Top 4 Alternative Anxiety Treatments
Anxiety encompasses many unique combinations of mental and physical symptoms and is often described by my clients as a sense of impending doom around future events. I am also guilty of this state of apprehension where I create a scenario in my head that is sometimes the worst case scenario!
If you are reading this and over the age of 30, you have experienced the rapid shifts in technology and lifestyle changes with the introduction of the internet and the smartphone. While technology is advancing at a rapid pace, our basic needs a human being remain the same!
These needs include movement of the physical frame, emotional connection with others, and maintaining a robust spiritual practice. Many of us have a tough time getting our needs met due to the increasing social independence that accompanies advancing tech as well as a fast-paced lifestyle.
This is one big reason why the diagnosis of anxiety has increased steadily over the past 10 years. Check out this article which explains a lot of this shift in mental health. The anxiety that accompanies social media comparisons and the constant connection to your phone (did she message you back??) can set you up for anxiety. The future thinking literally takes you out of your personal power and into a state of perpetual fear and apprehension.
If you seek relief from the feelings of worry, stress, and fatigue, then aim for one or more of these natural remedies to ease your body, mind, and spirit. They actually work incredibly well for bringing more calm and balance to your being! ♢
Here is a list of my top four alternative anxiety treatments:
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha root is an adaptogenic herb that will not only calm your nerves, but also help to balance your hormones. It is known for helping people cope with daily stress and adapt to changes in energy levels. It’s also used to help reduce lipids and sugar in the bloodstream. It is my favorite adaptogenic herb to use for anxiety and depression.
Ashwagandha contains compounds that reduce inflammation in the brain, which is often an effect of stress overload and can lead to anxiety. A small amount taken in the daytime provides a sense of calm and steady energy and when taken at night in larger doses, Ashwagandha promotes restful sleep. It’s always good to start with a smaller dose to see how your body responds. Here is my favorite Ayurvedic brand.CBD Oil
CBD is one of the best supplements to aid relaxation without the effect of feeling high. THC is the chemical in cannabis that helps you achieve a psychoactive high, CBD is not. CBD is the non-psychoactive chemical compound in cannabis plants. No matter how much CBD you consume, you will not feel high (just to clarify)!
The cannabinoids in CBD provide calming effects for anxiety, pain, and depression. It is a potent anti-inflammatory and helps the body to release serotonin. Serotonin is a hormone and neurotransmitter that plays a role in regulating emotions and helping us to feel good!Lavender Oil
This wonderful herb has many uses as a carminative, antispasmodic, relaxing nervine, and antidepressant.Lavender oil benefits include calming the body and mind. The oil helps with restlessness, nervousness, migraines, joint pain, and insomnia. It also has no sedative effects as a topical oil so you can use it on the go.
This gentle oil is also one of the best calming essential oils to take orally in capsule form. I once prescribed these oil capsules to a client who desperately wanted to stop drinking after work. I advised that he take 2 lavender oil capsules on his nightly commute home to relax his nervous system and it worked like a charm!
Lavender essential oil is often used in aromatherapy and can be used with a diffuser or mixed with a carrier oil and then rubbed on pressure points to ease stress. You can also add a few drops to a warm bath for a relaxing after-work treat!
Skullcap
This common anxiolytic (anxiety busting) herb can be used to ease tension while reviving an overly taxed central nervous system. It’s a great choice if you are prone to having panic attacks as it can easily be made into a tea and sipped during the day.
Substances in Skullcap interact with GABA receptors in the body to ease agitation, insomnia, and epileptic seizures. This gentle herb also contains analgesic compounds that help relieve body pain and inflammation. Skullcap also contains antioxidants that are protective against age-related dementia and Parkinson’s disease.
There are many ways to find the inherent peace within you. If your stress has progressed beyond normal stimulation and you are experiencing symptoms of anxiety, give these alternative treatments a try. In addition to taking these helpful natural remedies, be sure practice daily acts of self-care for the very best results!
With love,
Dr. Marissa
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